The Wild West of Czech Entrepreneurship

The early 1990s in the Czech Republic were a period of unprecedented change. Following the Velvet Revolution, a wave of entrepreneurialism swept the nation. As in any gold rush, alongside honest individuals striving too build legitimate businesses, a darker element emerged. This era saw a rise in crime, from petty offenses to sophisticated organized networks, quickly capturing the attention of the media.

According to recent data, the Czech Republic’s transition period saw a notable increase in reported crime rates, peaking in the late 1990s before gradually declining. This surge reflected the challenges of establishing new legal frameworks and economic stability in a rapidly changing society.

From Tabloid headlines to the Silver Screen

Amidst this backdrop, director Vít Olmer and Josef Klíma collaborated on the film Nudity for Sale, a project that aimed to capture the zeitgeist of the time. The film, featuring music by Ondřej Soukup and cinematography by Juraj Fandli, became a notable, if somewhat controversial, piece of Czech cinema. While perhaps not widely known today, it remains accessible in archives for those interested in a glimpse into the era.

Discoland and Dobřichovice: A Night of Filming

The film’s production involved a memorable night shoot at a chateau in Dobřichovice. Stuntmen were essential for the dramatic scenes involving fire and simulated violence. Among those involved was Ivan Jonák, the owner of the infamous Libeň Discoland. Jonák, a larger-than-life personality, was cast to essentially play himself, adding a layer of authenticity to the production. His involvement was a marketing boon, capitalizing on his notoriety and flamboyant image.

River Antics and Police Encounters

Jonák’s impatience and penchant for the dramatic led to an unexpected incident. Bored with the downtime on set, he decided to take his jeep for a spin, ultimately driving it into the Berounka River. while the river was shallow and the weather was warm, this act drew the attention of the local police.

According to eyewitness accounts, Jonák attempted to resolve the situation by offering the officers a large sum of money, stating, Here you have a liter, and that’s good, I’ll go back!

Despite Jonák’s attempt at humor, the police were not amused. However, his explanation that he was filming a movie with director Olmer, coupled with the ongoing activity at the mansion, seemed to diffuse the situation. The police, perhaps recognizing the absurdity of the situation, allowed the filming to continue.

Laughter and a Strict Director

The incident caused a significant delay as the crew struggled to regain their composure after witnessing Jonák’s antics. Despite the disruption, director Vít Olmer, known for his strictness, managed to keep the production on track, ensuring that the filming was completed.