Original subtitles

We bring you the circus

The pied piper, whose magic tunes lead children of all ages, from 6 to 60

into a tinsel and spun-candy world of reckless beauty

and mounting laughter, whirling thrills

the rhythm, excitement and grace

of daring and blaring and dance

of high-stepping horses and high-flying stars

But behind all this

the circus is a massive machine

whose very life depends on discipline, motion and speed

A mechanized army on wheels

that rolls over any obstacle in its path

that meets calamity again and again

but always comes up smiling

A place where disaster and tragedy stalk the big top

haunt the backyard and ride the circus train

where death is constantly watching

for one frayed rope, one weak link

or one trace of fear

A fierce, primitive fighting force

that smashes relentlessly forward against impossible odds

that is the circus

And this is the story of the biggest of the big tops

and of the men and women who fight to make it the greatest show on earth.

- Morning, Mr. Braden - Morning, Nick

- When's the new horse arriving, Brad? - Tomorrow, Chuck

Don't rub them thin, Jimmy Those bells are 60 years old

They've rung in some good shows

How are the kids?

Oh, just fine, except they were playing with Randy Concello a few days ago

That's nice

Yes, but Randy came down with the mumps this morning

What? No. Any signs?

No, not yet, but baby gorillas do get the mumps

I'll have Higgins give them a shot of immune serum

and double their cod liver oil Give them plenty of spinach

You stay healthy now, boy, you hear?

Say, is it true were only gonna play a short season this year?

Don't believe all you hear

- See? - Go back to Mama now

I told you there was nothing to it

- How's Myrtle? - Stomach

Give her some gin and ginger

- Any news about a full season? - You'll get a full season

Be sure Myrtle gets all the gin

- Same old trouble? - Yeah. Sore throat. All of it

Well, get a billiard cue and swab it out

Better feed your bird, Lou

Hey, Brad, Betty in the cookhouse said

were only gonna play the big cities this year

And then close up like a misers heart

Well, if they're giving odds, bet a buck for me

Why the rehearsal just for makeup, Brad?

Because you left off your eyelashes last performance last season

You're gonna need an extra shoe walking back from Kalamazoo

I'm supposed to be looking for you, Brad

Well, are you supposed to find me?

Big brass hollering for you up front

You found me

Hey, Brad, this might help

Too small

Skim off the cream

Let the little shows scramble for the thin milk

Don't forget what circus day means to a small town

John North, you're just soft about the circus

It's suicide to play this whole tour this year

You gonna tell that to Brad?

A good circus boss carries out orders

My vote is 10 weeks and back to Sarasota

But for 80 years

That order about keeping the grounds clean goes for the top brass, too

- Hi, Brad. I'm sorry about that - Good morning

I've seen happier heads on canes

We sent for you, Brad, to tell you

we've got to pass up the small cities and towns

- Times have changed - Kids haven't

- Prices have - Well stay in the black

You hope

Look, Brad, here's the tour for this season

That's only 10 weeks

Sixty percent of our money comes from the big cities in the first 10 weeks

The worlds upside down, Brad. We can't take the risk

Our people risk their necks twice a day

Well have a short season, no red ink and no trouble

Troubles part of the circus

They said Barnum was in trouble when he lost Tom Thumb

They said he was through when Jumbo died

Were the greatest show on earth, and you can't put 1,400 people out of work

because the world has a stomach ache

And you can't risk $25,000 a day on a sentimental journey, either

If you'll play only the big cities, you'll cut the heart right out of this show

In two seasons, you'll destroy what it took his family 80 years to build

I might vote a few weeks more if we had a bigger headline

- Holly isn't known - Well, we've got one

- Didn't you tell him, John? - Not yet

Who is it, Johnny?

Have you brought Gargantua back to life?

The Great Sebastian

What?

Obviously, you're crazy

Sebastian's wrecked every show he's been with

- But he draws like sugar in fly time - Nobody can handle him

- He's never worked for Brad - You're buying trouble, Johnny

I'm buying the best trapeze act in the air

Well, he may be a god in the air, but he's a devil on the ground

You mean with women?

Do you know how many women this show carries?

He's not that good, no matter what you've heard

- Things are bad enough as it is - No, Brad, it's too big a gamble

You haven't sold me. I'm still against going under canvas

Are you for Sebastian?

Because the only way we could get him was to sign him for the full season

I knew there was a trick in it

You can't get good acts for a 10-week season

Cool off, Brad

Were going to stay out as long as were in the black

Agreed?

- As long as we make money, yes - If you say so, John

Well, I don't like it, John

Thank you, gentlemen. That's it

And you'd better start worrying about Sebastian

- Let me show you - You try to give

I can't believe it

Hey, Lucky, keep those cats covered when you move them

Okay, Mr. Braden

You know Sebastian only works in the centre ring

I know it

Id rather crawl in that cage of cats

than have to tell Holly she's out of the centre ring

So would I

You can blame me if you want to

Thanks, but it's my medicine. I'll take it

Come on, boy. Come on

Hey, Tuffy, off your back and on your toes

And give me a little more slack this time

You got ample rope now for a hanging

One more and I'm going to do without the mechanic

No deal. I'll put up a net

What do you think I am, a fish?

You better use a net for this one, or you'll break your neck

and Brad will break mine

Now don't get sentimental, Tuffy Come on, lets go

If Brad sees this, he'll chew your ears off

Snap your legs now

All the way together, Lena

Point your toes, Janet A little more curve

Relax, relax

- Any news? - Nope.

Come on, now, Lets get over it

Faster, Loni, faster

What gives, Buttons?

Holly's hatched up a new hair-raiser for that centre spot

Quiet around the centre ring

Everybody, still a minute, please

Time

Terrific, Holly

Pretty good

Hi, Brad. Do you like it?

You try it again and I'll ground you

It's the finish on my new act

It'll finish you and your act

Don't you want to see it once more?

No. Come on down

Okay, you're the boss. Watch it, Tuffy. Here I come

- Oh, brother - Hey, look it

- Down on seconds - Put it in the act, Holly

That ankle drop is out I want you all in one piece

That's for making the big brass give us a full season

You got that trapeze wired for sound, pigeon?

But you're the kind of fellow who could talk anybody into anything

You did, didn't you?

Hey, kids, Brad fixed it

Were gonna play the full season! Come on

Did you hear that, Klaus? The full season

Down, move down. Make him put me down, Klaus

Why?

Do I have to have an excuse to leave the room?

You know, I think it is the trousers

Wherever there are trousers, you go

- Full season, Loni - Oh! He filled it

The full season will buy me a sable-dyed rabbit coat

What you have on, I like

Well, sugar, like it a little farther away

- No layoff, Buzzy - Tell him, Daisy

Were hitting the sticks

Terrific

A full season, isn't that swell?

You're wonderful

All right, quiet down, everybody. Quiet down

Now, listen, and get this, all of you

We only stay out as long as were in the black

Well be in the black, right?

You mean we all got to play in blackface?

- And Sebastian, too - Sebastian?

- Oh, no, he's not - Lock up the girls

Ain't he in Europe?

- Oh, boy, wait till you see him - Who did you say?

Well, I don't know, but I heard that The Great Sebastian's coming

Is that true, Brad?

News sure travels fast around here

He's strictly centre ring, isn't he?

That's right

- Hi. Ain't it great? - Terrific.

Do you know what this is?

Well, sure. It's my iron-jaw mouthpiece. Why?

Put it in your gabby mouth and keep it shut

- Where'd you leave the props? - Right over here

He can take care of us now

All right. Get your bits, girls. You, too, Philip

Well, I guess I know where I stand

- Holly, listen - To what?

More promises about next year, the year after that?

I was a fool to believe you

You'd sell out your own grandmother for a name act

- You know there's nobody - Don't say you're sorry

I couldn't take that

I'm sorry there's only one centre ring

Oh, sure. I know. The show comes first

I didn't want to do this

Save your breath. I know just what you're gonna say

Oh, Brad, I had the centre ring You told me I could have it

Holly, you want the show to play the road, don't you?

I worked in every act in this circus

I'm in spec, I'm in manage, I'm a rose on the beauty float

I fill in with the flyers I work from start to finish

Well, so do most of the others. It was the only way to get a full season

But my own act

the one thing that's really mine, that I've worked on for three years

that you toss right out of the centre ring

Pigeon, look, you're the best trapeze act in the show

- Then why don't you leave me in centre? - Because Sebastian's a bigger draw

Brad, I'll draw them. Leave me there

Sebastian's sure. You're a chance

You don't take chances with the show, do you?

