Man on a Tightrope Page #4

Well, we tried it that way

and they didn't laugh.

We worked at it

and worked at it,

but they didn't laugh.

I mean, you can

understand that without

the unexpected kiss

at the finish,

it was no good.

You have your

permit with you?

Yes, sir.

You'll hand it

over to the sergeant.

Will it be

given back to me?

Without that permit,

the circus can't

continue to move.

That will depend.

Mr. Chief Inspector,

I am not a political man.

You will do well

to become one.

I've been with the circus

in this country since

I was born.

I was here

when we were ruled

by an emperor in Vienna.

I was a performer under the

Masaryk and Benes republics,

and even under

the Nazi tyranny.

My circus

isn't much anymore,

and heaven knows

there are better

clowns than I.

All I ask is to be allowed

to continue as a performer.

You have

shown disobedience

which approaches treason.

I've never

been a traitor.

In the past month,

I've given seven

shows free

for the soldiers

of our army.

You were ordered to give

those shows, were you not?

Yes, sir, but

I was glad to do it.

I must warn you,

Karel Cernik,

that you will

obey the instructions

that have been given you.

You will obey them

within 48 hours,

or you'll be transferred

to a field of activity

where you can do more

constructive work

and less damage.

But my circus!

Your circus?

You've already forgotten

it's no longer your circus!

It's the property

of the state!

It'll be

subject to liquidation and

its properties turned over

to your competitor,

Vladislav Barovik,

who has been far more

intelligent in his ability

to accommodate himself

and his circus to the

party line.

Now, pay a fine of 100 koruna

for failing to do as you

were told.

You pay the

lieutenant outside,

and then you may go.

But we shall be calling

upon you again within

48 hours.

(WHISPERING) The duchess.

Hmm? Oh!

And when you do,

we expect that you will

have gotten rid

of your La Duchesse.

Yes, sir.

What'll she do?

How will she live?

That's neither

here nor there.

Just throw her out.

Dismiss her. That's all.

Oh, Cernik.

One moment.

What about that

radio receiver?

What about it, sir?

Is it equipped

with a condensator?

I'm afraid I don't

know what that is, sir.

Surely you're

a good mechanic, Cernik.

You know that

a condensator enables you

to bring in

shortwave broadcasts.

I never

listen to them, sir.

I wouldn't think of it.

I'm sure

you wouldn't.

But as long as the radio

is there, others might.

I advise you,

just to be on

the safe side

with the police,

smash your condensator.

Remove temptation.

Just look through it.

Check it.

I know

where the radio

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