Friday | August 7, 2009 9:30 pm

Man on a Tightrope

Screening on Film

Directed by Elia Kazan.
With Frederic March, Terry Moore, Gloria Grahame.
US, 1953, 35mm, black & white, 105 min.
Print source: Criterion USA

The last of Kazan's studio assignments, and perhaps his least known film, the anti-Communist thriller Man on a Tightrope was offered by Zanuck as a means for Kazan to establish his credentials as a "rehabilitated" director immediately following his outspokenness with HUAC. Based on the true story of a Czech circus troupe's daring attempt to escape to the West, the film is energized by Kazan's extensive location shooting in Eastern Europe, the casting of members from the real life troupe, and a steely performance by Frederic March as the harried circus leader dreaming of a better life.