I'll move over

Where do I go?

Ring one

Id do my act in clown alley or the horse top for you

Id do anything if it was just for you

Pigeon, look, out under the sky, you know how I feel about you

But under the big top, one performers just like another to me

You've got nothing but sawdust in your veins

I've scraped too many of you kinkers up from the sawdust

to let anybody get under my skin

Just so the show rolls

You don't care who it rolls over or who it hurts

So it rolls over me

Be careful someday it doesn't roll over you

Don't worry

I'll have my rigging out of centre before The Great Sebastian arrives

Tuffy, tear down my rigging

Like peanuts, Harry?

I got everything lined up, Mr. Henderson

Gaff wheels, novelties for sucker bait

and two of the best stickmen in the rackets

I'll work it just like the Columbia show

No, Harry, you got a tough guy here you didn't have at Columbia

Brad Braden? I'll handle him

With your brains, you couldn't handle that hippo

Listen, if Braden gets in my way, I'll roll right over him

He'd break you in two

Not with you backing me, Mr. Henderson

He's too smart to tangle with your boys

I'll cut him in, maybe

You can't buy men like Braden And don't meet him head-on

Okay, I'll go around him

What about the bankroll for the games?

Have some more peanuts, Harry

Peanuts?

Hi, potato. Getting ready to roll?

What's the potato gag?

Here, wrap that for me, will you?

Well, there's mashed potatoes and hashed potatoes, sweet potatoes

I don't feel very sweet

except maybe about you

You're always helping everybody, Buttons

- Brad asked me to help you - Was he sorry about it?

Maybe he was just worried I wouldn't have my rigging down

before The Great Sebastian arrives

Could be. Could be

He doesn't consider anybody's feelings when it comes to running the circus

You're telling me. I'm so mad I could spit

Well, why don't you spit then?

You know, Brads not a man, he's a machine

like the tractors and the generators

Why, Buttons, I thought you were his friend

Well, he broke his word to you You could never trust him again

That isn't true

Brads been worried sick about getting us all a full season

If he had to throw me out, he had to throw me out and its

You didn't mean any of what you just said

I made you see it his way a little, didn't I?

Darn you

- You make me feel like a big idiot - Yeah, well, stop acting like one then

Well, anyway, I'm still mad at him. And I'm mad at you, too

Say, that's pretty neat

Reminds me of a bandage I wore once when I sprained my ankle

Buttons, why can Brad hurt me so?

Why do I always want to hurt him back?

They say each man kills the thing he loves

A coward does it with a kiss a brave man with a sword

Why, that's crazy

You wouldn't hurt anyone you loved

Who knows what a man will do when he's in love?

Every girl in the show has tried for you

But I guess you already have someone, huh?

Could be

Is she in one of the towns were gonna play?

I haven't seen the route sheet

Is that why you don't try to romance any of the gals?

No. Clowns are funny people, Holly

They only love once

All men aren't that way even if they act like clowns

No, I suppose not

Oh, Buttons, I'm all ache inside

having a man love sawdust more than me

Well, maybe he'll have to make a choice someday

Choice?

If ever I'm in his arms, his head will be in the machine shop

or bedding down the hippopotamus

You're lucky. Everybody loves you

Ten million kids and your girl

You'll be seeing her pretty soon

We roll in three days

Into the sunshine of spring

the circus rises from its winter hibernation

spick-and-span

and ready for eight months of excitement and adventure

The circus trains, like Noah's Ark

will carry and shelter man and beast

through flood and mud and heat and storm

through triumph and adversity

1,400 souls

each sure the season will bring his hearts desire

- You dropped something - Hey, look out, look out

Why don't you drive where you're looking?

I wish one of your dogs would bite you

All right, boys! Come on

All right. Keep it coming Keeping it coming. That's right

Keep it coming

Get tight in front of those wheels

Can't locate Sebastian.Tried the hospitals, the hotels

Straighten that wagon out! Come on! Get with it

We pull out in a half an hour whether he's aboard or not

Check both railroad stations and

- Who's that? - Sebastian, I guess

Get a load of that

Where's the fire at?

This ought to be good

Where is the boss man?

I thought he was

I am Sebastian. I am honoured to be with you

I hope your acts as good as your entrance

I've seen them all arrive, Caldona, The Concellos

none of them ever came with a funeral escort

The police escort, it was not my idea

- I clocked him at 75 in a 15-mile zone - Running a red light

I got him for cutting in and out of traffic

on the wrong side of the highway

In the war, I drive a tank

Sometimes I forget. I forgot

Yeah, well, the judge will add that up to about $100 or 60 days

$100?

Then it'll be 60 days in jail

I would hate to be absent the first two months of the show

Okay, boys. I'll buy him back

Take my jeep, Lawson Settle it in the office

Get your baggage aboard

You can park that heap in the menagerie house

I salute you

We shall get along together splendidly

Don't crowd, mister

Can't you see an elephant, or do I have to paint her red?

I was blinded by the memory of an unforgettable night in Paris

Blow up your water wings, girls. Here comes the big wave

Come on, Ruth

How come no husband ever shot you?

I never offer a sitting target

I thought Id seen the last of you

when you got mixed up with that wirewalker from Lisbon

You will never see the last of me, Angel

Angel

That will be arranged when you meet Klaus

Angel

- Hello, handsome. Remember? - Natalia

- No, honey ball, Phyllis - Of course

Lovely Phyllis with the charming iron jaw

Well, I'm still hanging on to my job with it

It saves your feet. Sure tough on your clothes, though

Thanks for the ride, sugar

You know Sebastian, eh?

- Sure, were old friends - How good friends?

Listen, you can worry about any other guy in the show

but not Sebastian

I wouldn't want him if he were dipped in gold dust

We will make beautiful music together, huh?

Yeah, the last time, I remember a few sour notes

Oh, Natalia was

Who is that?

They threw me off the ball team

because I was catching home runs at second base

Say, how come the Giants passed you up?

I don't know

Oh, that's the giant and the fat boy

No, no. In between

- Oh, that's Holly

She's interesting

I wouldn't meet her just now if I were you

- You're poison - Why?

- You just put her out of the centre ring. - I did?

- Well, here we go again - Did you bring any cards?

- Oh, my feet are killing me - Well, then, keep off of mine

Pardon. Is it true what Phyllis has told me?

- I wouldn't know - Pardon.

Wait a minute

That they put you out of the centre ring for me?

I am Sebastian

- You mean you didn't know? - How could I?

- I am very, very sorry - I'll get over it

If you're half as good in the air as you look on the ground

you are at least terrific

The boss seems to have other ideas

Say, they tell me that you work with two bars like I do

No. You work with two bars like I do

Anyway, I'm glad to meet you

It means so much to you, the centre ring?

- Don't be funny

Would you hold these, please?

- Come - Where?

- To see the boss - What for?

I will insist he put you right back again

You aren't kidding me, are you?

- Come and see - Oh, boy, will I

Keep going. This isn't a parking lot

That was a beautiful doll you made for Sissy

I'm glad she liked it. Hello, Holly

Oh, Buttons

I want you to meet The Great Sebastian

This is Buttons. You'll love him Everybody does, Come on

- Why are you in makeup? - Why are you The Great Sebastian?

Get those runs in and were about through

Mr. Braden, we've got trouble, 750 pounds of it

- Yeah, we can't get Tiny aboard. - Can't even get him through the door

Go along with Lotus

They'll make you comfortable in her car

That hippo? She might get hungry

Don't worry. She's a vegetarian

Sebastian's got something to tell you

Better tie him in so he wont roll! Has he?

You know what? He wants to give up the centre ring to me

Isn't he wonderful?

Yeah. Wonderful

Where do you propose to go?

I have had the centre ring To me, it does not matter

Ring one or ring three, as you wish

He really means it, Brad He's not just grandstanding

I've wanted that ring ever since I've been a foot high

Do you know what were paying Sebastian?

You know how his billing reads? He's the star of the show

And the star requests ring three

Who do you think you're kidding?

I'm sorry, Holly, but the people watch the star

That's why the star plays the centre ring

The people watch the star, do they?

