Beszterce ostroma

István Pongrácz, lord of the castle of Nedec, is a strange man. He does not like his own time, so he imagines himself as a medieval lord of the castle. His surroundings also accept his whimsy, and in this way they give him a horse to ride. Like centuries before, he launches a campaign against the disobedient city of Banská Štiavnica. In their great embarrassment, the serious city fathers offer the haughty warlord a ‘hostage’: Apolka, the city’s orphan. Her presence changes Count Pongrácz, who grows fond of the beautiful and innocent creature. But Apolka’s heart belongs to another.

Directed by Kálmán Mikszáth, Éva Zsurzs, Beszterce ostroma leans on a strong ensemble — Ferenc Bessenyei, Attila Nagy, János Körmendi — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1976.