Labakan (1957)

The tailor’s apprentice Labakan (played by Eduard Cupák) longs for a life of luxury. When he meets Omar (played by Karel Fiala), the sultan’s son, who is returning to his parents after spending years with the wise Elfi Bey, Labakan steals Omar’s dagger and, dressed in fine clothes, passes himself off as Omar at court. Shortly afterward, Omar arrives. Only the sultana Zoraida (played by Dana Medřická) recognizes her true son, and to establish the truth, both young men must undergo tests. First, the sultan (played by Vladimír Leraus) holds a horse race, which ends in a tie. At the sultan’s command, they must then demonstrate their sewing skills, which, of course, only the tailor can do successfully. This gives him away. The sultan is still not convinced, however, and asks Adolzaida (played by Otýlie Beníšková), a fairy—the guardian spirit of his household—for help. She presents him with two boxes: one represents happiness and wealth, the other honor and courage. The young men must each choose one. Labakan chooses the first, while the heir to the throne chooses the second. They must then open the boxes, and because Omar’s contains a crown while the impostor’s contains scissors, a needle, and thread, the ruler finally recognizes his true son. He spares Labakan, whom the onlookers outside the palace are mocking. In the end, the tailor wakes up and realizes it was all just a dream.