Three Brothers (Tři bratři)

present

With the support of the State Cinematography Fund of the Czech Republic

fairy tale featuring the songs of

starring

THE THREE BROTHERS

There was once a time when people could neither read nor write.

They could only speak and listen. Like you do.

The fairy tales had just told at that time.

Only later when the script was invented

the best of us have started to preserve stories for generations. Like I do.

In my book... here I must add one more freckle.

There are three of them:

Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood and Mary and the twelve Months.

No need to raise your hands; I know what you want to say.

You want to tell me that you know them already. I expected that.

But I'm sure you haven't heard much about the three young men.

Without them, these adventures would never have become fairy tales; instead,

they would be tragedies not fit for children's ears.

Well now, listen carefully.

Once upon a time, very long ago

there was a farmer and his wife who had three sons:

Jack,

Joe

and Matt.

- Look, there's loads of them here! - Where? Where?

Just look at that, your pants are all dirty.

Matt, quit dawdling and get to picking. No bees, no honey, no work, no money.

Next time plums please. They're easier to pick.

- What's wrong, Jack? - I can't find my mug!

That's just like you. We'll all be looking for a mug instead of berries.

Here it is!

Jack

Wow, look how much he's got already!

Daddy!

Boys, dammit! Be good!

- Here you are! - Thanks.

In there!

Hold on!

Hold on tight, boys! Give me that!

Easy there, easy!

Whoa! Good girls!

To the left!

So, got any blueberries? Show me.

- That's a pretty crappy haul, Joe. - I tripped.

- What about you, Jack? Where's your mug? - I must have left it behind... somewhere.

Oh dear. What about you, Matt?

I guess we're gonna have beetle pie, then.

Some farmers you'll make. Can't wait to see that.

All right, lads, let's get to it.

A young miller's wife sat in a gold carriage

And went to the priest to ask about marriage.

Oh Reverend Father, tell me how to pray

If I want my husband to do as I say.

I'm sorry, good woman...

Hold on!

That's just like him.

How many times have I told him to watch where he puts his things?!

- Where were we? - "I'm sorry, good woman..."

I'm sorry, good woman, there is no such prayer...

Forgetting things may lead to some very bad ends, Jack.

My own dad, your granddad,

once told me what happened up at the castle,

where the princess lived this one.

And what was that?

Let me think... What was it that he said?

There was once a time when the castle wasn't as overgrown as it is now.

It could be seen from far and wide.

It had such beautiful turrets...

We don't have enough blueberries, kids.

The pie will be a bit dry.

And so many leaves in there!

Oh no, no, no.

You can't tangle up a good story with leaves and berries.

So if it's all right with everyone, I think I'm going to take over now.

Does everyone agree?

That seems to be an overwhelming majority.

So, in that castle, a king lived with his queen.

The king's rule was fair and wise.

And so crops were plentiful, the woods were free of bandits,

and people were content.

But still the king and queen were sad. "Why was that?"

Well, a house with no baby is a sad house indeed.

What about this one? For a baby girl?

I've already had that one.

And this? To try for a little boy?

We've both had that one.

This one, then? For twins?

I don't think I've tried that one. Have I?

Yes, you have, dear. You said it was corroding your stomach.

Oh, right, I couldn't quite stomach that. Not that one, then.

Nothing works. That is quite vexing.

So let the story start

For young, and young at heart.

Come watch a tale unfurl

About a gentle girl.

Her beauty shone clear as a flame

A rose she was in truth and name.

Remind me to shorten the hours they have to work in the king's fields.

I feel like I'm exploiting them.

Already writing it down, Your Grace.

And you, remind me to have the road repaired.

Already on it, Your Grace.

What's your note?

To remind him to get a new Spanish collar for me.

I want such a collar too, of course. Did he promise one to you?

No, he didn't. But I'll remind him anyway.

So, I will remind him the same.

Do this every night. One drop on the forehead,

one drop on the chest, and one on the bellybutton.

- That should be enough. - I shall reward you handsomely.

I have no need of your money, king.

I only ask to be invited to the christening.

Certainly, I'll see to that.

Promises, promises. You have much on your mind.

You're going to be too happy to remember

what an old crone from the swamp has done for you.

I do have much on my mind, but I shall not forget. I give you my word.

I always tie a knot on my handkerchief. To remember what I mustn't forget.

Here is your potion, king. May it bring you happiness.

I'll be waiting.

On the forehead, on the chest, on the bellybutton.

Who was supposed to remember the first drop?

Me. The first drop goes on the forehead.

- The second one? - On the chest.

Turn around, then.

And I was supposed to remember the third drop. Where was that meant to go?

On the bellybutton!

And so we sat night after night

And prayed to God to end our plight

To end our longing and despair.

And it seems He heard our prayer

A baby girl shone like a flame

And new joy to the kingdom came.

Bring the crib from out the attic

The Godmothers will be ecstatic!

The Godmothers!

You heard the queen! Bring in the royal crib!

The royal crib!

And so they threw a lavish feast

For people high and low

And cheerful music never ceased

And tables overflowed

And all were overjoyed to hear

The baby's name was Rose

The baby's name was Rose.

- Haven't we forgotten something? - All is ready, Your Grace.

Have we invited all the neighbours?

They have all come, my Lord, from the north and the south.

I hope we haven't forgotten to invite your parents, darling.

You said hello to them earlier, dear.

- Is there enough wine for everyone? - And so the beer for people outside.

Who was supposed to remind me what this knot should remind me of?

- Who was supposed to remind him... - Who was supposed to remind him...

It may remind you to buy me high heel shoes.

Yes, and for me as well, Your Grace.

- I've promised you new shoes? - Yes, to make us look more dignified.

I'm not sure... it was not about the wardrobe.

Too much on my mind, I guess.

I'm the Fairy and I foresee All your days healthy you will be.

This good Fairy does foresee All her days healthy she will be.

Here I come next, and I foretell, The clouds your beauty will dispel.

Well, here I am, the old swamp crone, Comes uninvited, and alone.

I will spice up this great feast And add a little curse at least.

When little rose comes into bloom, A sharp thorn will her life consume.

Guards! Guards!

When the summer's in its prime

Guards! Hurry up!

Death will claim her for all time.

You cruel woman! Step aside, The third Godmother, wise and kind

Still has a good wish to provide.

You cruel woman! Step aside, The third Godmother, wise and kind

Still has a good wish to provide.

Royal parents, don't be scared The damage still can be repaired

She will not die, but has to sleep A hundred years in slumber deep.

A hundred years!

In a century she may awake If a young man, full of life

Can through all the enchantments break And sweet Rose with a kiss revive.

Hear, hear, good people, hear and weep By the prick of a little thorn

The princess shall be put to sleep And no one will be left to mourn.

The greatest care now we will show Everything that's sharp must go

Burn it, hide it, throw away To keep the dreadful fate at bay.

Cut down everything with thorns, Sharp points, spikes, and even horns

Burn it, hide it, throw away To keep the dreadful fate at bay.

Fate at bay

Blackthorn, bramble, briar rose Anything that's prickly goes

- What about gooseberry? - Away with it!

Burn it, hide it, throw away

Don't move, you crazy - stay!

Throw away

Rose!

One, two, three...

Four, five, six...

The Princess grew as beautiful As once had been foretold

When the sixteen years had passed Cruel fate regained its hold.

The princess set out to explore Wishing to set her mind at rest

Went up the stairs and through a door And there she met the strangest guest.

Good morning, madam, have we met? Don't think I've seen you around here.

Good morning, Princess, do not fret. Just watering this flower, dear.

Rose! Rose!

Have you seen Rose?