Trapeze (film)
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Trapeze is a 1956 American circus film directed by Carol Reed and starring Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis and Gina Lollobrigida, in her American film debut. The film is based on Max Catto's 1950 novel The Killing Frost, with an adapted screenplay written by Liam O'Brien.
Plot
Embittered trapeze aerialist and former star Mike Ribble needs a cane to walk, the result of a fall during a performance. Brash, inexperienced Tino Orsini wants Mike to train him to do the dangerous triple somersault. Mike, only the sixth man to complete the triple, brushes him off at first, but comes to believe that Tino is capable of matching his feat and starts teaching him. However, the manipulative Lola enamors Tino, convinced that he is a star in the making. Mike is pressured into adding her to the new act.
Tensions rise as Lola and Mike are attracted to each other, though Mike sees clearly how mercenary she is. A love triangle forms. When Tino finds out, he breaks up with Mike.
However, during a performance attended by circus VIP John Ringling North, Mike talks Tino into attempting the triple. Bouglione, the circus owner, tries to stop them by having the safety net taken down, but Tino goes ahead anyway and achieves the highly dangerous feat. A greatly impressed North immediately offers all three a job with his circus. Tino wants Mike back, but he leaves. Lola follows her heart (and Mike).
Cast
- Burt Lancaster as Mike Ribble
- Tony Curtis as Tino Orsini
- Gina Lollobrigida as Lola
- Katy Jurado as Rosa
- Thomas Gomez as Bouglione
- Johnny Puleo as Max
- Minor Watson as John Ringling North
- Gérard Landry as Chikki
- Jean-Pierre Kérien as Otto
- Sid James as Harry the Snake Charmer
- Gamil Ratib as Stefan
