Prague, December 25, 1980 – Teh enchanting fairy tale series Arabela debuted on Czechoslovak Television 45 years ago, and continues to captivate audiences with its timeless appeal. But the beloved story of a princess and a modern family wasn’t simply a creative endeavor; it was a carefully calculated product designed to navigate the complexities of the Cold War.
A Series Ordered from Cologne, But Rooted Above the Rhine
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Arabela wasn’t born from the creativity of socialist cultural planners, but from a commission by West Germany’s WDR. the Germans provided crucial funding, desperately needed by the regime, with one key condition: western viewers couldn’t know the story unfolded in communist Czechoslovakia.
This requirement shaped the series’ visual style. The Majer family didn’t inhabit a typical apartment block, but a spacious villa reminiscent of the First Republic era. Actor Vladimír dlouhý’s character, Petr Majer, sported long hair – a style unlikely to pass scrutiny in other productions. This deliberately modern, colorful, and “Western” aesthetic proved pivotal to the series’ later success, reaching audiences from South Korea to Japan.
The Princess Found Her Voice with Cinderella
Jana Nagyová, then nineteen, was perfectly cast as the lead, but her strong Slovak accent presented a challenge. Director Václav Vorlíček made the unusual decision to have Libuše Šafránková provide the voice for Princess Arabela. Šafránková was originally considered for the role but was unavailable due to scheduling conflicts. Ultimately, her voice defined the character throughout the first series’ 13 episodes.
When Arabela returns was filmed in 1993, Nagyová did not reprise her role. She was replaced by Miroslava Šafránková, Libuše’s younger sister.The second series, comprising 26 episodes, benefited from the original’s popularity, though critics generally considered it less brilliant then its predecessor.
Rumburak: The Villain Everyone Loved
Perhaps the most enduring phenomenon of the series was the sorcerer Rumburak. Jiří Lábus imbued the character with such charisma and humor that audiences often rooted for the villain more than the heroes. Rumburak’s popularity was so immense that it spawned a feature film in 1985.
What made Arabela so enduring? The series’ blend of whimsical fantasy, relatable family dynamics, and a touch of Cold War subterfuge created a unique and captivating experience for viewers of all ages.
Wandering in the Footsteps of Arabella
- Villa of the Majer family (Prague, Střešovice)
This villa, meeting strict German production criteria, is located in the prestigious Střešovice district, near the famed Müller’s villas. Its architecture and surroundings created the illusion of a wealthy, “bourgeois” family. - Realm of Fairy Tales: Průhonice castle
The real-life residence of King Hyacinth and princess Arabella is Průhonice castle, just outside prague. The castle’s exteriors and expansive park served as the backdrop for most scenes from the fairytale world, witnessing magical transformations and escapes from Rumburak. - Rumburak’s castle: Kunětická hora
While Prague hosted most “city” scenes, Rumburak’s castle is located at Kunětická hora near Pardubice. The tower scenes, featuring Rumburak’s modern base and television equipment, were filmed there. - Hradčany square and palace
Prague’s center frequently appeared in the series. The Schwarzenberg Palace in Hradčany and its surroundings provided a ancient atmosphere. Filming also took place in the streets of Malá Strana, which, before the surge in tourism, felt mysterious and deserted. - Spork’s Palace (Hybernská Street)
The building serving as the television headquarters where Mr. Majer worked is the historic Spork’s Palace in central Prague. This is where Petr flew with his suitcase, and where comical character swaps occurred.
Jiří Lábus recalls how the role brought him international recognition. “On vacation in Greece, the receptionist pointed at me, twirling his ring to see if it was me. So I nodded,” he said, smiling at the magic ring’s global reach.
Arabela wasn’t just about its actors; it was groundbreaking for its time. Techniques like shrinking characters, flying suitcases, and traveling through television screens required precise filmmaking without the aid of modern computers. This craftsmanship, combined with Miloš Macourek’s absurd humor, has ensured that Arabela remains relevant almost half a century later.
Today, the series is considered a cornerstone of Czech cinema, a reminder of a time when a fairy tale briefly pierced the Iron Curtain.
