In 1958, Wojciech Pokora graduated from the Warsaw State Theater School, and two years later he made his screen debut in the black and white film “Husband to His Wife”, which was the beginning of his fruitful cooperation with . He later appeared in many other works of this director, including: in “Brunette in the Evening Time” or the series “Alternative 4”, becoming a true master of Polish comedy.
He played a woman in Bareja’s film. This role of Wojciech Pokora went down in cinema history
One of the most outstanding productions in Wojciech Pokora’s artistic achievements is the cult comedy Bareja, in which he created the character of a museum employee and art historian, Stanisław Rochowicz. The production premiered in 1972 and immediately became a sensation among both viewers and critics, which resulted in, among others, a prestigious distinction from The First Queens International Film Festival in New York.
The main plot of the film is the search for a valuable painting, of which the main character is accused of stealing. Wanting to avoid consequences for an act he did not commit, the man decides to go into hiding. He comes up with the idea that for a while he will disguise himself as a woman, Maria, and, to hide himself, he will work as a domestic help. He quickly moves from the idea to implementation and begins his elaborate plan. In the meantime, he begins to recreate the lost work in order to return to his former life as quickly as possible. However, he soon discovers that the situation he is in has many more advantages than he might have initially thought.
He played in “Wanted, Wanted”. He considered Rochowicz’s role cursed
Although more than half a century has passed since the premiere of the film “Wanted, Wanted”, secrets from behind the scenes of the production are revealed from time to time. It turns out that he considered this role cursed and did not like the fact that viewers identified him with the film hero. – I had to change my phone number several times because so many jokers called me and asked: “Have I found Marysia?” Similarly, children shouted after me in the yard – during the program “Portrait painted with words”. Years later, he even admitted that if he could go back in time, he would never decide to accept this offer. – It was a label I couldn’t get rid of – he admitted in an interview for .
As revealed by Sławomir Koper, author of the book “PRL after hours”, initially he also considered several other actors popular at that time for the role of Rochowicz, including: Janusz Gajos and Jacek Federowicz, but in the end Pokora seemed to him the most suitable choice. However, he himself had many reservations from the beginning and, most shockingly, at one point he wanted to withdraw from the project. Why? He couldn’t imagine appearing in front of the camera in women’s clothes. The negotiations lasted a long time, and the director tried his best to convince him of the validity of this idea. He finally agreed, but on the condition that he would choose the clothes himself, using what he could find in his wife, Hanna’s, wardrobe.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
