Dämon Zirkus (1923)

Demon Circus—that is the world of high-wire performers, large and dangerous animals, and breathtaking stunts. It is not a world for people with weak nerves or great fears. Henri Berlot thinks so too. He has rehearsed a life-threatening trapeze act high above the ring and fears that one day his wife, Lilly, might fall victim to it. But, out of love for her husband, she is willing to take the risk and soar through the air with him. What is bound to happen does: the Demon Circus exacts its price, and Lilly plunges to the ground because Henri’s nerves fail him. Her body is shattered. This marks the beginning of his own “downfall”: Henri lets himself go, starts gambling, and drinks without restraint. Only the existence of his young daughter prevents a full-blown tragedy. But she, who over the years has become the very image of her mother, also wants to reach for the heights and accomplish what her mother failed to do. Henri, by now demoted to circus attendant and stable hand, one day watches in great fear as his daughter swings back and forth high in the air. This time, at the last moment, he manages to do what he once failed to do for his wife: save her from falling. This heroic act brings him back to life and bonds father and daughter together.