Cutting It Short(1981) Apr 2026

The town is captivated by Maryška’s ethereal beauty and her remarkably long, flowing blonde hair. Despite her delicate appearance, she possesses a hearty appetite for beer and meat—most notably showcased when she organizes a massive pig-slaughtering feast to distract the stern brewery board of directors from auditing Francin's accounts.

The title Postřižiny (literally "First Haircut") refers to multiple layers of "cutting things short" as the era changes. The introduction of radio, motorized trucks, and shorter workdays symbolizes progress. The film culminates in Maryška cutting her iconic hair into a short, modern style, causing an uproar in the community. Cutting it Short(1981)

Modern critics often note the film's "old-school sexism," particularly in its final scene where Francin spanks Maryška to reassert his masculinity—an act that perversely earns him the respect of the board. Cutting it Short (Postřižiny) – Jiří Menzel, 1980 The town is captivated by Maryška’s ethereal beauty

Set shortly after World War I in a quaint provincial town, the story follows (Jiří Schmitzer), the diligent and somewhat uptight manager of the local brewery. His life is defined by a sharp contrast between his professional seriousness and the vibrant, unpredictable nature of his wife, Maryška (Magda Vášáryová). The introduction of radio, motorized trucks, and shorter

Menzel crafts a "sun-dappled dreamland" that celebrates simple pleasures: food, drink, and nature. It is often described as a "feel-good" comedy that prioritizes atmosphere and poetic moments over a rigid plot.

Domestic peace is further upended by the arrival of Francin’s brother, (Jaromír Hanzlík). A boisterous and shell-shocked war veteran who speaks in a constant shout, Pepin becomes a kindred spirit to the free-spirited Maryška. Together, they engage in playful, chaotic antics—including a famous set-piece where they climb the brewery’s high chimney—much to the dismay of the brewery's conservative board. Thematic Elements