Where an Alibi Is Not Everything

The “Alibi” detective series consists of three films from the years 1959 to 1965 and stars police inspectors Tůma (Karel Höger) and Líbal (Josef Bek). Where an Alibi Is Not Everything is the second of the three, in which an investigation into counterfeit medicine leads the detectives to Karlovy Vary. Oldřich Nový appears in a distinctive supporting role as hotel manager Kraus, a man with a weakness for luxury and for a younger woman who does not return his affections. Compared to the customary parts played by this foremost Czech actor, Kraus is an unusually complex character: practically-minded and a devoted partner but also troubled, cynical, and almost menacing in his suffering. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)