Well, they're going to be watching me

If you wont let him give me the centre ring

I'll take it away from him

Oh, no, ma chérie

I may give it away, but no one will take it away

Look, Sebastian

You're a nice guy, and I hate to do this to you

but I'm going to make ring one the centre ring

If you do something once, I'll do it twice

If you do a double, I'll do a triple

If you stand on your head, I'll stand on my ear

Not while I'm around, you wont

The one place you're not around is 40 feet straight up

Maybe that's why I like it there

I'm warning you, the audiences are going to be looking at me

And so will I

You start any trouble, and I'll ground you both

Hello, Brad. Were here to bless the circus trains again

It's good to see you, Father

Could you pour it on a little extra heavy this time?

- Of course we can - I think were going to need it

All right, boys. Raise that run up and get it in

Even

Loading

Hurry it up, little Jim

- Give me your hand - Don't fall, now

Bye. See you in Washington

one of the featured attractions of the greatest show on earth

Come right on in. Lets everybody go

boys and girls

She's going to swallow first this curved sword

and you will notice that she has to twist her body

in order that the sword can go down her curved neck

Do you think it's sharp?

Children of all ages

John Ringling North welcomes you

to the greatest show on earth

Brainy bruins with new ideas

Himalayan, Russian, Syrian and polar bears

Sleek and shining as silver dollars

Roland Tiebor's marvellous, amazing

sophisticated sea lions

The internationally famous riding canine

He did it, Mama

Back, boy

Foot

That foots pretty rough to go in a girls face

- File it - All right

Hey, the duel or whatever you call it for the centre ring, Mr. Braden?

Yeah? What about it?

I hear they're slapping death in the face twice a day

The paper wants to know if it's on the level

Coming right on. Take a look

Ladies and gentlemen

the sensation of the ages

In ring one

the beautiful bird of paradise

queen of the flying trapeze

the daring, the incredible

the death-defying

peerless and fearless Holly

And in the centre ring

the outstanding aerial daredevil of all time

the debonair king of the air, The Great Sebastian

It sure packs them in. Best publicity gag in a long time

It's no gag, brother

You wouldn't kid me, would you?

Kid you? They're working without nets

Boy, look at that guy

Look at her

If they don't get killed

It's all done with mirrors, mister

- Well, what are they going to do now? - Changing bars

Should I whistle them down, Brad? They're changing their act

No. Leave them alone

They're doing all right

Okay. You're the boss

Hey, Sebastian, try it without the doughnut

How long do you think this can go on before something happens?

That's circus, isn't it?

Do you believe in prayer?

And practise

- What if one of them falls? - Nobody's going to fall

This is packing them in every show

- We stay in the black or close down - Oh, stop talking so tough

You know, that isn't the bass drum I hear thumping

That's your heart

You know

I know

Well, I've had enough

Well, that was a close one

Well, are you ready to call it off?

I have not started yet, but you were magnificent

- Sure stole it today, Holly - Thanks, Bob

You two had quite a party up there, didn't you?

Did you notice which ring they were looking at?

If you really want to kill yourself, wait till the seasons over

Well, what do you know? He was worried about me

So was I

From here on, cut out the dogfights up there and stick to your acts

Brad, don't be a killjoy

You don't know what it's like up there. It's a different world

Just the two of us fighting for the crowd

You feel like you could do anything Were not people up there

Were like two streaks of light with wings and

You wouldn't understand

- Nobody would, except another flyer - Like Sebastian?

Like Sebastian

Come on, come on. We need people for the spec

- Did you watch the show? - Yeah. It was terrific!

- McClosky wants you, Brad

Did you follow me?

- That's not the half of it - Please go up to the costume

You and Sebastian got an exclusive little club up there in the air?

Get yourself a trapeze if you want to join

And don't park your chewing gum on the moon again, please

Why don't he look at me anymore? Have I got too much or not enough?

Don't worry, sugar He'll get around to you

- I'm hoping - Maybe he wont

Did your elephant sit on this zipper?

He says were artists up there together

He'd tell that to a trained seal if it paid off

Maybe he shows his bad side to you and his good side to me

Listen, Snow White, you're not fighting this guy

you're falling for him

He was good enough for you once Maybe you'd like to have him back

I wouldn't give Sebastian the right time

if Brad was as nuts about me as he is about you

Brad? Are you kidding?

I come fourth. After Ringling Bros, Barnum and Bailey

You're eating too many potatoes

When Brad doesn't come home nights

you'll know the blonde he's sitting up with is a giraffe

Hey, Holly, you trying to corner the market or just starting a collection?

- Well, you only work with your teeth

Get with it, Mabel. Three minutes. So lets get it all on

If it were only you, sugar

Id let you ride the roller coaster all the way down

But I'm thinking about Brad

Why do you want to bust up the swellest guy in the circus?

Sounds like you've got it bad

He's the only guy that looks at me that I don't know what he's thinking

He's thinking circus

He hasn't thought anything but circus since he fell out of the cradle

But if you want him so bad, what's stopping you?

Maybe because I knew too many guys like Sebastian

before I met Brad

Been around too much, huh?

You haven't been gathering any moss, either

Brads a one-woman man

I've got a feeling he wants a one-man woman

I don't rate a guy like that

Angel?

Besides, right now she's got elephant trainer trouble

Angel

You better hurry That's not Sabu calling

That's what I like about him. He's so gentle

Who wants them gentle? I like them wild

Oh, come on, birdie. Get going

Angel, come along

You should have seen Brads face when you took that tumble

She was too busy watching Sebastian

- Put your claws away, girls

Gee, if all the Rangers looked like Sebastian

me for Texas

You and plenty more, huh, Holly?

Look, all I want from him is the centre ring

You always have a smile for that high-flying peacock

Well, what you want me to do, cry over him?

I feel like a turret gunner

Made it

Okay, batten down the hatches

Hey, Rich, get me a hot dog, will you?

- We ain't got time - Well, I'm hungry

You always are

An album of favourite songs

A circus serenade

A Disney album

It's Mickey Mouse. Hi, Mickey

Come on, Donald

Look at Pluto

Hi, Alice

Oh, and there the Mad Hatter. The Mad Hatter

A Gay Nineties album

A moonlight serenade

The magic of moonlight melodies

with the lovely Phyllis as goddess of the moon

Nursery rhymes

The lady who taught you your first fairy tale

Mother Goose

She's big, isn't she?

A barbershop ballad

A bouquet of American beauties

with the lovely Holly as the centre rosebud

singing Only a Rose

Gee, you have a funny mouth

- Let me hold him - Go away

Look it. Isn't it pretty?

They've been around again asking questions

I'm so worried for you

Oh, now don't worry. They'll never find me behind this nose

Be very careful, dear

Now how about a nice smile

that I can remember till next year?

God be with you, my boy

It's all right, Mother

Only a rose

Here we go

Only a smile to keep in memory

Until we meet another day

Only a rose to whisper

Blushing as roses do

I'll bring along a smile or a song for anyone

Only a rose for you

A Stephen Foster album

A South American album

Exotic firebirds from the forests of the Amazon

a blaze of breathtaking beauty

A very special surprise

for children of all ages

our guest star for tonight

Hopalong Cassidy

That's him! Sure, it's Hoppy

A Christmas album

Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh

Your hair is too red, your legs are too thin

you have lips like a cat

You're no good. You give me too much trouble

Flattery rolls right off me

But you make a fire here

Well, simmer down, General, before you melt your medals

What could be more fitting for the Christmas album

than Adeste Fideles?

The performance ends

but the drama never stops

In the grey, drizzly morning

the first section of the circus train pulls into the railroad yard

long before the city is awake

But the animals are awake and looking for their breakfast

Then comes the unloading

Two hundred tons of living power Sixty carloads of equipment

Wheels rolling, gears grinding

A circus is gigantic power and unceasing movement

It is a restless giant

unlimbering its muscles after the long night ride

before moving in to capture a new city

Up from the railroad yards with their faithful escort

of early-rising young fans who've been waiting since daybreak

to follow these living tanks

as they lumber and sway to the circus grounds

where the stakes are being driven that will anchor the big top

against the beating of its constant adversaries

wind and rain

An army is at work, an army the audience never sees

An army that must be moved from city to city, fed and housed

a thousand strong, hardworking men

moving like a finely-geared machine, with one purpose

to roll the show

The all-important baling ring clangs into place

Bales of fireproof canvas, 58,000 pounds of it

are hauled out, unwrapped, rolled out

stretched, laid on the ground

where it lies like the skin of a mighty dismembered giant

waiting for some magician

to bring it together and give it life

waiting until, one by one

the giants ribs rise into place

and are firmly fastened in the earth

Boys line up for the punt games, a chance for a free ticket

The disciplined army never loses a moment nor wastes a motion

The boss canvas man makes fast the canvas to the baling ring

The lives of all depend on it

Each of the hundreds of roustabouts has his place and his job

a responsible job, for one mistake, one bit of carelessness

could cost a life

The giants skin is stretched out

until it lies smooth and moulded

like the bowl of a great coliseum

But eyes watching for trouble

have noticed a little tear that must be patched

before the searching fingers of the wind

can rip it into a disaster

before the giant can stand up and stretch

over his feast of colour and laughter

Now the giant comes to life

Slowly, the tons and tons of his canvas body

rise and swell into the air

He starts growing to his full, majestic height

as he catches his first deep breath

The strong baling rings slipping along the great poles

until at last they reach to the flags flying from the peak

And as the big top rises in each town, new risks are taken

Caution is thrown to the winds

I warned her not to do Jenny's act on that rigging

Yeah. I was there the night Jenny got killed

- Paying for the hay all in silver? - That's how we get paid

Holly's spinning like a weathervane in a Kansas twister

- Swingovers?

