Gutta-Percha Boy

The end of the XIX century. Petya, an eight-year orphan who has been cast in training German acrobat Karl Becker, who curses and beatings would incorporate the new assistant to the circus profession and ruthlessly exploited child in their speeches. The only consolation, brightens the harsh life gutta-percha boy, as referred to Petya on the posters, is the concern of the carpet clown Edwards, who regretted the fatherless and secretly taught him this circus arts...

Directed by Vladimir Gerasimov, Gutta-Percha Boy leans on a strong ensemble — Aleksei Gribov, Mikhail Nazvanov, Aleksandr Popov — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1957.