Hope and Betrayal in the Foothill Village of Skláře
Czech families are settling in the foothill village of Skláře after the war. Among the newcomers is the family of a young girl, Jarmila Lukešová. Her mother died during the war, so Jarmila has to care for her two younger brothers, as well as her father, who gambles away the family's savings on cards. In her new home, Jarmila falls in love with František Smolík, but he does not return her feelings. He believes that his beloved Paula will return from Germany. He also finds himself increasingly at odds with the local communists. However, after the events of February 1948, his struggle becomes increasingly futile. The communists impose impossible delivery quotas on the Smolíks' farm, and there is talk of planned collectivisation. In these difficult times, Jarmila is the only one who stands firmly by František. He thus learns what a brave woman she is. It even seems that a shared life with her could be a comfort against what is to come. But no happiness lasts forever, especially when the all-powerful Party and its secret police are circling…