Her rope isn't rigged for that

Tell the ringmaster to whistle in The Zoppes

- Fast - Right

Come on

- What are they doing, Grandma? - I don't know

Like a fish on a line

The red rope

Hey, you

You! Are you crazy?

Hauling me down in front of everybody

Everybody laughing at me I was going for a record

What's the matter, are you jealous?

Can't you stand to see me work in the air anymore?

You can't do that trick on a pull-up rope

- I was doing it, wasn't I? - Get out of the way.

A hurricane of hazardous horsemanship

displayed by the riding Zoppes

Why didn't you put her over your knee and spank her?

That would get some laughs, too

Haven't you got enough clowns, you got to make a comic out of her?

- She was trying to break a record - Shed have broken more than a record

You sure saved her a buster

You better tell her, Brad, or shell never forgive you

Alberto Zoppe and Cucciola

worlds smallest bareback rider

I would buy you spring violets from the little old lady

in the Place de I'Opera and crépes suzettes

You never eaten them?

Paris is a honeymoon city, chérie, full of enchantment

On a night like this, the Seine is deep and mysterious

like a woman's eyes

The lights in it are like jewels

Did you know, chérie, in your eyes there are lights like stardust?

No, but keep going

You are beautiful and exciting, like wine

You know women are like wine?

Some are like sweet Sauternes, some are warm like Burgundy, some

Which one was Angel?

- Angel? - Angel

Angel was like cognac

all fire in a glass

But you

You are like champagne Sparkling, tantalizing

You make a mans head spin

- You've got a terrific line - A line? What is that?

Well, I mean, you've said all this before to too many girls

Well, never to one like you

Oh, I have wandered a little

But how else could I appreciate what I have found now?

Id better go

When we are up in the air, I fall more and more in love

- You, too, no?

A girl may say no, but the woman in her means yes

- Do not be afraid of me - I'm just scared of myself

It is not of yourself It is love that frightens you

Feel. My heart beats fast like yours

- That's the magic of it, You love me - No. I mean, I don't know

Let me go! Sebastian

Never try to take anything from an elephant

Sebastian, do something

A lion, I'll fight for you. A tiger

But a redheaded wildcat with an elephant, no

You make this two-tailed jackass put me down

Did he tell you about Paris in the spring?

It's none of your business what he told

Did he say you were like cognac, all fire in the glass?

No. He said I was like champagne I made his head spin

Yeah, only you'll be the one that wakes up with a hangover

You take care of your love life, and I'll take care of mine

No, I've got four working here That's all

Well, if you've got an elephant missing, go find her

Joe, send into town

They had a Republican convention there tonight

Hold it. Here's your missing Jumbo It's okay

Come on, move it up, Ruth. Come on. Move it up

All right. Put her down

What's this, a new act?

You nearly lost your stray lamb to a wolf

You know, you've got a nose as long as that elephants trunk

Keep them both out of my business

They're looking for this bull down at the railroad yard

- Ruth just couldn't resist the hay pile - Id hate to have your nerve in a tooth

Come on, sugar Lets go. Come on

I think your coffees kind of cold

- Why did you do that, Holly? - I don't know

There's just something about Sebastian that I

Yeah, he's some glamour boy

He said I had stardust in my eyes

- I bet you never even noticed - Sure, I have

But you weren't rigged for that one-armed swing

I know, just so the show keeps rolling

Come over here I want to show you something

Just a few more spins up there

- You would've lost a good act - One of the best

Now, look, Holly, I want you to soft-pedal this stuff with Sebastian

- You do, Brad? Why? - It's gone too far

I guess you're right I have been playing with fire

But it's all your fault If you weren't such a big lug

I'm talking about your act, this duel or whatever you call it

I want you to stop it before you get hurt

Is it me you're worried about or the circus?

- Brad, do you really mean that?

Why couldn't you say so? Sure, I'll cut it out

But I've got pride He'll look better than me

- With a net under him? - A net? Why a net?

To save his expensive neck

- Well, I don't want a net - All right, then stick to the old act

Sure, Brad. Whatever you say

And when Sebastian tones down, his net comes out, too

Now, you going to stop fooling around up there?

- What about on the ground? - On the ground?

Oh, that reminds me, Jeannie pulled her shoulder tonight

Shell be on the ground for a while

Will you fill in with the flyers again?

Of course, Brad, but you were just gonna say that

Line up that pole wagon! Swing it over

Brad, on the ground

- Do you want me to stop seeing him? - On the ground? I

Doughnuts?

You left a little of your fragrance behind with your scarf

May I escort you to the train?

I'm waiting for Brad

- Till the next time, chérie - There wont be any next time

I think you have stardust mixed up with sawdust

Good night, boss man

And on the ground

I wouldn't want to meddle in your private affairs

To the right and left of the doorway

Pompom hats, folks. Step right up

Put your name on them, your sweethearts name

your wife's name, even your mother-in-laws name

Step right up, folks. Get your pompom hats before you leave

- For you, Liebchen, a present - Thank you, sugar

Straight from Paris and twice as classy

- How does it look? - It looks good

Read it, what it says

Angel, du bist mein. What's it mean?

You are mine

Listen, sugar, I'm not yours

And I'm not wearing any hat that says so

The sooner you take no for an answer

the easier it's gonna be for both of us Because it is no

The only thing I like about you are your elephants

But, Angel

Want to win a baby doll? Wise up. I know dolls

They're my business Takes dough to get a dame like her

Her heart is ice

She wouldn't say no to a hunk of ice like this

But I could not buy such a thing

Go ahead, take it. Your credits okay with me

- What's the matter, pal? - My wallets gone

Are you sure?

I had the wallet in my pocket when I was right here

- And I had $10 in it - Did you, now?

You must be mistaken, friend

Well, maybe I was

Harry, you make trouble

Right this way, folks, and win a baby doll

Everybody plays, everybody wins

Keep your eye on the arrow, folks

Round and round it goes and where it stops, nobody knows

Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry. Everybody plays

How did he get in there?

Waters coming out of it

Look at that silly umbrella

Sit down, Son

Your attention, please

The greatest show on earth proudly presents

the most sensational flying acts of all time

dazzling, dauntless daredevils of the flying trapeze

breathtaking, death-defying marvels in midair

You crazy devil, how did you get up here?

I bribed your catcher

- Let me go - Kiss me

Look, you're holding up the act

I could swing with you forever like this

Why will you not see me anymore?

- They're waiting. Please put me back - Not until you kiss me

When I kiss you, I need both feet on the ground Let me go

- You really insist, chérie? - Yes! Let me go!

Goodbye

Sebastian wont give up, Brad

You better marry me quick or I'm a gone pigeon

You get back up there and finish the act or you'll be a dead pigeon

We got trouble on the midway

- Harry? - Yeah, his doll concession

Get yourself a little spending money Here we go for another spin

The more you play, the more you win

- Lets go, Sam. You can't win at this - I got no more money anyhow

Come on, mister, you can't quit now You're bound to hit it this time

What do you think you're doing? Let go of me

- How much did you lose, lady? - This months egg money, nearly $50

Take this. Go on in and enjoy the show

Get rid of the customers, Joe

Don't mix it, Brad. You'll get hurt

- You know I run a clean show - You're not running me

Hey, did you see that? Right in the kisser

Hey, look out, Brad

The boss finally caught you, huh?

Nice going

Do you know who's backing me?

