In the centenary year of Ladislav Chudík, it's worth revisiting one of his atypical roles as Captain Dabač, a fiery, Jánošík-like soldier in the Slovak army. This film, directed by Palo Bielik, known for his notable domestic productions and keen eye for actors' potential, reportedly required persuasion to cast Chudík in the role. Captain Dabač depicts the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) in a vivid and critical light for its time. The protagonist, Dabač, isn't a communist but a pessimist grappling with personal turmoil—his wife's infidelity—alongside his historical responsibilities. He diverges from the advice of his Soviet comrades, indulges in heavy drinking, and often engages in solo confrontations. This is also the reason for his eventual demise. His death, seemingly "inevitable" in ideological terms, is portrayed in a mise-en-scène reminiscent of a noir gangster film, particularly in the setting of a back staircase. Similarly, Dabač' final confrontation, a canonical tavern shootout, evokes the atmosphere of a classic Western.