Barbara Brylska and Małgorzata Braunek, two prominent actresses in 1970s Poland, found themselves at the height of their careers, sought after by numerous directors. Their paths, though, were frequently enough intertwined with professional rivalry and personal tragedy.

The “Devil” and a Missed Chance

The film “Devil,” shot in 1971 but not released until 17 years later due to censorship, became an early flashpoint. Director Andrzej Żuławski initially intended for Małgorzata Braunek, his partner at the time, to play the lead role. However, due to pregnancy, she had to give up. Barbara Brylska stepped in as her replacement but she spent only a dozen or so hours on the set.

According to contemporary press reports, BrylskaS time on set was not without friction. Allegedly, she was not easy in cooperation, which is why the creator of the “devil” her “thanked her.” After paying her the initial installment, he purportedly promised to inform her of future recording dates, a promise he never fulfilled.

Legal Battles and Unpaid Dues

the role in “devil” was then offered to Małgorzata Braunek, further exacerbating the tension between the two actresses. This decision led to a legal dispute, with the justice system ultimately ordering the producers to make payment of all gazy (fees). As an inevitable result, the wife of andrzej Żuławski in connection with this she did not receive a zloty.

“Deluge” and a Rival’s Triumph

In 1974, Barbara Brylska was considered for the role of Oleńka Billewiczówna in Jerzy Hoffman’s adaptation of Henryk Sienkiewicz’s “Deluge.” She appeared in rehearsals and began preparations, including makeup tests. However, she was ultimately cut from several scenes in which she managed to play, and her place was taken by a long-time rival. This rival was, once again, Małgorzata Braunek.

Brylska viewed this as a significant blow and humiliation. She publicly suggested that braunek’s casting was due to non -professional relations with the director rather than talent or experiance. The two actresses subsequently avoided each other.

Tragedy Strikes: A Shared Loss

Despite their professional rivalry,a tragic event brought the families of Brylska and Braunek together in grief.Barbara Kosmal, Brylska’s daughter, and Xavery Żuławski, Braunek’s son, were friends who spent considerable time together. In 1993 there was a tragedy.

A car accident near Łódź claimed the life of Barbara Kosmal at the age of 20. He was managed by 21-year-old son of Małgorzata Braunek. He lost control of the vehicle,resulting in a crash that killed Kosmal instantly. Żuławski survived the accident.

I know that people are thinking about my attitude to Xawery, who on a straight path, without any circumstances threatening safety, caused an accident, killing my child. When he arrived at my house the same day, we fell into our arms, sobbing. I got to console him, realizing how terrible a burden for him woudl be a cruel sense of guilt, how arduous it would be to live with it
Barbara Brylska in the book “Barbara Brylska in the most difficult role.”