Circus (1936 film)

Circus is a 1936 Soviet musical comedy film directed by Grigori Aleksandrov. It stars Lyubov Orlova as Marion Dixon, an American circus performer who seeks asylum in the Soviet Union to escape persecution due to having a mixed-race child.

The film is a propaganda piece, showcasing the perceived racial tolerance and social harmony of the Soviet Union in contrast to the discrimination experienced by Marion in the United States. The plot revolves around Marion's initial reluctance and fear, her eventual acceptance and integration into Soviet society, and a blossoming romance with a Soviet circus director, Ivan Petrovich Martinov, played by Sergei Stolyarov.

A key scene features Marion's baby being passed around the audience during a lullaby sung in multiple languages, symbolizing the unity and equality of the Soviet nationalities. This scene is often cited as a prime example of Soviet propaganda aimed at projecting an image of a utopian society.

Circus was immensely popular in the Soviet Union and is considered a classic of Soviet cinema. Its music, composed by Isaac Dunaevsky, became widely known and loved. The film, while overtly propagandistic, is also recognized for its innovative use of camera techniques and its energetic, entertaining performance style. It is noted for its romanticized depiction of Soviet life and its stark contrast with portrayals of the West.