DOCUMENTARY   52 MIN   B&W   BETA SP   DOLBY STEREO

(Balanse)
The world has never seen a circus act like his.
This is the story of Tell Teigen (1923-1958). An equilibrist from the western Norwegian village of Høyanger who became one of the world¹s greatest circus artists. His act was considered the most daring in the world. He balanced five chairs on top of a 35-meter high pole, without any form of safety net or harness. According to himself, it was the only way to live, although he was forced to leave behind his family and everyone he cared about. The story of Tell is the story of a man who lived by challenging death, but who lived his life to the fullest. Without giving a second thought to what he had to lose, he sought out dangers most others would never dare. His reward was a fascinating life and the love of his life. The price he had to pay: His own life. We follow Tell from his factory job in Høyanger to America and "The greatest show on earth", and piece together a story never told before.

JAN FRODE JOHANNESEN (born 1968) Johannesen has a journalism degree from Gimlekollen Media College and has studied documentary making at Volda College. He has worked with youth programming at NRK, including the series "U" and "Topp 20". He has also worked as a journalist for NRK Sørlandet. SVERRE GALGUM (born 1973) Galgum studied culture, media and TV production at Stavanger College. He met Jan Frode while studying documentary film making at Volda College, where the foundation for their fruitful teamwork was laid. He has been active in film circles in Stavanger and works at present as a director with SubFilm AS.