The Devil's Circus (1926)
Drama | 15 February 1926
Director:
Benjamin ChristensenWriter:
Benjamin ChristensenCinematographer:
Ben ReynoldsProduction Company:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Corp.Referring to the picture as The Light Eternal, the 27 May 1925 Var announced the forthcoming feature to be written and directed by Benjamin Christensen for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (M-G-M). The film was later billed as one of the studios’ “Quality 52” releases for the coming season.
The 25 Jul 1925 Exhibitors Trade Review reported that the Danish director had nearly finished writing the scenario. However, the 3 Oct 1925 Exhibitors Trade Review indicated that Christensen had only recently completed the original story. Principal photography was expected to begin sometime that month. Two months later, the 5 Dec 1925 Motion Picture News announced the casting of Norma Shearer, and stated that production would begin in two weeks at M-G-M Studios in Culver City, CA.
Circus performer Ralph Fisher of the “Flying Fishers” had been hired, according to the 12 Dec 1925 Exhibitors Trade Review. Performers Lois de Lisle and Irene Grizzell from the Al G. Barnes Circus had also been recruited, as noted in the 26 Dec 1925 Motion Picture News.
An advertisement published in the 6 Jan 1926 FD reported the new title, The Devilkin. On 28 Jan 1926, FD announced a final title change to The Devil’s Circus which, according to the 6 Feb 1926 Motion Picture News, was picked by Louis B. Mayer. Actor Karl Dane was named amongst the cast, but he was not listed in reviews. Additionally, the 6 Feb 1926 Exhibitors Trade Review gave special mention to “Buddy” the dog.
The Devil's Circus was fully restored by ...
Referring to the picture as The Light Eternal, the 27 May 1925 Var announced the forthcoming feature to be written and directed by Benjamin Christensen for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (M-G-M). The film was later billed as one of the studios’ “Quality 52” releases for the coming season.
The 25 Jul 1925 Exhibitors Trade Review reported that the Danish director had nearly finished writing the scenario. However, the 3 Oct 1925 Exhibitors Trade Review indicated that Christensen had only recently completed the original story. Principal photography was expected to begin sometime that month. Two months later, the 5 Dec 1925 Motion Picture News announced the casting of Norma Shearer, and stated that production would begin in two weeks at M-G-M Studios in Culver City, CA.
Circus performer Ralph Fisher of the “Flying Fishers” had been hired, according to the 12 Dec 1925 Exhibitors Trade Review. Performers Lois de Lisle and Irene Grizzell from the Al G. Barnes Circus had also been recruited, as noted in the 26 Dec 1925 Motion Picture News.
An advertisement published in the 6 Jan 1926 FD reported the new title, The Devilkin. On 28 Jan 1926, FD announced a final title change to The Devil’s Circus which, according to the 6 Feb 1926 Motion Picture News, was picked by Louis B. Mayer. Actor Karl Dane was named amongst the cast, but he was not listed in reviews. Additionally, the 6 Feb 1926 Exhibitors Trade Review gave special mention to “Buddy” the dog.
The Devil's Circus was fully restored by The Film Foundation, an organization founded in 1990 by director Martin Scorsese.
The Light Eternal
Mary falls in love with Richard Carlstop, a handsome young pickpocket who takes the innocent young girl into his home and offers her his protection. Richard is then arrested and sent to jail. Desperate for money, Mary finds work with an aerial act that performs its most dangerous stunt over an open lioncage. Lieberkind, the lion tamer, becomes infatuated with Mary and crudely forces his attentions on her. Yonna, his mistress, becomes wild with jealousy and tampers with Mary's trapeze, causing her to fall and severely injure herself. Seven years pass. Richard is released from prison and becomes a shoemaker; he finds Mary, and they are married. Richard later learns about Lieberkind's treatment of Mary and goes after him in a homicidal rage, but his anger turns to pity when he discovers that, wounded in the war, Lieberkind has become a blind ...
Mary falls in love with Richard Carlstop, a handsome young pickpocket who takes the innocent young girl into his home and offers her his protection. Richard is then arrested and sent to jail. Desperate for money, Mary finds work with an aerial act that performs its most dangerous stunt over an open lioncage. Lieberkind, the lion tamer, becomes infatuated with Mary and crudely forces his attentions on her. Yonna, his mistress, becomes wild with jealousy and tampers with Mary's trapeze, causing her to fall and severely injure herself. Seven years pass. Richard is released from prison and becomes a shoemaker; he finds Mary, and they are married. Richard later learns about Lieberkind's treatment of Mary and goes after him in a homicidal rage, but his anger turns to pity when he discovers that, wounded in the war, Lieberkind has become a blind beggar.
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