Karel Anton (b. 1898, Prague – 1979, Berlin), thanks to his talent, intelligence and meticulous approach, had already become one of the most noteworthy Czech filmmakers by the beginning of the 1920s. He wrote screenplays, he directed and also occasionally acted in films as well. He was inspired by American slapstick, as apparent in the comedies Tutankhamen (1923) with Vlasta Burian in a debut role, and The Kidnapping of Fux the Banker (1923), starring Anny Ondráková. Anton was also prepared to adapt celebrated works of Czech literature: alongside Mácha's Gypsies (1921), he also used Ignát Herrmann's Father Kondelík and Bridegroom Vejvara (1926). In 1930 he went down in history for directing the first Czech sound film, Tonka of the Gallows. However, three years later, he would make his last film in his native country, The Devil in Me. The remainder of his work, consisting of more than 40 films, were German, and partly French, productions.
50. MFF Karlovy Vary