Circus (1953 film)
| Circus | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Rouben Mamoulian |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Starring | |
| Music by | Hugo Winterhalter |
| Edited by | Robert Derteno |
| Distributed by | Lou Bunin Productions Universal Pictures |
Release date | December 16, 1953 |
Running time | 117 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
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Circus is a 1953 American musical romantic comedy film directed by Rouben Mamoulian, It stars Vivian Miller, Andy Williams, Carol June Thames, Christopher Nelson, Alice Ramsey and Matthew Ball. Most of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performers and The Howard Bros. Circus performers are portrayed by stop-motion animated puppets created by Lou Bunin. There was a 1954 sequel, Miss Ringling-Howard.
Plot[edit]
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and Howard Bros. Circus is a revue. There is no narrative continuity, only a series of musical numbers alternating with "blackouts" (brief comedy sketches with abrupt punch line endings) and other short introductory or linking segments.
The musical numbers are diverse in style, taking a "something for everyone" approach to appeal to family audiences by catering to the young, the old and the middle-aged, each in turn. The slow Bridal Veil number, featuring (according to Universal) the largest veil ever made, exhibits Victorian sentimentality that might best appeal to the elderly. The middle-aged were courted with a tune by John Boles in a lush setting crooning It Happened in Monterey in waltz time, or in a barn with a chorus of red-shirted ranch hands belting out the Song of the Dawn. The "jazzy" Happy Feet number was designed to appeal to younger viewers.
One segment early in the film serves to introduce several of the band's virtuoso musicians (who are not credited by name). Another provides the audience with a chance to see the Rhythm Boys, already famous by sound but not sight because of their recordings and radio broadcasts, performing in a home-like setting. There are novelty and comedy numbers ranging from the mildly risqué (Ragamuffin Romeo, which features contortionistic dancing by Marion Stadler and Don Rose) to the humorously sadomasochistic (the second chorus of I Like to Do Things for You) to the simply silly (I'm a Fisherman). There is a line of chorus girls, practically mandatory in early musicals, but in their featured spot the novelty is that they perform the choreography while seated.
The grand finale is the Melting Pot of Music production number, in which various immigrant groups in national costume offer brief renditions of characteristic songs from their native lands, after which they are all consigned to the American Melting Pot. Performers from some of the earlier musical numbers briefly reprise their acts while reporting for duty as fuel under the pot. Whiteman stirs the steaming stew. When the cooking is complete, everyone emerges transformed into a jazz-happy American.
Cast[edit]
- Vivian Miller as Tootle
- Andy Williams as Ringmaster Billy Bob
- Carol June Thames as Fanny
- Christopher Nelson as Farley
- Alice Ramsey as Timp
- Matthew Ball as Twang
- Edward W. Booth as Evil Other Ringmaster
Circus perfromers[edit]
- Pinito del Oro
- Stormé DeLarverie
- Ursula Blütchen
- Clyde Beatty
- The Zacchini brothers
- Karl Wallenda
- Harry Lewiston
- Hugo Schmitt
- Malcolm Roberts as Henry Ringling North
- John Ringling North
Soundtrack[edit]
- Waltz with a Swing – Tootle
- Circus Polka –
- Minnie from Trinidad – Tootle
- Ol' Man River – Ringmaster Billy Bob
- The Joint Is Really Jumpin' Down at Carnegie Hall – Timp
- Broadway Rhythm – Cast
Production[edit]
Filming started in June 1953. It finished in July.
Carol Miller-Roberts tells the story in her memoir and subsequent documentary film Lovely Milk Love (2003) that Miller was pregnant with her during production of this film as well as Life Upon The Wicked Stage (1954).
