Amateurs were cast in the main roles in this final segment of Kazimierz Kutz’ Silesian trilogy, which began with Salt of the Black Earth in 1969. With an affectionate script, adapted from the novel by Albin Siekierski, the film unfolds revealing the final days of a culture built on community, shared values and working class solidarity.
Retired miner Karol Habryka fights strongly to retain his family home, shunning the concrete tenements that are rising up outside his door. Telling the story with affection and humour, legendary director Kutz (as renowned for his work in theatre, TV and in politics as in cinema) keenly observes everyday life and the cross-generational arguments, with all their contractions, that bind families together.
Winning the top award at the Polish Film Festival in Gdansk 1980 and a special award at Karlovy Vary The Beads of One Rosary subsequently screened at many international film festivals.
