Charlie el acróbata

I saw this film in the 70's as a teenager at a summer German language camp in Minnesota. We loved it then and for days afterward we were all going around saying "Akrobat Schööön!"

As a black and white film it seemed something from the distant past, but how surprising now to find out that it was made in WWII Germany. It was a pure entertainment film, no wartime or propaganda content at all (that I recall). I'm surprised that resources were available to make such a film.

A bit of research indicates Charlie Rival was a Spaniard; I don't recall if he speaks any German in the movie or not.

I'd love to see this film again, but alas, it seems to have never had a DVD release; not in America, anyway. It may have to remain a fond memory.

I have seen this film several times(but some forty years ago ) It remains one of the greatest movies that recorded LIVE work of one of the greatest clowns of all times. Rivel is practically forgotten- I write this note in 1999. Also, his personal reputation might have been tarnished by the fact that he made his movie in Nazi Germany. It is nearly impossible now to find his date of birth and death, or any comments or descritpion of his unique work. Thus this film maybe the solution to searches for his life and work. Dr Ivan Ruzicka