Yeah, and he's backing your whole dirty setup

Now get going

The luscious Phyllis dances and sings

to the sultry south sea strains

of Lovely Luawana Lady

Lovely Luawana lady

When your hopes and dreams grow fadey

Don't you ever be afraid He wont come back to you

Lovely Luawana lady

Where those yukes and jukes are played

He dreams of all the dreams he made

And longs that they'll come true

Ever since he's back

There's been no lack of gals

But, gee, they're slow

They don't have that wicky wack

You taught him there when the moon was low

Now every Susie, Sal, and Sadie

Just becomes a memory shady

Lovely Luawana lady

When he dreams of you

You made a mistake, Mr.Braden, a bad mistake

throwing my games off the lot

They're off, Mr. Henderson, and they stay off

It might save you a lot of trouble if you let Harry come back

Wherever you operate, the midways crawling with pickpockets

and crooked gambling

One rotten apple like you can ruin a whole circus

You know, you're not so tough

You wont stand a chance fighting my outfit

- I've never run away from a fight yet - And I've never lost one

There's no smoking allowed in here, Mr. Henderson

Don't throw it away I'll show you the way out

Lovely Luawana lady

When your hopes and dreams grow fadey

Don't you ever be afraid

He wont come back to you

Now every Susie, Sal, and Sadie

Just becomes a memory shady

Lovely Luawana lady

When he dreams of you

Are you afraid to speak to me?

The applause, the centre ring, you do not try to steal them anymore

I don't have to. The only net I use is in my hair

- That net, it was the boss mans orders - Safety first

- Who can be safe near you? - You can

Ringmaster?

I have a surprise for you I fly from the big rigging tonight

Oh, Mr. Thompson, when I signal, will you announce

that I will do a double forward over the bar through a paper hoop

- A double? - Through a hoop?

Through a hoop

That's not so much with a net under you

Stop it, you two. You're on

Chérie

The net, it bothers you?

- You crazy fool - No net

Thank you, my friend

Ladies and gentlemen

the sensation of the ages

In ring one

the beautiful and spectacular queen of the flying trapeze

the incredible Holly

And in the centre ring

the outstanding aerial daredevil of all time

the debonair king of the air, The Great Sebastian

No net

And now, for the first time

in this or any other circus

The Great Sebastian will attempt a double somersault

over the bar, through a hoop

scorning a net or any other safety device

Hope he makes it

Sebastian, no! Don't try it without the net

Who took that net down?

- He did. You want it up again? - It's too late now. He's ready to go

Go on, now

Keep the show rolling

Roll up this net. Clowns

Holly, keep it going Go into your swing

Walk me off

Do not rob me of my exit

Your arm, boss man. Your strong arm

Easy now

Keep your seats, please

The Great Sebastian is shaken but not badly hurt

The performance is now continuing

Resume your seats! Please

- Birdie, is he dead? - No, I don't think so

Draw it back

Carefully now

Back to wardrobe, girls. Back to wardrobe

- Will he be all right, Doc? - He's lucky to be alive

Thanks for the help, Buttons

Where did you ever learn to do a Velpeau bandage?

Well, you learn a lot when you're a pharmacists mate

You must've been the best in the Navy.

Gee, he's hurt bad

The other way. Turn him around

Don't transfer him Just leave him on this stretcher

Sebastian

Of all the crazy things Why did you do it?

I didn't mean for it to happen like this

Only he would try such a wonderful trick

- And you almost did it - I will do it. The next time

Sure, you will

And when you come back, you'll stand them on their ears

When I come back, chérie, you will fall. For me

All right, get him in there Lets get started. Get a move on

Flyers have fallen before They will again

He wont die, pigeon

Your rig goes in centre ring tomorrow

But I didn't want it like this

not over his broken body

Under the big top, only two days count, today and tomorrow

The circus rolls on whether flyers rise or flyers fall

And week after week

new audiences laugh at the antics of the clowns

and thrill to incredible feats of skill and daring

Hot roasted peanuts Peanuts Get them while they're hot

Hot roasted peanuts

I can't watch it

Higher, higher

Take another crack at it, Holly Higher this time. Sky's the limit

Play it, Emmett. Give me some rhythm

Yeah, maybe that'll help

Well, whistle or something

- Anybody got a lemon? - You think that'll work?

- Start your jug band - Noodle it up

- Give it plenty of bounce - Yeah, pick it up, Ed

Hit it, Holly

When things go wrong and life's no song

And you're flat on your back

That doesn't mean you have to lie there

Be a jumpin' jack

Keep on the hop and if you flop

In every single plan

Stand on your head and holler, Hi, there

Be a jumpin' jack

When things go up They must come down

And also vice-a verse

If things look bad, don't fret and frown

They could be ten times worse

Get Emmett

Your train of luck

It may get stuck

If something's on the track

Take a good jump

And you'll get by there

Be a jumpin' jack

Oh, Sebastian, you're back

- Hi, there, gorgeous - We missed you

A stitch in time saves more than nine

I'll bet they took plenty in you

Hey, you were doing this when I left

Sebastian, you're out of the hospital

Yes, but never out of danger when I see you

Hello, Sebastian

Fine. I hope both your heads are well

Vita, don't eat too much You'll break your sisters pretty neck

Well, if it isn't Superman

- Something will get burned - It sure will

If you play with fire, you get burned. I still have my scar

Brad! Oh, Brad! Sebastian's back

Oh, good, good

Cucciola

Say, it looks like the hospital agreed with you

So did the nurses

- Hi, Sebastian - Hello. How are you?

I'll open your trunk and lay your stuff out

Thank you

Hey, good to see you Now maybe I'll get my five bucks back

Maybe I'll borrow five more

Sebastian, it sure wasn't the same without you, fella

Hello. I practised somersaults in my bed every day

But did you do any bedsprings?

Why is it whenever he's around I'm all wet?

In more ways than one

If you should slip and lose your grip

Get up and bounce right back

Act just like a rubber ball

Look, Holly! Sebastian

Sebastian

He sure looks good

It's been three months Yeah, that's right. So it is

Hello, Sebastian Glad you're out of the hospital

I'm sorry you weren't with me

The show missed you

Oh, jiminy crickets! Oh, gosh

I've never been so happy to see anyone

Are you all right again? Really all right?

Let me see if it's really you

It was a wonderful hospital And such nurses, too

And we were worried about this big lug

This calls for a celebration

He came back when he heard how good you were in the centre ring

I was just keeping it warm for you

- I do not want it - Why not?

- You don't want the centre ring back? - Why not?

Because I just came back to collect my things

What for?

- Match? - No, thank you

Collect your

Now I know he's kidding

No, no. I dropped over at the Columbia show

Columbia?

We've been fighting them in every town since you left

I ran into somebody over there I had not seen since Paris

and very charming

You know how it is. These things happen

No. What happens?

You know. A pearl loses it's luster in time

Champagne goes flat, doesn't it?

Even the blond bubbling kind goes flat very quickly

Well, I will get my gear and rigging

You don't plan to work for Columbia, do you?

Let him go, Brad. He's found some more stardust

No, he hasn't

Chérie, I return you to sawdust. Sawdust to sawdust

You wouldn't work for Columbia You're The Great Sebastian

You wouldn't give up the centre ring for anything or anybody

unless you couldn't hold it

You've been lying ever since you came in here

Now lets see the truth Keep your hands off

- You should not have done that - That's why you wouldn't shake hands

You weren't going to Columbia

There wasn't any girl from Paris

You just didn't want me to know

To know what Id done

No, no, no, chérie You have done nothing

It is life

No one is to blame

- Can't something be done? - No. They have tried

May I have my coat, please?

There's a job for you in this show as long as you want it

One more cripple hanging on to the circus?

Watching others flying through the air while I am crawling on the ground?

You are meaning to be kind, boss man

but you and I both know it is better that I go

Don't let him go, Brad

Holly, he's grounded for good Hell go crazy if he stays

- I did that to him - No, he took the chance

I did it to him, as surely as if Id shot him

- You had nothing to do with it - Oh, yes, I did, Brad

I made him take that net down

I laughed at him. I razzed him into it That's what made him take it down

You two crazy fools

He was tops in the air

Now he's tied to a dead arm for the rest of his life

a claw hand

- It would've been kinder if Id killed him - Holly, this is circus

Brad, you can't realise what it means not to go up there again

Maybe I can

That's why it's better to let him go

- If he goes, I'm going with him - Holly, don't be a fool

You saw the way he hid his arm said things to make me hate him

He said them because he didn't want me to know

To know that Id smashed him

smashed his whole life

He didn't want me to know because he loves me

And I've got to make it up to him for what I've done

All right, you smashed him

Do you think smashing all three of us will help him?

