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Klára Melíšková as Queen Mortana in the Christmas Eve fairy tale Three Princesses | Photo: Petra Závodná | Source: Czech Television
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In a new Christmas tale, three sisters save their kingdom from the treacherous Queen Mortana. In order to succeed, they must not only join forces, but also use all their wit, strength and charm. If they manage to complete even the queen’s difficult task, they can win the hand of the prince. Czech Television will present the fairy tale Three Princesses on Christmas Eve, the holiday program will include a total of four new fairy tales.
Ghost Rocks and Dark Forest
12:34 November 11, 2024 Share on Facebook
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“It was a pleasant shooting after all the roles that I currently play in the theater and that I have also played in films,” Josef Trojan praises the role of the fairy-tale Prince Felix.
In the story of the dark threat of Queen Mortana (played by Klára Melíšková), who destroys nature and leads unnecessary wars in her pursuit of eternal youth, princesses Sofia, Leona and Flora represent a trio of heroines. Following the example of the Three Musketeers, “one for all, all for one” tries to save the world with joint forces.
“And why would you (established fairy tale) didn’t the roles reverse? I’m surprised it didn’t happen a long time ago,” says director Tomáš Pavlíček for Radiožurnál. “But at the same time, I have to admit that I didn’t decide it, but the script. I only accepted this adventure with great joy.”
Pavlíček won the Czech Lion for directing the horror-themed comedy Príšla v noci. According to him, even the TV fairy tale genre needed to be “ventilated” a little.
“I felt that a fairy tale – and especially a Christmas one – needed to be filled with life, adventure and unrestrainedness. Marko Cpin’s costumes are therefore very distinctive, often almost horror-like. I tried to make the princesses not only speak in a scripted manner and perhaps even jump into each other’s speech… and to have the camera take hold and adapt to the actors’ speech, and not the other way around,” he describes his approach to the fairy tale, which is traditionally one of the highlights of the Christmas TV program.
“These are things that I haven’t seen in the Czech television fairy tale for a long time and I tried to return them there. For example, in the tradition of the fairy tale The Third Prince, which is my favorite. When the script for The Three Princesses landed in my mail, I thought it was almost a sign.”
Lines and seams
In total, the ninth fairy tale for the deaf produced by Czech Television was named The Magician’s Fairy Tale. The author of the theme and the director is the experienced “storyteller” Ivo Macharáček, who is the author of both works The Secret of the Old Bambitka.
The main characters of the new fairy tale are two eternally quarreling siblings Klotylda and Barnabas, who fail the final exams at the witches’ lyceum. Despite the strict prohibition of their father, the head wizard Zachariáš, they also take a look into the thirteenth chamber. This sets off a chain of events that puts them in the path of the evil Rebel.
From the fairy tale The Magic Apple | Source: Czech Television
Traditionally, a co-produced Slovak-Czech fairy tale will be on Christmas Eve. This year’s one, called The Magic Apple, is about growing up and parental love, which can be both liberating and destructive. Viewers will be able to watch it both in the Czech dubbing and in the original Slovak version.
The New Year’s Eve celebrations will be accompanied by the talk show Lucie Výborné, a special episode of Miracles of Nature and the New Year’s Party with Karel Šíp. Everything will then culminate in a big musical show with Helena Vondráčková, Monika Absolonová and other stars of the Czech singing scene.
On New Year’s Day, ČT1 will premiere the historical drama Brothers, the winning film of this year’s Czech Lions.
Rookie Christmas
TV Nova viewers won’t lose their Christmas staples either. “Our offer must not be missing the already established Christmas episode Ulice, two specials of the popular show On the Hunt are prepared, and for the first time ever we will offer a ten-minute Advent detective story with the popular Specialists,” explains program director Silvie Majeská. New Year’s Eve will include Pavel Zedníček’s comedy show Everything is Possible!
Among the fairy tale classics on the program of commercial television are, for example, Once Upon a King, Baton out of the Bag, About Princess Jasněnka and the Flying Shoemaker or both parts of From the Hell of Happiness. And there will also be the popular romantic comedy Heavenly Love.
From the Christmas Eve episode of the series Ulice. On the picture Antonín Procházka and Tereza Brodská | Source: TV Nova
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The Christmas Princess Predicament: A Combination of Sass and Spunky Sisterhood
Gather ‘round, ye lovers of fairy tales and festive frolic! Czech Television is about to give us a dash of holiday magic on Christmas Eve with a new fairy tale, Three Princesses. A delightful romp through a kingdom caught in disarray thanks to the she-Devil herself—Queen Mortana, played by the talented Klára Melíšková. You know it’s serious when the bad guy has a name that sounds like a cold sore!
Here’s the plot: our three bright, determined sisters—Sofia, Leona, and Flora—decide to enlist their ‘girl power’ to save their kingdom. It’s basically a Disney movie on a caffeine high. They unite forces, flex their brains and charm, and even try to win the not-so-privileged Prince Felix’s heart while they’re at it. How romantic! Imagine standing by your favorite bakery and trying to impress a pastry chef; talk about being a showstopper!
More Than Meets the Eye
Director Tomáš Pavlíček had a light-bulb moment and decided to shake things up. Think of it as switching the batteries in your remote; suddenly feels fresh, right? As he put it, “I felt that a fairy tale—and especially a Christmas one—needed to be filled with life, adventure, and unrestrainedness.” A fairy tale in need of ventilation? Sounds like my flat after Christmas dinner!
And don’t even get me started on the costumes! Apparently, we’re going for a vibe that’s “almost horror-like.” Who knew Princess Flora would be strutting around looking like she just time-travelled straight from a Halloween party? At this rate, I half-expect a few witches to join the princesses for a night out. Actually, let’s be real; it sounds like a typical Royal soirée!
