Summary
Set against the backdrop of an empire in its twilight, 'A peleskei nótárius' charts the picaresque journey of Zajtay, a provincial notary whose rustic sensibilities are thrust into the burgeoning, often bewildering urbanity of Buda and Pest. This 1916 adaptation of the classic Hungarian folk play transcends mere caricature, weaving a narrative tapestry that juxtaposes the bucolic traditions of Peleske with the sophisticated, yet frequently duplicitous, maneuvers of city life. As Zajtay navigates a series of misadventures—ranging from theatrical misunderstandings to social faux pas—the film serves as a satirical mirror to the social stratification of the early 20th century. The screenplay, meticulously crafted by József Gaál, József Gvadányi, and the visionary Jenő Janovics, utilizes the notary's odyssey to explore themes of national identity, the friction between agrarian heritage and modern progress, and the inherent comedy found in the clash of cultural hierarchies. The ensemble cast, featuring the likes of Ödön Réthely and Vanda Berlányi, brings a vibrant, histrionic energy to a story that is as much about the resilience of the Hungarian spirit as it is about the absurdities of the human condition.
