Man on a Tightrope

In 1952, Karel Černík fights to keep Cirkus Černík afloat as the state nationalizes it. He faces deteriorating conditions, workers defecting to the state, and strain with his daughter Tereza and his younger wife Zama. He also tries to guard the circus's independence from the new regime.

Černík wants to end the budding romance between Tereza and Joe Vosdek, a roustabout. He worries the affair could threaten circus unity under state scrutiny. Meanwhile, Zama remains a focal point of suspicion and tension at home.

Černík is interrogated at the SNB headquarters in Plzeň about why he resists Marxist propaganda. He insists the current skits aren’t funny and that audiences prefer his usual act. The questioning reveals the regime’s tight grip on the troupe.

The SNB chief orders Černík to resume the required propaganda act and to dismiss a long-time performer known as 'The Duchess'. Failure to comply could bring harsher consequences for the circus and its leader.

Propaganda minister Fesker casually questions Černík about a radio in his trailer, hinting there may be a spy in their midst. The moment heightens Černík’s paranoia about hidden informants within the circus.

Černík is fined and released, yet Fesker believes he remains a threat to the state. The fine serves as a reminder of the state’s tightening grip on the circus and its leadership.

Inspired by recent escapes from behind the Iron Curtain, Černík decides to flee to Bavaria in West Germany. He privately suspects Joe may be the spy, complicating the plan and trust within the troupe.

Unbeknownst to Černík, Tereza discovers that Joe is really a deserter from the American Army, planning his own escape. The revelation deepens the emotional and strategic complications for the circus.

Barovik, Černík's rival, visits and claims he knows about the escape plan. He swears he won’t betray them because they’re fellow circus men and hints he’ll be kept out of trouble by receiving most of the equipment left behind.

Černík realizes that Krofta, a trusted employee for twenty years, is the spy. He ties Krofta up to prevent him from warning border guards and to protect the escape plan from internal leaks.

Fesker issues a travel permit intended to trap Černík in the act of escaping. A commissar sergeant later arrests Fesker for issuing it, exposing the regime’s manipulation of the escape plan.

At the border, Krofta attempts to warn the guards but Černík stops him from alerting anyone. In the ensuing clash, Krofta mortally wounds Černík. Most of the circus makes a dangerous dash across the bridge to Bavaria, but Černík dies. Zama, in accordance with his dying wish, orders the troupe to march on.