Va banque is what it’s all about: va banque, va banque is what happened that night, I played va banue, she played va banque, we both had a blast!” (from Juliusz Machulski’s “Vabank” filmed in Łódź in 1981) Relax in the spacious “Vabank" suite where film dreams of big money meet beautiful interiors from the 30s of the twentieth century.
Bright, aquamarine wallpaper. Oak furniture and white, hand-embroidered doilies. This interior impresses with its unusual pre-war flair. The suite has a sleeping area with 2 comfortable beds, fully equipped kitchenette and a functional white-and-gray bathroom with a shower cabin.
Accompanied by the main characters from the film “Vabank”, you can relax with a glass of brandy or watch your favorite movie on the 50-inch TV with LED technology. Pick an interesting book from our library, sit back in the comfortable armchair and unwind in our tasteful “Vabank” suite!
The film "Vabank" is not only a classic Polish crime comedy but also a treasure trove of fascinating information. Juliusz Machulski, later known for hits like "Sexmission" and "Kingsize" made his directorial debut with this film in 1981, and its retro 1930s atmosphere continues to entertain generations of viewers.
On the set of "Vabank," Juliusz Machulski initially wanted to cast Andrzej Łapicki, one of the most recognizable actors of the time, in one of the main roles. This idea was rejected – Jerzy Kawalerowicz believed that casting two distinguished men in the main roles would not be beneficial for the film. Ultimately, Witold Pyrkosz played the role of the Dane.
Not only was the cast different – initially, Juliusz Machulski wanted the film to be directed by someone else: Janusz Majewski, a renowned director of historical dramas and films. However, he had to decline due to a different project.
Although the story is set in 1934, some shots reveal elements from a completely different era.
- The cameraman's reflection in the mirror,
- Modern apartment buildings in the background of a street scene,
- The Shell company logo, which was introduced in 1961,
- VM-40 gas masks, which went into production six years after 1934.
Such film "mistakes" amuse viewers today and demonstrate how a film set can play tricks.
The main character of Henryk Kwinta was inspired by a real pre-war pickpocket and burglar, Stanisław Cichocki, codename "Szpicbródka." The film even uses the idea of a small metal plate to neutralize alarms—a similar method is attributed to a famous thief from that era.
Although the story takes place in Warsaw, the film was shot in several locations across Poland, including Łódź, Piotrków Trybunalski, and Łęczyca. It's in these cities that you can find elements of the retro atmosphere we see on screen.