Cultural Commentary Goes Mainstream
Now, what I love about this particular fairy tale is the reimagining of traditional roles. You see, the men are taking a backseat here—it’s about time someone told them to sit down and let the ladies handle their business! This isn’t just a fairy tale, it’s a subtle jab at all the “knights in shining armor” clichés. And I must say, I’m thoroughly entertained by the sight of kings being told to stay out of the kitchen!
And for anyone questioning the structure, fear not! Pavlíček has opted for a more casual, conversational style of dialogue. He’s essentially handed the princesses a microphone and told them to freestyle. “Ladies, go! Jump into each other’s speech, and let the camera keep up!” Talk about setting the actors up for career-ending faux pas—but hey, at least it sounds fun!
Balancing Tradition with Innovation
In all seriousness, though, I commend the Czech team for trying to breathe new life into classic stories. Nobody wants a repeat of the same tale where Cinderella’s shoe was the only source of her drama. Let’s pump up the adrenaline, friends! And while the princesses battle evil, our beloved audience will sip mulled wine and reflect on how their Christmas lights are still tangled since last year.
As we gear up for the screening on Christmas Eve—snow or no snow—make sure you grab a front-row seat. And remember, it’s not just a fairy tale; it’s an opportunity to relive that childhood wonder while secretly analyzing which princess you’re most like. Spoiler alert: It’s the one who always eats the last of the chocolates!
So put your feet up, let the kids have the remote, and bask in the chaotic glory that is Czech fairy tale innovation. We’re all waiting for this new brand of storytelling on the TV screen. Just don’t forget to leave room for the popcorn. Or are we still calling it “Czech corn” this holiday season?
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Klára Melíšková dons her regal attire as Queen Mortana in the enchanting Christmas Eve fairy tale, Three Princesses. | Photo: Petra Závodná | Source: Czech Television
In a captivating new Christmas tale, three brave sisters emerge as heroines, joining forces to save their kingdom from the nefarious clutches of the treacherous Queen Mortana. The journey calls for not only strength and wit akin to the legendary protagonists but also charm that unlocks the hearts of those around them. Success in overcoming the queen’s formidable challenge could earn them a chance to win the hand of a dashing prince. Czech Television is set to air this vibrant fairy tale, Three Princesses, on Christmas Eve as part of a festive lineup featuring a total of four newly crafted fairy tales.
“It was a pleasant shooting after all the roles that I currently play in the theater and that I have also played in films,” said Josef Trojan, who relishes his portrayal of the dashing fairy-tale Prince Felix.
In this narrative, the darkness of Queen Mortana, aptly portrayed by Klára Melíšková, poses a grave threat as she wreaks havoc on nature and instigates senseless wars in her relentless quest for eternal youth. In stark contrast, the resilient sisters Sofia, Leona, and Flora exemplify a powerful trio of heroines who embrace the motto of the Three Musketeers – “one for all, all for one” – in their quest to rescue their world from despair.
Director Tomáš Pavlíček expressed his surprise that the roles hadn’t been reversed in the traditional fairy-tale format sooner. “I think it was due time for such a refreshing twist on established roles,” he remarked during an interview with Radiožurnál. Despite the script directing the narrative, he embraced this adventurous opportunity with enthusiasm.
Pavlíček, a celebrated director acclaimed for his work in horror comedies, has turned his keen eye towards revitalizing the fairy tale genre on Czech Television. “I felt that a fairy tale – and especially one for Christmas – should resonate with life, excitement, and a sense of freedom. The costumes designed by Marko Cpin are striking and sometimes border on the eerie,” he explained.
In total, the ninth fairy tale for the deaf produced by Czech Television was titled The Magician’s Fairy Tale. The director and author, Ivo Macharáček, is well-known for crafting engaging stories like The Secret of the Old Bambitka.
Meanwhile, a co-produced Slovak-Czech fairy tale, The Magic Apple, will be featured on Christmas Eve, focusing on the themes of growth and the complex nature of parental love, showcasing a blend of liberation and challenges faced by its characters.
The New Year’s festivities will boast an array of programming including a special talk show by Lucie Výborné, a festive episode of Miracles of Nature, and a star-studded musical finale with renowned artists, including Helena Vondráčková and Monika Absolonová.
Viewers on TV Nova can also look forward to their beloved Christmas favorites. “Our lineup will also feature the already established Christmas episode of Ulice, as well as two specials of the popular series On the Hunt,” program director Silvie Majeská announced.
Among the enchanting fairy tale classics on commercial television will be titles such as Once Upon a King and both parts of From the Hell of Happiness, alongside the romantic comedy, Heavenly Love.
Ith Czech Television. “Fairy tales are ripe for reimagining, and we wanted to ensure that our story not only entertained but also resonated with modern audiences.”
As Christmas Eve approaches, families across the Czech Republic will gather around their screens, not only to watch a fairy tale but to witness a story that celebrates sisterhood, empowerment, and a fresh take on age-old narratives.
This vibrant new retelling of *Three Princesses* showcases that sometimes the most enchanting stories come not from the enchanted but from the determined. So prepare yourselves for a night of laughter, adventure, and perhaps a few unexpected twists—who knows what else Queen Mortana has up her sleeve? Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic live!
In a time when so many traditions are being revisited and modernized, *Three Princesses* stands out as a beacon of creativity, proving that fairy tales can indeed grow up alongside their audiences. With each turn of the page or scene of the film, it reminds us that while we may love these tales from our childhood, there’s always room for evolution, sass, and a little sisterly spunk. So gather your loved ones, grab some snacks, and settle in for what promises to be a truly magical Christmas Eve film experience!