"Man on A Tightrope", directed by Elia Kazan, is one of those films easily lost to the ravages of time. But, thanks to modern technology it was restored beautifully.
Although based on a short novel, the story is indicative of the fate of so many private enterprises which fell victim to collectivism when the Soviet Union took control of Eastern Europe after World War Two ended. The the film industries there needed a "jump start". Many Western stars made films overseas to help in that endeavor. (Paul Muni in Italy and Peter Lorre in Germany are two of the more notable stars who did just that.)
What makes this film so special is that it is based on a true story of a Czechoslovakian, Karel Cerník, who struggles to keep his beloved Cirkus Cerník together, which belonged to his family before and even during the war.
He is fiercely devoted to artistic freedom, as well as his performers, at a time when even the simple antics of his clowns are being scrutinized for hidden political meanings. His problem is how to leave the Russian occupation, and get across the border to the West, with his circus intact. To that end he devises an ingenious, yet simple, plan. The film has a lethargic feel to it which mirrors those hopeless years. And that's what provides the contrast and the joy of Cernik's sucess. Light illuminates darkness.
Starring Fredric March, Gloria Greene and Terry Moore, the film is a testament to what people will do in order to live free. Richard Boone, Cameron Mitchell and Adolphe Menjou also put in great performances. The film was a contender at the 3rd Berlin Film Festival in 1953.
