Tüzkeresztség

This propaganda film from the early years of socialist transformation in Hungary depicts kulak sabotage in production cooperatives. The prosperous peasant Ignatz Hato, one of the best farmers in the village, joins the Two Octobers cooperative, and soon all the small peasants follow him. The village rich, led by Lili Sohar, watching the great expansion of the cooperative, try to break up the cooperators with each other. Sohar's attempt bears fruit and Hato leaves the cooperative. Next, Lili Sohar tries to convince Ignatz Hato that she is planning to create a rival team of new rich people and urges him to join her. Ignatz refuses and does not give in to the blackmail. Lili's lover, a former gendarme, shoots party secretary Bozhine. At the wounded Božine's bedside, Ignác admits his mistake and asks to be accepted back into the cooperative. Sándor, the president of the cooperative, realizes that the collective should not prevent those who want to work honestly from joining.

Directed by Frigyes Bán, Tüzkeresztség leans on a strong ensemble — Sándor Deák, Éva Kelemen, Manyi Kiss — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1952.