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Trapeze (1956)

Rate: 8
Viewed: 6/24

Trape
6/24: Trapeze is better than either The Flame and the Arrow or The Crimson Pirate.

That's because it's the right avenue to show off Burt Lancaster's acrobatics background. I'm surprised to see Tony Curtis being game for it. Making most of the biggest break of his movie career hitherto, he did do some of the stunts, but neither star was allowed to perform the most dangerous ones, most especially the triple somersault. It's funny that Tony Curtis was a lifelong aviophobic but had no problem going up the 40-foot pole.

Performance-wise, Gina Lollobrigida steals the show by setting up a weird love triangle. However, I can do without it because the circus stuff is more than enough. Shot on location in Paris, the filmmakers did the smart thing by including as many acts in the background just to keep me busy, hence the Wellesian effect.

All in all, Trapeze is a fun movie to watch.