ErinLaing.com

Skoda was one of the official sponsors of FilmFest Dresden. This ad was shown prior to every screening. At first I thought it was a joke but then realized it was a real TV spot.

I came to love this commercial after having seen it many, many times. (Sorry for the poor quality).

Turns out the two puppets in the commercial are Spejbl and Hurvínek - the legendary father and son duo from the Czech Republic. They first appeared in the 1920’s in amateur marionette shows performed in Pilsen cabarets, then in 1930 professor Josef Skupa established the first professional marionette theatre in their name.

Skupa was arrested by the Nazi’s for antifascist resistant activities in 1944 and the theatre was shut down. It reopened at the end of 1945 and Spejbl and Hurvínek have been entertaining children ever since.

I didn’t know puppetry was so popular in the Czech Republic.

I think I’ll have to check out a show when I’m in Prague.