Bánk bán

A film version of Ferenc Erkel's opera, which is based on József Katona's play. Hungary, 1213. While King Endre II campaigns in distant countries, his wife, Gertrudis of Merania grants privileges to her compatriots hanging around the throne. Her younger brother has a fancy for Bánk's wife. The discontented lords are devising a plot, but Bánk only confronts the queen when, aided by her, Otto ravishes his wife. On the queen's drawing her dagger, Bánk stabs her. Melinda, sent home with Tiborc, drowns herself and her little son in the river. Coming home, the king challenges Bánk, but the magnate breaks down on hearing Tiborc's news. (Budapest Film)