HOLOUBEK, GUSTAW

(1923-)

Distinguished theatrical and film actor. After playing Felix Dzerzhinsky in his first film,Wanda Jakubowska's propagandistThe Soldier of Victory(1953), Holoubek excelled in several films directed byWojciech Has, particularly inNoose(1958) where he starred as a young alcoholic man. During thePolish Schoolphenomenon, he also appeared in other Has films, such asFarewells(1958) andShared Room(1960). He later continued his collaboration with Has, acting frequently in his productions, such as inThe Saragossa Manuscript(1965),Hospital under the Hourglass(1973),Uninteresting Story(1982), andThe Scribbler(1985).During the Polish School, Holoubek also played the leading role in Jerzy Zarzycki'sHolocaustdrama about hiding,White Bear(Biały niedźwiedź, 1959);Leonard Buczkowski's war dramaTime Past(1961); andJanusz Morgenstern's satiricalcomedyOpening Tomorrow(1962). Holoubek received popular acclaim starring inJerzy Hoffman's and Edward Skorzewski's two productions: the comedyGangsters and Philanthropists(1962) and an action film borrowing from Western conventions,Law and Fist(1964), respectively. Holoubek's close co-laboration with his friend, directorTadeusz Konwicki, resulted in his fine performances inSomersault(1965),How Far from Here, yet How Near(1972), andLava:The Story of Forefathers(1989).

The long list of Holoubek's accomplishments also includes roles in films directed byJanusz Zaorski(A Room with a View of theSea, 1978, andBodensee, 1986),Jerzy Kawalerowicz(7heGame, 1968), Andrzej Domalik (Zygfryd, 1986), and in recent years, supporting roles in films by Hoffman (With Fire and Sword, 1999) andWładysław Pasikowski(Operation Samum, 1999). In 1976 Holoubek scripted and directed the historical filmMaźepa, based on Juliusz Słowacki's drama. He is also known for numerous fine roles fortelevision. In the poll of weeklyPolityka, Holoubek was voted the second most important Polish actor of the twentieth century.