The Emperor and the Golem (1952): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1952, The Emperor and the Golem is a comedy, fantasy, horror and history film directed by Martin Frič, running about 144 minutes.

What it’s about. The Emperor's mismanagement of his country is provoking some in his court to plot to overthrow him. He feels successful, at least, when he discovers the legendary Golem, which he believes can protect him and even cure his imaginary illnesses but, when he disappears while on a bender, his kindly baker, who looks just like him, is mistaken for him, and begins to put things in order. However, the conspirators, not to be outdone, determine to bring the Golem back to life to do their bidding.

Who’s in it. The Emperor and the Golem stars Jan Werich as Emperor Rudolf II / Matheus Kotrba, The Baker, Nataša Gollová as Katerina aka Sirael, Jiří Plachý as Edward Kelley and František Černý as Hieroným Alessandro Scotta, alchemist, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.9/10, The Emperor and the Golem has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Emperor and the Golem page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Emperor and the Golem tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parasite, Life Is Beautiful and Fight Club.