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May 15, 2016ThomasJWhiting rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
GREAT 1952 sawdust film which combines romance/drama/show biz, and at same time is almost a documentary of the end result of how travelling minstrel/vaudeville shows and rodeos evolved into the literally huge 'big top' circus travelling by train across the country, and what it took for those huge supporting crews to set up, take down, transport them, etc. Apparently the word 'circus' goes back to Latin/Greek meaning 'circle, 'ring' - thus, 3 ring circus, etc. The film graphically illustrates how it took lots of 'sawdust' to create 'stardust' entertainment. Includes fabulous film of big shows/acts, including lots of aerial gymnasts, animals including horses, elephants, and clowns and more. Enjoyable romantic drama featuring Hungarian born Cornel Wilde, Betty Hutton, Charlton Heston, and others too. I did instantly recognize the always in make up clown character as being played by Jimmy Stewart - by his voice - using my musician ears - and the spotted Bob Hope, and Bing Crosby sitting in the audience, too. The almost metaphorical train wreck provides a dramatic ending. Never personally actually saw a 'big top' circus - glad I watched the movie!