TRAPEZE (Theatrical Release USA 1956)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.5|5.0 Starsììì 

Trapeze presents an interesting view of circus life, dreams of performers, interpersonal relationships, and the work effort necessary to provide entertainment for the circus-going audience. The movie is fast paced and has a solid storyline, but it is dated and shows its strong ties to the 1950s movie presentation style. Because of its stylistic presentation, it can be a bit boring at times and a little hard to follow. It requires some thought at its conclusion as one trapeze artist has such a different outcome than the other two artists. A better circus film is Charlton Heston’s film, The Greatest Show on Earth.

 Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Storyline 

A movie that explores the circus world, circus world romance, and moving careers forward in the circus world. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Carol Reed for directing effort. Thank you to Producer James Hill for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Mike Ribble (Burt Lancaster), Tino Orsini (Tony Curtis), Lola (Gina Lollobrigida), Rosa (Katy Jurado), Bouglione (Thomas Gomez), Max (Johnny Puleo), John Ringling North (Minor Watson), Chikki (Gerard Landry), Otto (Jean-Pierre Kerien), Harry the Snake Charmer (Sid James), and Stefan (Gamil Ratib). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

No. While it was a good box earner both in America and Britain in the 1950s, the movie presentation is locked into the 1950s style to the point that it does not survive the advance of time to provide that classic view that never fades away. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers