Prince Wenceslas

A drama from the dawn of Czech history and from the life of prince Wenceslas (Václav) from the Přemyslid dynasty and his murderer – his brother Boleslav. Prince Vratislav of Bohemia dies after a battle with invaders from the East. Vratislav's mother, Princess Ludmila, takes over the regency on behalf of the minor grandsons of Wenceslas and Boleslav. While the elder Wenceslas is studying in Budeč, she sends for him to come to Prague so that he can be proclaimed the new prince. After a quarrel with the pagan squires, Princess Ludmila retires to her castle in Tetín. Vratislav's widow, Princess Drahomíra, who had been jealous of her mother-in-law's power, takes over. The new regent turns away from Christianity and gives her privileges off to the pagan squires. Wenceslas himself is also discouraged from his faith, yet the young prince secretly practises Christianity and good deeds. Squires Tuna and Gomon offer to eliminate Drahomíra's mother-in-law, who becomes increasingly popular among the people. The princess agrees. News of the situation in Bohemia and of the murders in Tetín reaches Bishop Tut from Řezno and the Frankish King Henry I the Fowler. After being warned, the princess has Tuna and Gomon punished by beheading. Radslav, the ruler of Zlic, who wants to become a prince himself, rebels against Drahomíra's injustice. He invites the troops of Duke Arnulf of Bavaria into the country. Wenceslas goes into the battle to prevent Radslav and Arnulf's armies from joining forces. The young man challenges Radslav to a personal duel and wins. At Prague Castle, Wenceslas finally takes over the power. He banishes his mother to Budeč Castle and assigns his brother Boleslav with the administration of Ludmila's region of Pšovsko. At the Imperial Diet in Quedlinburg, Wenceslas makes an alliance with Henry I the Fowler. In Bohemia, to the displeasure of the squires and Boleslav, the prince introduces new customs, bans the torture of slaves, builds the stone church of St. Vitus and spreads Christianity. He has Ludmila's body transferred to St. George's Church in the Prague Castle. Eventually, Wenceslas reconciles with his mother, who now has changed. The Frankish king begins to spread Christianity by force among the other Slavic tribes. Wenceslas refuses to act against his ally and help his fellow tribes, and he welcomes Henry to Prague. The frustrated squires convince Boleslav that he must kill the prince. He himself is to take over the government as a decisive and strong statesman. Boleslav therefore invites his brother to his castle in the town of Boleslav. After a lavish banquet, Wenceslas goes to church to attend the morning service. However, Boleslav and his allies attack him and murder him. The murderers finally kneel before the majesty of death and the greatness of Wenceslas. (Based on the original script)