Total Military Deployment in Czech Cinema 1944

This edition of historical documents, compiled by Ivan Klimeš, maps the impact of the so-called total war effort of summer 1944 on Czech cultural life, particularly on cinema in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. The introductory texts present the government measures of the time, which led to the widespread closure of theaters, restrictions on the publication of the press, and a reduction in musical and artistic activities with the aim of freeing up as much labor as possible for the war industry. Particular attention is paid to film production, which, unlike other industries, was maintained, although it had to undergo strict rationalization measures dictated by the Czech-Moravian Film Center. The published regulations describe in detail, for example, bans on the filming of certain types of films, drastic restrictions on distribution and promotion, and mandatory reductions in the number of operating personnel in cinemas. The edition concludes with comprehensive lists of names of workers, the so-called Listina Muss and Listina Eventuel, which record key creators who were either permanently protected from work assignments or could be temporarily released for feature film shooting.

Keywords: total war effort, Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, Czech Film Office, film industry, Muss and Eventuel Charter