This epic family drama was based on  A 1966 television war drama directed by Jerzy Antczak, now available online on TVP VOD. The Master (Mistrz)—hailed as one of the hundred greatest productions in the history of the Television Theatre—transports viewers to the dark days of World War II, unfolding the extraordinary story of an actor whose life becomes intertwined with a Shakespearean tragedy.

What is The Master about?

The story is set in 1944, toward the end of World War II, within the ruins of a monastery near Warsaw. Hiding in this sanctuary is a group of partisans, among whom is an elderly actor (played by Janusz Warnecki). Although he has never played a major role in his career, shortly before the outbreak of the war, he was given the opportunity to portray the character of Macbeth. Despite the ongoing conflict, the actor continues to prepare for the role ceaselessly, convinced that once the war ends, he will finally be able to present his interpretation on stage. Meanwhile, a train robbery takes place in the vicinity, prompting the Germans to launch a house-to-house search for the partisans. When soldiers arrive at the monastery and begin selecting hostages from among those of higher social standing, they initially overlook the actor, whose identification papers list his profession as “bookkeeper.”

The Monologue of a Lifetime Determined to prove his true identity, the man voluntarily steps forward to be arrested and delivers a fiery monologue from *Macbeth* right in front of the Gestapo officers. His performance—brimming with passion and poignant references to the current situation—astonishes the Germans, who ultimately add him to the group of detainees. Many years later, a young actor (Ignacy Gogolewski)—who had witnessed that event—is also preparing for the role of Macbeth. During rehearsals, he recalls the masterful interpretation of the monologue delivered by the old actor, who never received recognition during his lifetime.