The Devil's Trap
The Devil's Trap () is a 1962 Czechoslovak historical film directed by František Vláčil. It is inspired by Alfréd Technik's novel "Mlýn na ponorné řece". It is considered the first part of a loose trilogy of historical films by Vláčil. The trilogy aso includes Marketa Lazarová and The Valley of the Bees. The film's main theme is the conflict between religion and science. Religion is represented by a fanatical Jesuit priest, while science is represented by an old miller and his son.<ref name="The 35 Best Czech/Slovak Movies of All Time"></ref> Vláčil wanted  the film to depict the 16th century as authentically as possible. Plot. The film is set in the early 16th century. The Regent of Valeč dislikes Spálený, the local miller, whom local people greatly respect. Spálený knows the local lands well, but his family is suspected of witchcraft due to an incident that occurred generations ago. When Swedish soldiers arrive and plunder the land, they also burn the mill, but Spálený and his family miraculously survive. Probus, a fanatical priest, is invited to investigate Spálený. Probus unsuccessfully tries to turn the local people against Spálený. Probus and the Regent then  attempt to capture Spálený, but he disappears into a cave complex under the mill. Probus and the Regent try to find him but they cause a landslide. Only Spálený's son Jan and his girlfriend Martina survive.