Circus (1936 film)

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and witness the greatest show on screen - "Circus", the 1936 Soviet melodramatic comedy musical film directed by the talented Grigori Aleksandrov and Isidor Simkov at the Mosfilm studios. This film is a real crowd-pleaser, with its unique blend of humor, romance, and heartwarming drama, all set against the backdrop of a traveling circus troupe.

Starring the vivacious and alluring Lyubov Orlova, the film became an instant classic and launched Orlova into stardom as the first recognized star of Soviet cinema. With her impressive vocal range, Orlova brought to life several iconic songs, but none more than the beloved "Song of the Motherland," which instantly became a Soviet classic.

But the story of "Circus" is not just about Orlova's stunning performance. The film was based on a comedy written by the legendary Ilf and Petrov, and Valentin Kataev performed by the Moscow music hall "Under the Circus Dome". The comedic genius of these writers is evident in the film's eccentric and witty script, which tells the story of a handsome and charming American circus performer named Marion Dixon, played by James Patterson, who falls in love with a beautiful and talented Soviet trapeze artist named Tanya, played by Orlova.

Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of a circus troupe traveling across the vast expanse of the Soviet Union, showcasing breathtaking stunts and daring performances that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The film is a masterclass in cinematography, with Vladimir Nilsky and Boris Petrov capturing the raw energy and excitement of the circus performances, transporting the viewer right into the heart of the action.

But behind the glitz and glamour of the circus, "Circus" also has a deeper message. The film highlights the universal human desire for love and belonging, as Marion and Tanya navigate their different cultures and backgrounds to find a way to be together. This touching storyline is further emphasized by the beautiful and emotional score by Isaak Dunayevsky, which perfectly complements the film's themes of love and unity.

The making of "Circus" was not without its share of drama, with Ilf and Petrov disliking the director's interpretation of their work, leading to a conflict and their eventual abandonment of the project. However, this did not stop Aleksandrov and Simkov from creating a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences to this day.

In conclusion, "Circus" is a cinematic masterpiece that is a must-see for all lovers of film. It is a timeless tale of love, unity, and the power of the human spirit that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and let yourself be transported into the magical world of the circus with "Circus," a film that will have you laughing, crying, and cheering in equal measure.

Plot

Get ready to step right up and witness the heart-wrenching tale of "Circus" - a 1936 film that pulls at the strings of love, courage, and the will to survive. The story follows Marion Dixon, a skilled American circus artist who is forced to flee her hometown after giving birth to a black baby, played by the adorable James Lloydovich Patterson. In her search for refuge, Dixon finds love and happiness in the Soviet Union, but not without facing some harrowing challenges.

Dixon's story begins with her escaping from a lynch mob in a small American town, leaving behind the fate of the baby's father to our imagination. Soon after, she is taken under the wing of a sinister German theatrical agent named Franz von Kneishitz. Sporting a mustache and mannerisms that resemble those of Adolf Hitler, Kneishitz blackmails Dixon into becoming his lover while exploiting her talents for his benefit. In one brutal scene, he savagely beats her, leaving her emotionally broken and desperate for any way out.

Despite her hardship, Dixon's love for her son Jimmy keeps her alive, and when she plays as a guest performer in Moscow, she is portrayed as spiritually shattered. Here, the plot thickens as we meet the fiery circus director Ludvig and his daughter Rayechka, who has a tempestuous relationship with her boyfriend Skameikin. Dixon is attracted to Arctic explorer Ivan Petrovich Martynov, whom Ludvig hires to design a new circus act that can top Dixon's "Trip to the Moon" performance. As Dixon and Martynov fall in love, Kneishitz's rage is ignited, causing chaos within the circus.

Amidst this romantic turmoil, Kneishitz intercepts a love letter that Dixon meant for Martynov and gives it to Skameikin, leading to a disastrous chain of events. To escape Rayechka's anger, Skameikin accidentally runs into a lion's cage and has to calm the lions with a bouquet of flowers. When Martynov doesn't respond to her love letter, Dixon almost leaves Moscow with Kneishitz, but Rayechka learns the truth and helps Dixon escape. Martynov and Dixon arrive late to the circus, forcing Ludvig to perform the top act of 1903, the 'chudo tekhniki' ("miracle of technology"), to keep the audience entertained. Finally, Martynov and Dixon perform their "Trip to the Stratosphere" act together, which is interrupted by Kneishitz, who tries to reveal Dixon's secret to the audience.

Here, we witness a turning point in the film as the audience unites against Kneishitz's hate-filled words, laughing at him as he delivers a Hitler-like rant about Dixon's black son. Ludvig steps in, declaring that Soviet peoples don't care about racial purity or race at all, and the audience embraces Dixon's son, Jimmy. As Kneishitz tries to seize Jimmy, a group of burly Red Army soldiers in the audience block him, and the film culminates in a beautiful lullaby being sung to Jimmy by representatives of various Soviet ethnicities.

