Castle of Otranto

In present-day, Jaroslav Vozáb resolves to find where the story of The Castle of Otranto took place. He believes it may be based on a true location and begins researching ruins and lore. He travels to verify his hypothesis and maps connections between legends and real sites.

Vozáb discovers striking similarities between the ruins of Czech Castle Otrhany and the castle described in the novel. These parallels lead him to believe Otrhany is the real location that inspired the tale. The idea reinforces his conviction that the book's setting is grounded in history.

Miroslav Frýba, a television reporter, interviews Vozáb about his research. Vozáb explains the parallels between the ruin and the book’s narrative, outlining the key story elements they explore. The interview frames the film as a blend of fact and fiction.

The film presents a book-derived storyline through animation by Xenie Vavreckova. The sequence retells the novel’s events with vivid imagery and musical pacing. It establishes the medieval setting and introduces the central characters.

In the animated tale, Conrad is crushed by a giant helmet on his way to his wedding with Isabela. Manfred, devastated by the loss of his heir, resolves to marry Isabela himself. These events ignite the dark power dynamics around the castle.

Manfred pursues Isabela, who runs away in fear. A giant knight appears and stops Manfred, allowing Isabela to be saved by Theodore. This rescue marks a turning point for the romance and the conspiracy within the tale.

Manfred imprisons Theodore while Isabela seeks safety within the castle's maze of rooms and corridors. The power struggle intensifies as loyalties shift and love strains under tyranny.

A knight arrives to deliver Isabela, but Theodore is freed by Matilda, Manfred's daughter who loves him. This act deepens the triangle of loyalties and motivates further risk for all involved. Isabela remains hidden for the moment.

Theodore goes to find Isabela and encounters the knight guarding her. They duel over her affections, and Theodore wins. The knight is revealed to be Frederic, Isabela's father, complicating the family ties even further.

Frederic is healed at Otranto Castle while Theodore hides in a forest. The two men move behind the scenes, weighing alliances that could decide Isabela's fate. The tension overpowers the castle’s walls.

Manfred makes a deal with Frederic that they will marry each other’s daughters. Frederic tries to propose to Matilda but is stopped by the Giant Knight, causing him to rethink. He ultimately decides not to marry Matilda or surrender his daughter to Manfred.

Enraged, Manfred intends to kill Isabela but accidentally kills his own daughter, Matilda. The Giant Knight then ruins the castle and kills Manfred, ending his tyrannical scheme. Theodore and Isabela are seen together, hopeful for a future.

As Vozáb concludes his talk, Fryba questions the possibility of supernatural elements. Suddenly the castle shakes, stones fall, and a Giant Knight's hand is seen atop a tower, signaling that the mystery may persist beyond the film. The ending leaves the boundary between legend and reality deliberately blurred.