The film Lemonade Joe - a Horse Opera released in 1964 may be more than half a century old, but the witty humor and compelling performances remain as entertaining as ever. The parody is based on the book by Jiří Brdečka and was brought to life on the silver screen by director Oldřich Lipský. In the leading role, Karel Fiala gives an unforgettable performance as the epitome of morality. Upon the occassion of his 90th birthday, which he will celebrate on August 3rd,the Czech Mint has prepared an exclusive issue of numbered gold commemorative medals.

For the majority of the film, Karel Fiala is riding the range in an elegant white cowboy suit, so it’s hard to believe that he first trained to be a chimney sweep in his native Ostrava. He soon left that trade and followed his singing ambitions at the State Conservatory in Prague. After graduating in 1952, he worked for two seasons at the National Theater and then for several decades was the tenor soloist at the  Karlín Musical Theater. He excelled in roles in operettas such as Rosemarie, My Fair Lady and the Merry Widow. During the fifties he also began to appear in films, performing the title role in the film adaptation of the opera Dalibor (1956). He also appeared in the fairy tale Dařbuján and Pandrhola (1959). However, it was not until Lemonade Joe that he became an idol in 1964. Interestingly enough, although an excellent singer himself, his singing parts in the film were recorded by a young Karel Gott,  just beginning his career.

The obverse of the pure gold medal bears the contemporary portrait of the actor and singer with the inscription Karel Fiala - 90 years. The reverse features a beautiful likeness of the artist in his blockbuster role with the inscription Lemonade Joe 1964. This exquisite numismatic achievement from the workshop of  outstanding medal maker MgA. Martin Dašek is not only an interesting investment opportunity, but also a beautiful celebration of our unique cinematic heritage and humor. These numbered medals are the perfect addition to any film buff’s collection!