The lyrics of the lullaby are sung in Russian, Ukrainian, Yiddish, Uzbek, and Georgian, declaring that a hundred paths and doorways are open to him. Dixon and Martynov declare their love for each other, while Rayechka and Shameikin become engaged. The film ends with Rayechka and Dixon marching together in the annual May Day parade under banners depicting the faces of Lenin and Stalin. A large part of the parade footage used in the film was taken from the actual May Day parade of 1935.

In 2011

Cast

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, to witness a spectacle unlike any other - the 1936 film "Circus." This cinematic masterpiece is a dazzling display of acrobatics, drama, and comedy that will leave you breathless and wanting more.

At the center of this amazing circus is the captivating Lyubov Orlova, who plays Marion Dixon, an American actress and circus artist. Her breathtaking performances on the high wire and trapeze are matched only by her stunning beauty and irresistible charm. Her name is even a tribute to the legendary Marlene Dietrich, adding an extra layer of glamour and intrigue to her character.

Opposite Marion is James Patterson as Jimmy, her adorable baby. His innocence and wonder add a touch of sweetness to the film, while also serving as a reminder of the sacrifices that artists must make for their craft.

Sergei Stolyarov shines as Ivan Petrovich Martynov, the Soviet performance director whose vision and passion drive the circus to greatness. His artistic vision is in sharp contrast to Pavel Massalsky's Franz von Kneisсhitz, a corrupt theatrical agent who sees the circus as nothing more than a way to make a quick buck.

But it's not just the main cast that steals the show. Vladimir Volodin brings a powerful presence as Ludvig Osipovich, the Soviet circus director, while Yevgeniya Melnikova adds a touch of youthful energy as Rayechka, the director's daughter.

Even legendary silent film star Charlie Chaplin makes an appearance, played by Nikolai Otto. And let's not forget Coretti Arle-Titz as Jimmy's nanny and Solomon Mikhoels as the soulful lullaby singer, whose haunting melodies will stay with you long after the credits roll.

All of these incredible performers come together to create a film that is both thrilling and heartwarming, funny and touching. It's a testament to the power of the human spirit and the magic of the circus.

So step right up, my friends, and experience the wonder of "Circus." It's a show you won't want to miss.

Production and aftermath

In the world of cinema, The Circus (1936 film) remains a hallmark of Soviet-era filmmaking, having garnered tremendous commercial success and critical acclaim upon its release. Directed by Grigori Aleksandrov, the movie was notable for being the last film watched by Joseph Stalin before his death. However, the movie's legacy and its impact on Soviet cinema were not the only fascinating aspects of its production and aftermath.

Two weeks after its release, The Circus was viewed by 1 million people in Moscow alone, making it the most commercially successful Soviet film ever made. The film tells the story of an American circus performer who falls in love with a Russian horse rider while performing in Moscow. It's a story that resonated with audiences, who saw it as an attempt to promote reconciliation and harmony between the Soviet Union and the United States.

However, the movie's message was complicated by the political context of the time. The murder of Solomon Mikhoels in 1948, an actor in the film and an important cultural figure in the Soviet Union, was perceived as a failed message about the danger of chauvinism and anti-Semitism. Some scholars have suggested that the scene in The Circus, intended to show that the Soviet people were devoid of racial prejudices, was an attack against America and propaganda. Still, Aleksandrov likely called for reconciliation, hoping to awaken his audience's conscience in the face of the political turmoil of the time.

In 1953, verses from a lullaby sung in Yiddish were removed from the film. They had been performed by Mikhoels, and their removal was likely a reflection of Stalin's anti-Semitic policies. However, after Stalin's death, the verses were restored.

The production of The Circus also featured some noteworthy events. For example, the well-known animal trainer Boris Eder substituted for Aleksandr Komissarov in Skameikin's flower fight with the lions. Additionally, the "Flight to the Moon" stunt was coordinated and performed by three Kharkiv inventors, and the extreme sports athlete Vera Buslaeva substituted for Lyubov Orlova for the cameras.

Another interesting fact is that the movie includes an in-joke about Mikhail Lermontov's death, which was officially revised in the 1930s as a planned political murder ordered by the secret police. The film also featured an American Catholic protagonist and was released one month before the 1936 anti-abortion law. After the law was passed, Americans and America disappeared from Soviet cinema. Lyubov Orlova, who played the lead in the film, had to participate in the anti-abortion law promotion campaign.

In conclusion, The Circus (1936 film) is a fascinating film with a complex production history and aftermath. It remains an important part of Soviet cinema, having been watched by millions of people and inspiring many filmmakers. Despite its complicated legacy, the film continues to be celebrated for its innovative storytelling, technical excellence, and its powerful message of reconciliation and harmony.