Real Pests! 1977

Real Pests is a light-hearted comedy about a widower Štebe, Bert Sotlar, who works as a bus driver and shares a bustling life in Ljubljana with his five lively sons and their elderly maid Rozi, Majda Potokar. The boys are full of energy and mischief, constantly pulling pranks on their neighbors and on Rozi, whose patience wears thin as they earn the nickname gadi — literally “pests” or “vipers.” After a particularly trying day, Rozi decides to act on her threat and heads back to the countryside, despite feeling a fondness for the family she has helped raise.

Rozi’s departure leaves a quiet void, but not for long. Rozi’s young niece Meri, Milada Kalezić, arrives in town and is invited to stay with Štebe until she can find work. Meri’s charm is evident, and while she initially can’t outdo Rozi at housekeeping, she quickly wins over the teenagers with ease and warmth. Her presence also catches the eye of Štebe’s coworker, Boris Cavazza, who becomes involved with her, and the budding connection hints at a larger change in the household dynamics. Yet Meri’s whereabouts every afternoon remain a mystery to most.

Štebe, who knows Rozi all too well, softly nudges her to return, recognizing that the family’s rhythm and affection are stronger with Rozi back in the mix. Meanwhile, a secret about Meri begins to surface: she has been learning to drive and has just passed the driving test, earning a position as a driver at the city’s transport company. This revelation shifts the tone of the story as Meri steps behind the wheel, and the group gathers to witness the moment. In the end, the whole family climbs aboard Meri’s bus, signaling a hopeful new chapter as they roll forward together.