King of the Circus

Max, der Zirkuskönig, Austrian-French comedy, bw, 1924, dir: Édouard-Émile Violet, French intertitles, Subtitles: Hungarian, English, 64’

Screenings

09.18. 21:00
Toldi Main Hall

Directed by Édouard-Émile Violet, assistant Max Linder
Screenplay by Max Linder
Director of photography: József Bécsi, Eduard Hoesch
Cast: Eugen Burg, Vilma Bánky, Gyula Szöreghy, Ernst Günther
Genre: comedy

Hollywood immortalized the name of silent film star Vilma Bánky but before she moved overseas she worked in Budapest, Berlin and Vienna. For this Austrian comedy she partners the famous French comic Max Linder. Although from a reputable family, the irresponsible bohemian Max falls head over heels in love with Ketty, daughter of the circus director. However, the girl is not such an easy catch; first he has to prove this suitability, a tough challenge given that he is among professional circus performers. Vilma Bánky plays the charming artiste, the circus director is Gyula Szőreghy, Sándor Ferenczy was set designer and József Bécsi one of the cameramen. The production, which brought international fame to Vilma Bánky, was at the same time the swan song of Max Linder. The screening of this recently restored film, long known only in fragments, is a very special moment.

Cineconcert, with live accordion by Ádám Szabó