You don't need me, Brad

You've got what you love

You've got the circus. But what's he got?

He's got guts That guys tough. He doesn't need sympathy

He can take this if you leave him alone He doesn't need pity

I'm not going to give him pity

I'm going to try and give him love

- What do you want? - To help you

I don't want any help I don't need any help

You come here to cry over me, go somewhere else I am packing

You don't even know where you're going

Besides, wherever it is, what could you do

that you couldn't do here with me to help you?

What do think you could do for me?

Well, I could fold this cape a little better

Oh, I see. Now I'm a cripple

You would dress me, undress me, cut up my food

wait on me like a little child. No, thank you

If you want to be kind, please go

I want to be with you, wherever you are

You are lying. You are sorry for me

You want to pay me because you teased me to cut down the net

That isn't true

You fell in love with me when I was The Great Sebastian, king in the air

a flash of lightning in the centre ring

On the ground, it is someone else you love

That's all over

Go back to the boss man

Don't think I am finished because of this

If I want someone, I'll ask her myself

Women are no problem for me I find them anywhere

You came back because you love me

You would like to believe that, wouldn't you?

It was for this I came back

- You did not - My rig

Well, I can sell it anyway

You should be dressing for the show The applause, it is all yours now

You've got the centre ring

I can't take it away from you I can't even applaud you properly

Say anything you like

Hit me if you want

- It wont change the way I feel. - Maybe I would like to hit you for lying

No one is to blame but me I

- Please, I must hurry - You're not going

You're tied to the circus, and whether you like it or not, you're tied to me

You think I would tie you to this?

It wasn't your arm I fell in love with

Or your hand

I fell in love with you

Id give my other arm if I could believe you

What does a girl have to say to make a blind man see?

Say that you'll stay, that you'll never leave me, ever

This is not because you are sorry for me?

You bet your life I'm sorry for you

You're stuck with a blonde

and you'll never get away

Chérie, how I would love you

Hey, wait for me, Anita

Step it up kids, were on

- Is my hat okay? - Nobody's gonna see you

Keep your coop to yourself today

Picnic in the park

A regal cavalcade with Queen Marie Antoinette

and her gay court at the royal horse show

Remember, you're supposed to be a queen

You're for the birds, that's for sure

Giving up your life to Sebastian because he's washed up

Who do you think you are? Joan of Arc or somebody?

What does it matter to you what I do?

Go ahead. Play noble That halo is gonna slip, sugar It's phoney

It'll be around your neck

Where would you wear yours?

Say, why are you so steamed up about me and Sebastian?

Sebastian?

I don't care if you break him up for firewood

He asked for it, playing around with you

But Brads on the level He didn't have this coming to him

Brad hasn't got time for love

- Okay, I'll take Brad the way he is - That is, if you're his type

Who are you calling a type?

Maybe I have been over the course a few too many times

But I've got a heart under this costume with room in it for one guy

You busted him apart, and I'm gonna pick up the pieces

Hell never miss you, sugar

I'm going to give him more than you ever could

Maybe so. You've had plenty of experience

You'll never make it

- Did you see him? - No. Where?

Here's your toothpick

When the lights go out on this glittering realm of sawdust and popcorn

the circus puts off it's spangles and climbs into battle dress

for the nightly combat with time and distance

The tear-down is a wild tangle of man, machine and beast

an orderly disorder of ropes

and metal poles and steel cable

and tons of heavy canvas

Yet out of this apparent chaos

these people bring tomorrows show

fresh and new and gay and hot

no matter how tangled the skein of their own lives may be

Ruth! Don't eat them newspapers

I told you to leave them lay

No, no, Ruth, Ruth

You'll get a tummy ache

She likes the candy that is stuck to it

He killed the thing he loved

Buttons, look

- You said that - Did I?

Well, don't believe everything you hear

And only half of what you see

I can believe that

So you see, chérie? All men are alike except

I know Except you

Come on, lets go down to the car

Hello, Johnny? It's Brad

Sure, Johnny, Sebastian's back

Yeah, he's staying with the show

No, he can't

Not his old act, but he's in the show

Me?

Why do you ask that?

There's nothing wrong with me

Business is holding up fine

The advance sale is fine

Everything's fine

And were a cinch to keep going the full season

So long, Johnny

The full season? That's great

Aren't you in the wrong wagon?

Not the way this one looks

- Don't touch that - A brass hat

What's all this housekeeping?

Just housekeeping

Well, go do it someplace else The boys take care of all this

You are a sourpuss, aren't you?

You want to bite somebody?

Well, pick your spot

Needs sugar

I wasn't sure how you liked it. I'll learn

- Don't bother - Sweet?

Oh. Medium

- What do you think you're doing? - Packing your pipe

Well, don't look so worried

You never know what you're gonna like until you try it

what do you know?

I used to fill my dads pipe

I don't remember seeing you before

You didn't. You only looked at me

Now, what was that name again?

Minnie Mouse Even elephants are afraid of me

They're smart animals Women are poison

But it's a wonderful death

I'm not dangerous. Honest

I just think a guy in trouble feels better if

Well, if there's a woman around

Just someone to get mad at

- Well, don't you want some coffee? - Sure, sugar

That's what I came for

You know, I never knew a woman could fill a pipe

Heads up! Big wagon coming through

Hello, sucker How long you gonna take it?

- Pretty picture, ain't it? - Shut up

Angel likes that guy

Why? Because he can give her presents

He's got the dough, so he gets the girl

What is mine I keep

Not without dough. But we can get it

Get it where it'll hurt, too

Get with it. You've got four and a half minutes

Brad, you better watch Angel tonight The grapevine says she's in for trouble

Klaus, the greatest elephant trainer in the world

presents his marvellous mastodonic mammals

gracefully ridden by 20 sultry sirens from the East

starring Angel, the sultans favourite

Butter-coated popcorn Get your popcorn here

Steady. Steady

Steady. All right

Foot

Foot. Foot

Steady

Steady?

Steady Come down

Steady

Steady

I wouldn't do that for a million dollars

Minyak, see how our angels eyes shine today

She has found a new love

Quit clowning, sugar For this I don't get paid by the hour

- Lets get on with the number, huh? - Oh, you want to hurry back to the boss

Maybe he has a present

He likes that funny face, huh?

Tell me, would he still like it if Minyak leans a little bit?

Klaus, are you nuts? Let me up

- Up, Minyak! Up - Steady

Be careful. You make Minyak nervous

Now your eyes shine for me, too

because you have fear in your lovely, lying little heart

Is she all right?

Steady, Minyak. Is your foot getting tired?

You want to put it down?

No, my sweet

You will never go to any other man

Foot, Minyak. Foot, foot

- You all right? - That was close to the finale

- Augie - This is my act

Get your things and get off the lot. Augie, take over

- Can you finish? - Sure. I can do anything for you

Angel

Fresh popcorn

- You fire me because - Because you're a jealous fool

Now get out of here before I have you up for attempted murder

Buy a circus souvenir

Take home a balloon for the

Would you like a balloon? Good

Life has made me a clown

It'll have to make you a better businessman

Hey, little one. You are tickling me

You can feel that?

He's trying to be friendly, to cheer me up

Come on, Sebastian Don't block the entrance

Get with it, Buttons

All right, boys, let them roll One buck gets you fifty

- My dice. I'll bet $3.00 - Okay, $3.00. Let the dice roll

Six. Your point

Harry. What we said, I'll do it

So you finally got wise, huh? I got it all figured. It's a cinch

- Tonight - Sure. Haven't you heard?

Were giving a party in the red pay wagon

Seven. A loser Sorry, friends. No winners That's all

- Hey, wait a minute - I said that's all

A fine game you got here

You don't even get a chance to get your dough back

Everything all right in there, Curly?

But next year, lets carry the cash in the gorilla cage

It's air-conditioned

Well, don't let it sit here and get rusty

Take it away

Mr. Braden?

That's right

Treasury. Special investigations

What can I do for you?

You carry a doctor with this show?

Yes. You usually find him in the privilege car

Does he look anything like this?

You sure?

Ten years can make quite a difference

What's he wanted for?

Murder. It's an odd case

A young doctor killed his wife

She was dying anyway

What will he get?

I'm a policeman, not a judge

- Why pick on us? - Just a hunch

He was always chasing circuses as a kid

You wont see that face around here

Probably not

Anyway, I've arranged to fingerprint some of your people in Cedar City

Do you mind if I ride along with you?

