‎Pamětní deska Hliníkovi

Hliník's Memorial Plaque (Czech: Pamětní deska Hliníkovi) is one of the most photographed "monuments" in Humpolec – a small plaque set in Stromovka Park, below Dolní náměstí, honoring a fictional character from a beloved Czech comedy who never once appeared on screen.

Who is Hliník?

Hliník is a character from the film "Marečku, podejte mi pero!" (1976, "Marecek, Pass Me the Pen!"), directed by Ladislav Smoljak from a screenplay he co-wrote with Zdeněk Svěrák. Hliník is a student at an evening school for working adults who never actually shows up to class. Every time the teacher takes attendance and reaches his name, a classmate, student Mužík (played by actor Zdeněk Srstka), delivers the same stock reply: "Hliník se odstěhoval do Humpolce!" ("Hliník has moved to Humpolec!"). That repeated line became one of the most quoted phrases in Czech cinema. Svěrák himself later said the character was inspired by a real classmate from his grammar-school days named Oliverius, who reportedly also "moved away" and was never actually seen by his peers.

Why does the plaque stand in Humpolec?

Since the film's Hliník supposedly settled in Humpolec, the town decided to embrace this fictional character as one of its own. In 2002, a memorial plaque was unveiled in Stromovka Park bearing the inscription: "Svému nejslavnějšímu přistěhovalci Hliníkovi vděční spoluobčané" ("To our most famous immigrant Hliník, from grateful fellow citizens"). The unveiling was attended by the film's screenwriters, Zdeněk Svěrák and Ladislav Smoljak, as well as by Zdeněk Srstka, the actor who played Mužík – the only character in the film who ever actually spoke about Hliník.

What else can visitors find near the plaque?

Next to the plaque grows a small tree nicknamed "Hujerova švestička" (Hujer's plum tree), a nod to another character from the same film. Nearby, the town's tourist information center hosts a tongue-in-cheek exhibition called Hliníkárium, entirely dedicated to this fictional character and the cult following it has attracted among fans of the movie. Despite its modest size, the plaque is considered the most visited and most photographed "monument" in all of Humpolec.

Is it worth a visit?

This is a tongue-in-cheek stop rather than a historical landmark – there's no grand architecture or documented history here, just a slice of Czech humor and film pop culture that has become part of the town's identity. For fans of Czech cinema, especially the work of Smoljak and Svěrák, it's a small but essential detour on a walk through Humpolec – quick, free, and an easy walk from the town center.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Hliník? A fictional evening-school student from the 1976 film "Marečku, podejte mi pero!" who never appears on screen – the film only repeats the joke that he "moved to Humpolec."

Where is the plaque located? In Stromovka Park in Humpolec, below Dolní náměstí.

When was the plaque unveiled? In 2002, with the film's screenwriters Zdeněk Svěrák and Ladislav Smoljak, and actor Zdeněk Srstka, in attendance.

What does the plaque say? "Svému nejslavnějšímu přistěhovalci Hliníkovi vděční spoluobčané" – "To our most famous immigrant Hliník, from grateful fellow citizens."

What is the Hliníkárium? A humorous exhibition at Humpolec's tourist information center dedicated to the Hliník character and the cult phenomenon around the film's famous line.