Shadows of the Circus

1931

Overview

Nick, the "swing" man in a trapeze troupe, loves Greta Nelson, the girl in the act; and Tony, the "flyer," incurs his enmity as Greta seems to favor him; thus Nick fails to catch Tony, and Tony is killed. Ned Lee, a novice, reports for the next engagement. Meanwhile, Greta discovers that Nick purposely dropped Tony, and, frightened, she seeks refuge with Ned, with whom she falls in love. Greta remains with the act to protect Ned, and when the jealous Nick plots to kill him in a similar manner, Ned swings past him and hangs by his feet. After the show, a fight results in Nick's dismissal and the reunion of the lovers. Spanish language version to 1929's Halfway to Heaven.