THE MIDAS TOUCH

Geza Beremenyi's second feature film is a rich and moving drama which captures all the nuances of life in Hungary before the revolution of 1956. Shortly after World War II ends, the flea market of Teleki Square in Budapest rises from the ruins in full swing. Monori the merchant is king of the marketplace, and like King Midas, whatever he touches turns to gold. It gets him what he wants – social, prominence, a grandson, his family's health ? and he risks severe punishment to hold on to his treasure. His gold is put to the final test when troops march into Buapest in 1956. As blood flows in the city streets, he hurries to get his family out of the country.