"Ketten beszélnek: tárcák, rajzok" by Ferenc Molnár is a collection of literary sketches written in the early 20th century. The book delves into various themes of relationships, emotions, and social observations through dialogue-driven stories, illustrating the complexities of human interaction. Central characters include a husband and wife whose conversations reveal their insights and struggles within their marriage. At the start of the collection, we witness an intimate dialogue between a husband and wife seated by the Danube on a sunny April day. The wife reflects on the various aspects of their life together, recognizing that the harmony and predictability she once provided have begun to bore her husband. What follows is a clever interplay of thought and emotion, as she devises a playful scheme to rekindle his interest, which leads to him developing a newfound excitement for her presence, revealing deeper truths about their relationship dynamics. This engaging conversation sets the tone for an exploration of the intricacies of love, desire, and the search for novelty in long-term partnerships.

Ferenc Molnár

A farkas : $b Vigjáték három felvonásban

"A farkas: Vigjáték három felvonásban" by Ferenc Molnár is a play written in the early 20th century, specifically in the year 1912. The story revolves around the complex relationship between Dr. Kelemen and his wife, Vilma, alongside an array of characters that includes military officers and other townsfolk. Themes of jealousy, suspicion, and social dynamics in a setting that appears to be a Budapest eatery form the backdrop of the narrative. The opening of the play introduces the characters Zágon and Mikhál, who engage in a lighthearted conversation about beautiful women while at a restaurant, as the stage is set for an evening filled with tension and intrigue. The story quickly transitions to Dr. Kelemen and Vilma, showcasing their tumultuous relationship marked by Kelemen's insecurity and jealousy regarding Vilma's interactions with men, particularly military officers. The dialogue reveals their marital strife, with emotions escalating as Kelemen's suspicions lead to a confrontation. The scene sets a vivid atmosphere, establishing the conflict and drawing the audience into the challenges faced by the couple against the societal backdrop of early 20th-century Hungary.

Ferenc Molnár

Játék a kastélyban : $b Anekdota három felvonásban

"Játék a kastélyban: Anekdota három felvonásban" by Ferenc Molnár is a play likely written in the early 20th century. This theatrical work unfolds in an elegant seaside castle on the Italian coast and centers around characters who are intertwined in the workings of love, ambition, and drama, revolving around the young composer Ádám and his complicated relationship with the primadonna Annie, as well as the seasoned playwrights Turai and Gál who find themselves caught in the web of secrets and aspirations. The opening portion introduces us to a stylish guest room filled with conversation among three men dressed in tuxedos—Turai, Gál, and Ádám—as they discuss the intricacies of starting a play and the challenges of introducing characters to an audience. Their contemplation is interrupted by references to Annie, who appears to hold significant influence over them, especially over the young composer who admits to being in love with her. As the conversation develops, it becomes evident that there are underlying complexities involving jealousy, creativity, and the night’s hidden surprises that simmer just beneath the surface, setting the stage for the unfolding drama and the ensuing interactions with Almády, Annie’s past lover, and the potential consequences of their entangled relationships.

Zsigmond Móricz

Szerelem (1. kötet) : $b Móricz Zsigmond egyfelvonásosai

"Szerelem (1. kötet): Móricz Zsigmond egyfelvonásosai" by Zsigmond Móricz is a collection of one-act plays written in the early 20th century. This book presents a vivid portrayal of rural Hungarian life and relationships, focusing on themes of love, societal expectations, and the dynamics of domestic life. Through humor and drama, Móricz explores the emotional complexities within personal interactions against a backdrop of traditional village culture. The collection includes three one-act plays: "Dufla Pofon," "Kvitt," and "A Zördög," each showcasing different facets of love and relationships. In "Dufla Pofon," a newlywed couple navigates the chaos of their wedding night, highlighting misunderstandings and the comedic aspects of marital expectations. "Kvitt" delves into the interactions between a couple as they discuss practicalities related to a cow, revealing underlying tensions and desires. Finally, "A Zördög" brings the myths and humor of rural life together, where themes of fidelity and deception are explored through conversations between characters. Overall, Móricz's work combines wit and poignancy, offering readers an entertaining yet insightful glimpse into the human condition.

Lajos Biró

A rablólovag: Szinjáték három felvonásban

"A Rablólovag: Szinjáték három felvonásban" by Lajos Biró is a theatrical play written in the early 20th century. The story appears to revolve around the conflicts and intrigues within an aristocratic family, with a focus on themes of social class, personal ambition, and romantic entanglements. Characters such as Ferenc gróf and Anna are introduced, suggesting a narrative rich with relationships that may challenge societal norms. The opening of the play establishes a scene in a modestly furnished castle, where characters engage in conversations over coffee and cigars after a meal. Tensions surface around the delay of other guests and discussions about local issues, including farming and theft, revealing underlying social tensions. The dialogue hints at deeper personal dynamics, particularly through Kürt, who offers provocative views on the value of labor and theft, and suggests a broader critique of societal structures. As relationships become interconnected, particularly involving Anna and the older Ferenc gróf's intentions, the stage is set for exploration of themes around loyalty, morality, and desire within the aristocracy.

Ernő Szép

Az egyszeri királyfi : $b Mese 9 képben, 3 felvonásban

"Az egyszeri királyfi: Mese 9 képben, 3 felvonásban" by Ernő Szép is a theatrical piece likely written in the early 20th century. This work combines elements of folktale and fantasy, revolving around themes of life, death, and the nature of existence. The story mainly follows a young prince who grapples with the concept of mortality while embarking on an adventurous search for a mythical land where death holds no power. The opening of the story sets a serene yet contemplative atmosphere with young shepherd boys gathered at a fire on the vast plains of Hortobágy. They engage in playful banter, storytelling, and deep philosophical musings about stars and the nature of life and death. The scene shifts to the prince in his chamber, consumed by melancholy thoughts of mortality, which lead him to contemplate leaving his home in search of an extraordinary realm where one can escape the inevitability of death. As the tale unfolds, the prince finds himself not only grappling with this heavy theme but also coming into contact with a mystical princess, further deepening the exploration of love and life’s fleeting nature.

Andor Gábor

Ciklámen : $b Szinjáték 3 felvonásban

"Ciklámen: Szinjáték 3 felvonásban" by Gábor Andor is a theatrical play written in the early 20th century. The story appears to unfold in Budapest and revolves around the lives of artists and their social dynamics, particularly focusing on themes of love, relationships, and the complexities of fame. The characters introduced include Magda, a prominent actress, and her interactions with other figures, notably Lehotai, who seems to be entangled in a love affair with another woman. The opening of the play sets a lively scene in Magda's salon, where various servants are bustling about preparing for a dinner. The dialogue among them reveals a sense of camaraderie and rivalry, suggesting that the world of theater is filled with intrigue and complicated relationships. As the characters converse, hints of deeper issues emerge regarding Magda's life as an actress and her complicated relationship with her peers, particularly relating to her position and romantic entanglements. This rich dialogue sets the stage for a deeper exploration of personal conflicts, societal expectations, and the challenges faced by those in the theatrical world.

Recently surfaced classics

Az ördög : $b Vígjáték három felvonásban A vörös malom : $b Színjáték két részben, 26 képben A hattyú : $b Vígjáték három felvonásban Szinház : $b Három egyfelvonásos A jó tündér : $b Vígjáték három felvonásban, utójátékkal Ketten beszélnek : $b (Tárczák, rajzok)A farkas : $b Vigjáték három felvonásban Játék a kastélyban : $b Anekdota három felvonásban