Poster Burian

Burian was born in 1891 in Liberec, but the family soon moved to Prague, where the young Vlasta was often taken to the theatre by his father and where the future artist began singing and playing sports at an early age. He excelled in football, but was also a good cyclist or tennis player.





Vlasta Burian's comedic talent first stood out only at friends' parties, but later he also performed in clubs. In 1923 he made his first film, and two years later he opened his own theatre. Gradually he worked his way up to the title of King of Comedians.





After the Second World War, however, he was accused of collaboration and imprisoned, his theatre was nationalised, almost all his property confiscated and he was banned from acting. He had to work in the mines of North Bohemia, as a messenger in mountain huts or as a kitchen helper. In 1950, he was able to return to the acting profession, but his health was already undermined and he indulged in alcohol. He performed in the theatre and made his last films, but he also made money from stage shows to support himself. He died in 1962 at the age of 70, his grave at Vyšehrad is adorned with iconic hands. The comedian did not see his rehabilitation until after his case was retried in 1994.