Man on a Tightrope Page #2

Will I be

able to return in time for

the performance this evening?

Perhaps. If your

answers are satisfactory.

May I be permitted to

put my coat on

and necktie?

Do it quickly.

Excuse me.

What's the trouble now?

I don't know.

They're taking me to Plzen.

Have they accused you

of anything?

They didn't tell me.

Did it ever occur to you

to stand up for your rights?

(SCOFFS)

I haven't any rights.

Nobody has.

When will you be back?

They won't keep me long.

It's only the usual routine.

You know,

one of these days,

you may walk in here

and find I've packed

my suitcase and left.

You think

I couldn't get along

on my own, don't you?

What? I didn't say anything.

You look very nice.

(MUTTERING) Nice.

Don't lie to me.

No, no.

If I don't get back in

time for the performance,

you know what to do.

I know, Karel.

Just keep an eye on

everything, will you?

Watch her.

You think she cares?

The minute he's out of sight,

she'll head for the

lions' cage.

What do you expect?

She's not of the circus.

(MUTTERING)

I love you more

than you'll ever know.

(MUTTERING)

Always practicing

your tricks, aren't you?

It's a pity you can't

learn to do something.

I know a few tricks, too.

No, women are

not like angels.

Don't place them

so high above.

Remember,

no matter what I do,

my heart belongs to you.

(WHIP CRACKS)

Now, come, come, Pasha.

You're showing no life.

We must have

life in the act.

Yes. We must have zest.

Otherwise, the people

go to sleep.

They want you to

frighten them. Understand?

Oh, I know, poor fellow.

It isn't easy to show life

when all we can feed you

is slops.

Mash made of sawdust

for the king of beasts.

But the show must go on.

So come on, Pasha.

Come on.

We must have discipline.

Show your teeth.

Claw at me. Ah! Come on.

Ah, come on, Pasha!

Come on! Come on!

(CAR HORN HONKING)

Can't you see I'm

busy at the moment?

Why don't you let

Pasha have a rest?

I'm an artist, madam.

I'm never satisfied.

Cernik's going to Plzen.

I told you I was busy.

I have plenty of time.

Everybody's watching.

Come on, Pasha! Strike at me!

Tear me to pieces!

Come on, Pasha!

Strike me. Strike at me.

JOE:
(SINGING)

That day you

say you're mine

For all of

All of time

Some lovely...

Karel Cernik.

You are the owner

of the Circus Cernik?

No, sir.

Bears your name.

Yes, sir. I used to own it

and my father before me,

but...

What happened?

1948, when

the people's Democratic

Republic of Czechoslovakia

won the victory

over fascist imperialism,

my circus was nationalized,

became the property of the

state, like everything else.

I was permitted

to remain as manager.

You have various members

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