Varieté

Before shooting Hans Richter’s early sound film study Alles dreht sich, alles bewegt sich! (1929) about the tumult at a Berlin circus, cinematographer Karl Freund had already soared up into the dizzying heights of a big top with his unbounded camerawork in 1925. From right up there, the salto mortale performed every night at the Berlin Wintergarten by trapeze artist Artinelli together with Huller (Emil Jannings) and Berta-Marie (Lya de Putti) becomes very tangible. It turns out to be an act of life and death once Huller discovers that the sophisticated Artinelli has cast more than just a glance at his tempting partner. (mg)