London, early 1900s. Two friends, Joseph and Peter, are building a suspension bridge high above the city. Each is fearless, despite the dangers of their situation. Josef, in particular, enjoys the freedom of almost touching the sky, balancing dangerously between life and death. One day, while walking precariously on a girder, Josef turns to speak to his friend - Peter is gone.

Josef is devastated at the loss of his friend and, following Peter's burial, he determines to forge a new life away from the sad memories. Seeing an advertisement for Dempsey's Circus, he sees the image of its star, trapeze artist Alice. He falls in love instantly and is determined to meet her.

Josef joins Dempsey's Circus doing menial tasks, but he has a dream. One day he gets the chance to show Lord Dempsey, Alice's father and circus owner, his vision to appear in an incredible trapeze act with Alice. Dempsey, a rough and unpleasant man, is sceptical, yet recognises an opportunity for his ailing business.

Alice, although attracted to Josef, is wary and reticent after a lifetime spent in the circus, but Josef, full of love, only wants to fly with her like two birds. The day comes when Alice and Josef are to perform for the first time. Before an excited and expectant audience, tragedy ensues and Josef is never the same again, yet all is not as it seems.