The Devil's Circus Explained

The Devil's Circus
Director:Benjamin Christensen
Starring:Norma Shearer
Charles Emmett Mack
Cinematography:Ben F. Reynolds
Editing:Ben Lewis
Distributor:Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Runtime:70 minutes
Country:United States
Language:Silent (English intertitles)

The Devil's Circus is a 1926 American silent drama film directed by Danish director Benjamin Christensen, based upon his screenplay. The film stars Norma Shearer and Charles Emmett Mack. It was the first of seven films directed by Christensen in the United States, and one of only four of those films that have not been lost. The film involves a young female trapeze artist who is in love with a pickpocket.

The film's sets were designed by the art director James Basevi.

Plot

As described in a film magazine review, Mary, a young country woman, is befriended by Carl, a pickpocket. She obtains employment in a circus. Carl is arrested for robbery but promises Mary to go straight thereafter. Hugo, a lion-tamer who is infatuated with Mary, assaults her. Jealousy impels Yonna, Hugo's mistress, to tamper with the ropes while Mary is doing her trapeze act. She falls among the enraged lions and is crippled. War breaks out, and many circus men leave to serve in the military. When peace comes, Carl searches and finds Mary. He goes to kill Hugo, but, after discovering that he is blind, he relents. Carl and Mary face a happy future together.

Cast

Reception

From users of IMDb, the film has received a score of 6.8 out 10 from 62 votes.

Preservation status

Thought to have been lost,[1] a print of The Devil's Circus was rediscovered and has been preserved by the George Eastman Museum.[2] Funding for the film's restoration was provided by The Film Foundation.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Museum of Modern Art press release/book review of Lost Films . . August 24, 1970 . May 19, 2015.
  2. Web site: Archival Film Prints Available From George Eastman House . George Eastman House (eastmanhouse.org) . May 19, 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150923232632/http://www.eastmanhouse.org/media/pdf/archival.film.list.pdf . September 23, 2015 .