Lajos Zilahy, Hungarian novelist and playwright (d. 1974)

The Enduring Legacy of Lajos Zilahy: A Hungarian Literary and Cinematic Visionary

Lajos Zilahy, a towering figure in Hungarian literature and film, was born on March 27, 1891, in Nagyszalonta, a town then part of Austria-Hungary and now known as Salonta, Romania. His early life saw him delve into legal studies at the prestigious University of Budapest, a path that was dramatically altered by the advent of the First World War. Zilahy's wartime service in the Austro-Hungarian army exposed him to the brutal realities of combat on the Eastern Front, where he sustained injuries. This deeply personal and harrowing experience profoundly shaped his perspective and later served as the powerful inspiration for his acclaimed and bestselling novel, Two Prisoners (Két fogoly), a work that masterfully captured the human cost of conflict and resonated with a wide audience.

A Multifaceted Career: From Novelist to Filmmaker

Zilahy's creative genius was not confined to the written word; he also made significant contributions to the burgeoning world of film. His 1928 novel, Something Is Drifting on the Water (Valamit visz a víz), proved to be exceptionally compelling, inspiring two distinct film adaptations. Similarly, his play The General found cinematic life twice, first as The Virtuous Sin in 1930 and then as The Rebel in 1931, showcasing his versatility across different artistic mediums. During the turbulent period between 1940 and 1944, Zilahy undertook the important role of editor for Híd (The Bridge), a prominent art periodical of the era, further cementing his influence in the cultural landscape. A man of strong convictions, Zilahy openly voiced his opposition to both fascism and communism, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to humanitarian principles.

Philanthropy and Continued Cinematic Endeavors

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep dedication to the arts, Zilahy established his own film studio, Pegazus, in 1939. Operating until the close of 1943, Pegazus was responsible for producing various motion pictures, with Zilahy himself stepping into the director's chair for several projects, bringing his unique storytelling vision to the screen. However, his artistic endeavors were not without challenges; his play Fatornyok (meaning "Wooden Towers") was controversially banned in 1944, a stark reflection of the volatile political climate of the time. In a remarkable act of philanthropy during the early 1940s, Lajos Zilahy generously donated all his personal assets to the government treasury. His profound intention was for these funds to be utilized in educating youth about world peace, a noble vision that ultimately led to the establishment of the Kitűnőek Iskolája (School of the Excellent). His involvement in film continued when he personally penned the screenplay and co-directed a 1943 Hungarian production with Gusztáv Oláh, released internationally under the English title Something Is in the Water. Many years later, his novel received another screen adaptation by a Czechoslovak team. The 1969 film, titled Desire Called Anada (known as Touha zvaná Anada in Czech and Túžba zvaná Anada in Slovak, and Adrift in English), featured a diverse international cast and was directed by Ján Kadár and Elmar Klos, filmed on location along the majestic Danube in Slovakia.

Political Stance, Exile, and a Lasting Literary Legacy

Beyond his prolific creative output, Zilahy held the esteemed position of Secretary General of Hungarian PEN. Yet, his deeply held liberal views consistently placed him at odds with the prevailing political powers – first clashing with the right-wing Horthy regime and subsequently facing significant challenges from the post-war Communist government. These escalating political pressures ultimately compelled Lajos Zilahy to leave Hungary in 1947. He spent the remainder of his life in self-imposed exile in the United States, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to his writing. It was during this period that he completed his monumental work, A Dukay család (The Dukay Family), a compelling trilogy of novels comprising Century in Scarlet, The Dukays, and The Angry Angel. This epic saga meticulously chronicled the intricate history of a fictitious Hungarian aristocratic family, tracing their journey from the Napoleonic era through to the mid-twentieth century, offering a rich tapestry of Hungarian social and political life. Lajos Zilahy passed away on December 1, 1974, in Novi Sad, Serbia, which was then a part of Yugoslavia.

His literary contributions have enjoyed extensive international acclaim, evidenced by the numerous translations of his works into a multitude of languages. His novels have reached readers in Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Polish, Rumanian, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish (where they were particularly popular and widely translated), Swedish, and Turkish. His plays have also been translated into German, Italian, and Spanish, demonstrating their universal appeal. Furthermore, an entire collection of his short stories is available in Spanish, with individual short stories seeing translations into Bulgarian, Croatian, English, Estonian, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Spanish, and Swedish. Even some of his poems have found their way into German translation, solidifying his enduring global literary footprint and ensuring his stories continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lajos Zilahy

Who was Lajos Zilahy?

Lajos Zilahy (1891–1974) was a celebrated Hungarian novelist, playwright, and filmmaker. He is renowned for his literary works, his involvement in the film industry, and his principled stand against various political regimes.

When and where was Lajos Zilahy born and when did he die?

He was born on March 27, 1891, in Nagyszalonta, Austria-Hungary (now Salonta, Romania), and passed away on December 1, 1974, in Novi Sad, Serbia, then part of Yugoslavia.

What was his experience in World War I?

Zilahy served in the Austro-Hungarian army during World War I and was wounded on the Eastern Front. This profound experience later inspired his bestselling novel, Two Prisoners (Két fogoly).

What are some of his most famous literary works?

His bestselling novel Two Prisoners (Két fogoly) is highly acclaimed. During his exile, he completed the significant trilogy A Dukay család, comprising Century in Scarlet, The Dukays, and The Angry Angel, which chronicled a fictitious Hungarian aristocratic family.

Was he involved in the film industry?

Yes, Lajos Zilahy was very active in film. His novels and plays were adapted into movies multiple times, and he also established his own film studio, Pegazus, directing some of its productions. He even wrote and co-directed the 1943 film Something Is in the Water.

Why did Lajos Zilahy leave Hungary?

His liberal views put him at odds with both the right-wing Horthy regime and the post-war Communist government in Hungary. Due to these political conflicts, he left the country in 1947.

Where did he spend his exile?

He spent the remainder of his life in exile in the United States, where he continued his prolific writing career.

How widely were his works translated?

His novels were translated into over a dozen languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, and Japanese, among many others. His plays, short stories, and even some poems also saw significant international translation, highlighting his global literary impact.