No. The head porter will fix you up with a berth

About here. That'll stop the red wagon back at the road

Come on. Snap it up

First section will be along pretty soon

Come on. Come on

- Say, Buttons - Here you are, Brad

- I got the next one

You're always around when there's trouble

You're pretty hard to find when the news is good

I got tied up with a cop who's riding with us

He's looking for someone

Anything serious?

Murder

He used to be a doctor

You find the darnedest people around a circus, don't you?

What was this good news? I could use some

Good news?

Sebastian, there

He's got feeling in that hand

Yes, and if there's still feeling, complete recovery is very possible

Is that a professional opinion?

That's a clowns opinion

Why don't you rile him up a little?

Might get your flyer back

Yeah, I'll do that

By the way, they're going to take some fingerprints when we get in

I'll get revenge tomorrow night

Always I'm lucky at cards

You sure it's luck?

You think I cheat maybe?

Why not? You've done it before

- I do not like this joke - It's no joke

- Steady - Wait a minute

Well, he used his bum arm to get Holly, didn't he?

You know you lie

You've got it all figured to get yourself a meal ticket for life, haven't you?

Latching onto her

You moved it

- He sure did - You bet he did

That's why you say these things

How about it, Doc? Will he be able to use it?

- It certainly did move - Of course he did, Doc

You know, that should get well

I believe that with psychosomatic treatment, that this might be

You did this for me?

For you? I wouldn't give you storage space

But you're a good flyer The show needs you

Now, keep working on it

You crazy, wonderful fool

You know that with my wings clipped, I would never marry Holly

Yet you raise me into the air again

Because you are circus

I must tell Holly

Maybe we name our first baby Bossman

Good work, Brad

Hey, Doc

what is this psycho whatchamacallit?

Wait till the engines passed

Unlock the door and don't try anything

Pass it down

Can you see the trouble?

Can't see nothing ahead

Get going. We gotta burn rubber

- What's that? - Second section

Look

Get out of here This is the girls car

Men are not allowed in here

Who'd you come to see?

What did you do, boy scout, lose your compass?

Well, what are you doing in no mans land?

Angel, you are going to be a bridesmaid

- Who's getting married? - You are, my darling

Angel. She's on that train

So what? We got the dough Lets get out of here

The lights. I must turn the lights back on the track

You crazy lunkhead Give me that wheel

Were going to turn the lights on the track

The train! Stop the train

Stop the train

Stop! Can't you see the lights? Stop

First section! Hold it

Angel

Hurry. Angels caught under here.

Hurry

Doc? Where are you, Doc?

Bob. Bob, where's the doc?

How do I know?

- Help me - Sure, Bill, where are you?

Over here Help me

Okay, hold on I'll get you out

My legs are all numb I can't feel anything

- You all right, Brad? - Yeah, I'm fine

Break out some fusees, Blackie

Get the road torches going We need some light

If Hanks on his feet

have him make torches out of the waste from the journal boxes

We got to get some light here

Get this stuff off me. Come on

How you doing in there, Bob?

Not so hot

That's a new way to get thrown out of bed

Elsie, Jeanne Where are you? You all right?

- Some of these kids are hurt - I'll get the doctor

No, no, down there Through the window

Rip that sheet. Make some bandages

Holy mackerel Get back in there, you little devils

Rajah, Rajah, Get back, Get back in there

No, you don't Back

Come on with those poles

Get some welding torches

Get in there

No place like home, Nero

Here's another torch

Put a blanket over the glass

You can tell that this ain't the pay line

You want water, you can get it here Busted water line

It's pretty bad in there Where's the doctor?

He was in the privilege car when we hit

I can hear them They're around here somewhere

Come on, boys Get me out of this junk

Hey, Mike, get some men and round up the cats

before they smell blood

Right, Mr. Braden

Somebody check the gorilla cage The glass will be broken Board it up

- Okay, boss - Keep those babies warm

How many killed, Jack?

Don't know yet

- Is that the doctor? - Yeah. He's out cold

Is that the doctor?

Well, we've got to get some doctors here

Check the walkie-talkie in my jeep See if it's okay

Sure, Brad

Come on, boys. Get this stuff off me, can't you?

Hello, Angel. What's the score in your car?

It's turned over A lot of the girls

Brad, you're bleeding

No dice, Brad We gotta rig something.

I know the rig to get

Tell them to get out the work bulls Well need them

Come on

Watch out, watch out Don't let him into the car

He's coming back

There he goes

Samson

Don't worry, Minnie

You'll be walking on your hands in a week

Well, my teeth are okay

Bite off a Band-Aid Minnie's got a broken arm

Hold still. Let her lean against you

- Hurry up with that first aid kit - Here

Give me the stick Come on, Minyak Come on

Come on, Minyak

Minyak, this way

Get the wagons down to the highway Everyone on the road

You can't move the circus, Brad This wrecks scattered over five acres

Half the animals are loose

And were rolling into Cedar City

Broken poles and canvas cut to ribbons?

Then well sidewall, play without a tent

All right, take the strain on that pry

Come on. Get with it

Easy, now

I wish I could do this like Buttons did it. He did a

Say, where is Buttons?

Bring that first-aid kit over, please

I send her for a doctor and she comes back with an elephant

You'd better leave the little pixie to Phyllis

if you want to say goodbye to our boyfriend

- Come on - Goodbye to our

Here. Finish Minnie's arm

The rail wont move

Hook it on a cage

Take it away

No, that's no good, man You'll pull our whole car over

Brad. I didn't know

I'm glad you're okay, pigeon

We may miss the matinée, but well make the night show

- Get that block out of the way - Here, I'll take it

All right, Minyak, come on, pick it up

Pick it up. Okay. Here we go

Stand it on it's side

Come on Pick it up Up

All right, lets take him over here

Well put it over there

Brad, you're bleeding like a stuck fish

- Birdie - Easy now

Birdie, hurry with that first-aid kit

Give me something to put on it

Here. Here, Brad

Birdie! Hurry

Thank you, sugar Thank you

Birdie. Birdie, come on Don't move like a snail

Birdie, get the gauze

Well make a compression bandage, pack it in

More of it. More of it

What are you doing here, Birdie?

- Here - Go see what's left of your costumes

We can't give a show without wardrobe

Well give a show, boss, if I have to put them in horse blankets

Here, hold

Hank, any horses hurt?

The horses are okay, Brad, but you're not

I'm all right

I've seen all kinds of accidents on the lot, Holly

That's an artery

Every time his heart beats, it pumps blood out of him

What are we going to do? The doctors

Hell bleed to death if we don't get someone to him

I know someone

Have you seen Buttons?

Birdie! Birdie, have you seen Buttons?

He just went by

Get the Zoppes costumes next

- Buttons - All right, throw them down!

Buttons! Buttons! Buttons

Brads hurt. He's bleeding They can't stop it

Well, get the doctor working on him, Holly. I gotta go

The doctors knocked out He was in the same car

Buttons, that newspaper about the doctor who killed the girl he loved

Yeah, well, Brad told me something about a detective

being on the train looking for that fellow

Look, I don't know if you're the man they're looking for

but if you are, you can save Brad

Remember you told me once about killing the thing you loved?

Well, maybe you killed someone because you loved her so much

If you are him, you could save someone I love

Oh, Buttons. I've always loved him

Please, please don't let him die, if you are the man

Are you, Buttons?

Yeah, I'm the man, Holly Come on. Lets go

See if they can set up a cook tent Everyone could use some coffee

Find out what performers are hurt

Let me know what acts we can't use

Lie still, Brad

Here's the doctors bag I found it

Fine, fine. Get something to put it on, will you?

We've got to get the big top rigged somehow and put on a performance

Lie still, will you?

You'll finish this performance under Gods big top

Buttons

If that detective sees you doing this, he wont need fingerprints

Well, the circus needs a boss right now

Besides, I kind of like you

Brad, please do what Buttons says, for me

What are you trying to do, make my last moments happy?

Is that you, Chuck?

Chuck, how many seed wagons are okay?

- About half - Set them up

Use planks for what's missing

You have got sawdust in your veins You can't even die decently

Take it easy, Holly This isn't sawdust he's bleeding

You're gonna have to have a blood transfusion right quick

You were in the army, Brad What's your blood type?

Which Rh?

- Negative - Negative? Are you sure?

