“The Shop on Main Street” (Obchod na korze) is a Czech masterpiece from 1965. The story follows Anton Brtko, a simple Slovak carpenter known as “Tóno.” When the town undergoes Aryanization, Tóno’s brother-in-law assigns him to take over the sewing shop of an elderly and nearly deaf woman named Rozália Lautmannová, also known as Lautman. When Tóno tries to explain the situation to her, she is understandably confused. Luckily, a neighboring merchant named Imrich Kuchár intervenes, clarifying that Tóno is her nephew who has come to assist her.
Tóno discovers that the Jewish community supporting the elderly woman has been aiding her, rendering the shop unprofitable. In a gesture of solidarity, the community bands together and provides Tóno with a weekly stipend to maintain the facade of assisting the old woman. This arrangement benefits both Tóno, who is expected to take over the shop, and Rosalie. As their bond strengthens, it becomes evident that they genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
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