"Man on a Tightrope", the 1953 film directed by Elia Kazan surprises for the way the director working overseas, mainly in Austria and Germany, was able to capture the atmosphere of the Cold War during the years after WWII. Based on a Neil Paterson story, "International Incident", it was adapted for the screen by Robert Sherwood. Unfortunately, this picture is not seen often enough these days, but it is worth a view by fans of Elia Kazan because it shows him at the top of his form.
We are taken to the Cernik Circus, a third rate enterprise, whose owner, Karel Cernik is planning an escape to the West from a an Iron Curtain country, in this case, Czechoslovakia. It was no easy task to try to flee any of those countries during that time. With great resolution Karel plans the way to do it, not without a lot of things that get in the way of the escape.
Frederick March, one of the best actors of that period, plays the older Cernik with great conviction. Gloria Grahame is his flighty wife, who at the end recognizes the courage of a husband she didn't seem to care for. A young Terry Moore is Tereza in love with Joe Vosdek, played by Cameron Mitchell. Richard Boone has an excellent opportunity in which to shine.
"Man on a Tightrope" should be seen by serious fans of the great director Elia Kazan, as it will reward the viewer.
We are taken to the Cernik Circus, a third rate enterprise, whose owner, Karel Cernik is planning an escape to the West from a an Iron Curtain country, in this case, Czechoslovakia. It was no easy task to try to flee any of those countries during that time. With great resolution Karel plans the way to do it, not without a lot of things that get in the way of the escape.
Frederick March, one of the best actors of that period, plays the older Cernik with great conviction. Gloria Grahame is his flighty wife, who at the end recognizes the courage of a husband she didn't seem to care for. A young Terry Moore is Tereza in love with Joe Vosdek, played by Cameron Mitchell. Richard Boone has an excellent opportunity in which to shine.
"Man on a Tightrope" should be seen by serious fans of the great director Elia Kazan, as it will reward the viewer.