Yeah, I'm sure Were out of luck, Buttons

- What does that mean? - Well, i's hard to find

There must be a blood bank in Cedar City

We don't have any time for that

Now, look, some of you go out and see

if you can find somebody that has AB blood

- There must be somebody in this show - There is someone

Me. I have it

- Sebastian - Not him

You're not gonna put that guys blood in me

You don't have enough blood in you now to quibble about it

Sit down here. Roll up your left sleeve Get his wristwatch off

- All right - I think I can rig it with this

Buttons, find somebody else

You'll be dead in 20 minutes without him

Here, soak this in alcohol

All right, but just take enough till you can get some other guy

It hurts me as much as it does you, but noblesse oblige

You ought to be grateful

Grateful? To him?

I've had nothing but trouble ever since you joined the show

They warned me about you, but I had to find out the hard way

Big stuff in the air

Upsetting the whole circus, chopping down your net

Now you want to be a hero, save my life

I don't want any part of you

I do not want to give you my good blood

but what it will do for you

Hasn't done much for you

If he should make love well after this, pay no attention It will be me

- I can't see Give me the light over here - I'll take it

Go ahead, Doctor

Yes. Take all you want

It will make of him a better man

He will have more fire, more of what women love

They may even want to marry you

And each time you look at one of your children, boss man

you will see me

If any kid of mine ever

It's the end of the line Were licked

We ain't got no big top, and our lightings all shot

- I'm not quitting. Well give a show - Brad, take it easy, will you?

- Where's my hat? - Buttons

- Give me that stethoscope - What is it, Buttons?

Put the ear tips in my ears

Keep count of these plunger strokes here

Now put that over his heart

A little lower A little lower Right there

His hearts going so fast, I can hardly count

- It must be over 130

Well, I guess that's it

- I'll get word out were cancelling - No, were not

We couldn't even get into town on a junk wagon

Well bring the town out here

Sell tickets to see the wreck?

- That's not a bad idea - Are you nuts?

Maybe. Well get the crowd out here if we have to drag them by the hair

If you're putting on this act for Brad, he can't hear you

- What's the matter with - Now stop shaking the stand

or hell never hear anybody

What's the matter with all of you?

Brad said wed give a show and were going to give it

We got no big top

Well sidewall it, set up in the open

- Where? - Over there. It's an open field

I got you, birdbrain You struck oil

Jack, get everything together that can walk, crawl, or run

floats, midgets, clowns, anything that can stand

Tell them it's cherry pie

Hank, fix up everything on wheels

If the horses can't pull them, we can

You're doing fine, Doc

- Hurry up, do what I said - Come on, Bob

Fred, tell Lloyd to stake out

- What about the big top? - Don't argue with me

Emmett. Emmett, patch up the clowns for a parade

- Parade? - Yes, parade

- Hey, are you kidding? - No, I'm not kidding

Rig my trapeze in a wagon

Gertrude. Gertrude, help Birdie with the wardrobe Hurry

Dave, Dave, find Merle Tell him to get the band together

If the instruments are busted, tell him they can sing

Here. Never mind the wreck Get the show rolling. Hurry

- I can beat a drum, even with one hand - Not until I'm through with you

You're doing all right where you are, sugar

What are you doing?

Will you two stop it? You'll kill this man

Twenty-five

So long, Brad

I'll bring all the elephants that can walk, and the ones that can't, I'll carry

You keep him going, Buttons. Well roll the show

God bless you

Thirty

Buttons

which one are you trying to save him for?

Scars covered by grease paint

bandages hidden by funny wigs

the spangled pied piper limps into town

Come on, folks, tie yourself to a balloon

Float out and see the circus

Come on, come on! Follow us

Come to the circus

This is the first time I've been alone with you

since that wonderful night in Paris, and I love it

Look, sugar, I love you because you're Rh negative

Not to you, chérie

- Come on - Come on

We've got them, Merle

They're coming with us Hit the circus song

Come to the circus

The greatest show on earth

Come to the circus

See the circus

If were not very careful

Life can overwork us

So take today

And make it gay

For there are too many tears along the way

So come to the circus

It's circus day today

Come see the barkers

And the gawkers

The bareback riders

And the fearless tightrope walkers

The cuddly bears do their routine

The greatest extravaganza

The world has ever seen

The big calliope will play

And 50 pachyderms will play

You'll see a hawker dressed in grey

Shouting, Peanuts, popcorn and lemonade

The human cannonball will zoom

As trumpets blare and bass drums boom

To entertain your mom and pop

As we go under the great big top

Working on the rig

Get them ready for the show

Is that The Flying Comets rig?

We've only got four poles

Rig it over ring three

- Hey, Russ - Yes, boss?

Have Whitey climb up and see if they're in sight yet

- How do you feel? - Never mind that. Just take off

- And see if the menagerie - Brad, Brad, take it easy

Doc, maybe you can keep him quiet. I give up

You did a great job, Buttons. A great job

Thank you, Doc It's my last

Looks like you ran into a little trouble

If I were in the junk business, I might make you an offer

Vultures even follow train wrecks

Braden

- you're all washed up - Well give a show

Without an audience?

Hey, you hear that?

Brad? You hear it?

The pied piper

What's that?

That's a ratcatcher, Mr. Henderson

What?

You know, great rats, small rats, lean rats, scrawny rats

brown rats, black rats, grey rats, tawny rats

They made it Listen to that band

Hey, Whitey, can you see them yet?

I see them, Brad

Wow! Look at them come

They got the whole town with them

Thank God

Think I'll go have a look

I'll say this much for you, Braden. You're good circus

I'll wait till you're back on your feet again

then I'll knock you off them for good

Why don't you stay and see the show, Henderson?

There'll be standing room

I'm sorry, Doc

I couldn't take a chance with that crowd coming

Yeah, yeah. I know

Id kind of like to shake your hand before

You're all right

Buttons

What can a man say?

Well, take care of yourself, Brad

Tell Holly I'm going to keep that date with that girl she knows about

Where's my hat?

Here's a present for you

Come on, Squeaker

Do you want a bite of my candy bar, Buttons?

No, thanks, honey. I'm not very hungry

Squeaker likes candy, don't you?

- I'll tell you, why don't you take him? - Don't you want him?

Yeah, I want him, but I can't take him where I'm going

Here. Don't feed him too much popcorn or hell pop

- Well, keep the show rolling, Brad - Hey, Buttons, what's this

And why don't you tell Holly Brad wants to see her?

Come on. Lets go

You kids want popcorn?

Merle, spot the band between those seat wagons

We got the webs rigged to the star boom, Holly

Keep them out of the way of the Alzana wire

Antoinette, take your web girls up to the big pole

Lou, you work the centre ring with Loni and The Chaludis

Honey, use my trapeze. Yours is busted

Give them a hula bubble bath, Phyllis

Yes. In the elephant tub

Hey, Rusty. Follow captain high

Right, Sebastian

Well, what happened to you, sugar?

You must have gotten some of Brads blood

You walking people, get back by the bubble float

Holly, Brad wants you

Okay. Coffee, everybody, after the spec at the grease joint

Ladies and gentlemen

we bring you a new innovation

The greatest assembly of artists in the world

will entertain you under the blue canopy of the open sky

Golly, Brad, you sure look better than when I saw you last

- Yeah, sure, but - No, no! Put The Idnavies in the centre!

Brad, what I said last night I'm sorry. I didn't mean it

- Well, I'm not. Listen - Brad, aren't you proud of me?

You should have seen us We panicked them

Were not gonna have enough seats out there to hold them

I nearly folded last night

It made me see what I've been missing

You know what I'm gonna do? Were gonna parade around the track

Would you listen to what I'm trying to tell you? I love you

I know, but were ready to start.

After the show, huh, Brad?

Judas priest

You got nothing but sawdust in your veins

Children of all ages

the big show is about to commence

Well, looks like were out in the cold

Perhaps we should keep each other warm, huh?

Listen, sugar, the only way you can keep me warm

is to wrap me up in a marriage licence

Why not? That would be something new

Roll it, Merle! Plenty of brass and make it loud

Come to the circus

Come on along and see

Hooray for lions

And the camels

You'll have fun And look at all the other mammals

Come see the clowns

Who play their part

They'll wear a smile that hides a broken heart

Tremendous

Stupendous

The circus show shall be

The Bengal tiger

And the lion

The trapeze artist does a leap

That's death-defyin

A land of mirth

Your moneys worth

Come on along to the circus

The greatest show on earth

That's all, ladies and gentlemen That's all

Come again to the greatest show on earth

Bring the children Bring the old folks

You can shake the sawdust off your feet

but you can't shake it out of your heart

Come again, folks

The greatest show on earth

Come again