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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 fo 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.

- Hi. - Hi, Mr. Braden.

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 oll. Give them plenty of spinach.

You stay healthy now, boy, you hear?

Say, is it true we're 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.

Better feed your bird, Lou.

Hey, Brad, Betty in the cookhouse said

we're only gonna play the big cities this year.

And then close up like a miser's 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? Yes.

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. - We'll 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 world's upside down, Brad. We can't take the risk...

Our people risk their necks twice a day.

We'll have a short season, no red ink and no trouble.

Trouble's part of the circus.

They said barnum was in trouble when he lost Tom thumb.

They said he was through when jumbo died.

We're 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? - Oh, no!

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? Yes.

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

I knew there was a trick in il.

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

Cool off, Brad.

We're going to stay out as long as we're 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.

Brad? Yeah?

You know Sebastian only works in the center ring.

I know it.

I'd rather crawl in that cage of cats

than have to tell Holly she's out of the center 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, let's 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. Let's get over it.

Faster, loni, faster.

What gives, buttons?

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

Quiet around the center 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 in 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? Yeah.

Hey, kids, Brad fixed it.

We're gonna play the full season! Come on!

Did you hear that, Klaus? The full season!

Down, Ruth, down. Make her 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.

We're hitting the sticks.

Terrific.

Okay...

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 we're in the black.

We'll be in the black, right?

You mean we all got to play in blackface?

- And Sebastian, too! - Sebastian?

Sebastian? 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 center ring, isn't he?

That's right.

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

Oh, boy!

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 center 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 center 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 center ring.

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

- Then why don't you leave me in center? - 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?

No.

All right.

I'll move over.

Where do I go?

Ring one.

Oh, Brad,

I'd do my act in clown alley or the horse top for you.

I'd 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 performer's 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 center before the great Sebastian arrives.

- Tuffy, tear down my rigging. - Okay.

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.

Great.

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? - Okay.

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, Brad's 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!

Brad's been worried sick about getting us all a full season.

If he had to throw me out, he had to throw me out and it's...

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 we're 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. Yeah.

You're lucky. Everybody loves you.

Ten million kids and your girl.

You'll be seeing her pretty soon.

We roll in three days.

Yeah.

Yeah.

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 heart's 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.

- Hi, Sebastian. - Hello!

Get a load of that.

Where's the fire at?

Oh, baby!

This ought to be good.

Where is the boss man?

I thought he was.

I am Sebastian. I am honored to be with you.

I hope your act's 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.

$1007?

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.

Hey!

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 I'd 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!

Sebastian!

- Hello, handsome. Remember? - Natalial

- no, honey ball, Phyllis. - Of course.

Lovely Phyllis with the charming iron jaw.

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

All right.

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

Thanks for the ride, sugar.

You know Sebastian, eh?

- Sure, we're 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. - 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 center ring. - I did?

Excuse me.

Music.

- 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 center ring for me?

I am Sebastian.

- You mean you didn't know? - How could 1?

- 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 center ring?

- Don't be funny. - Excuse me.

Would you hold these, please?

- Oh, yes, Sebastian. - Thank you.

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 we're 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.

Brad! Brad!

Sebastian's got something to tell you.

Better tie him in so he won't roll! Has he?

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

Isn't he wonderful?

Yeah. Wonderful.

Where do you propose to go?

I have had the center 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.

- Holly... - Oh, Brad.

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

Do you know what we're 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 center ring.

The people watch the star, do they?

Well, they're going to be watching me.

If you won't let him give me the center 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 center 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 won't.

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. We're 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 we're 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.

Oh, boy!

Bye. See you in Washington.

Bye, father!

Bye, father.

One of the featured attractions of the greatest show on earth.

Come right on in. Let's 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 marvelous, amazing,

sophisticated sea lions.

The internationally famous riding canine!

He did it, mama!

Back, boy!

Foot!

Foot! Foot!

Foot!

That foot's pretty rough to go in a girl's face.

- File it. - All right.

Hey, the duel or whatever you call it for the center 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 center 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 practice.

- 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 season's 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. We're not people up there.

We're like two streaks of light with wings and...

You wouldn't understand.

- Nobody would, except another flyer. - Like Sebastian?

Yeah.

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. - Okay.

Did you follow me? Yeah.

- 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 won't.

Did your elephant sit on this zipper?

He says we're 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?

- My... - Well, you only work with your teeth.

Get with it, Mabel. Three minutes. So let's get it all on.

Okay.

If it were only you, sugar,

I'd 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.

Brad's 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 Brad's face when you took that tumble.

She was too busy watching Sebastian.

- Put your claws away, girls. - Holly.

Gee, if all the rangers looked like Sebastian,

you and plenty more, huh, Holly?

Look, all I want from him is the center 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 favorite songs.

A circus serenade.

A Disney album.

It's Mickey mouse. Hi, Mickey!

Come on, Donald!

Look at pluto!

Hi, Alice!

Oh, and there's 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 center 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 song

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 gray, drizzly morning,

the first section of the circus train pulls into the railroad yara,

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 giant's 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 giant's skin is stretched out

until it lies smooth and moldeaq,

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 color 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

in this battle for the center ring.

99, 56, 57, 58,

59, 60, 61,

62, 63, 64,

65, 66, 67,

68, 69...

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

Yeah. I was there the night Jenny got killed.

15, 76, (1,

7/8, 79, 80,

81, 82, 83,

84, 85, 86,

87, 88, 89,

90, 91, 92,

93, 94, 95,

96, 97, 98...

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

Holly's spinning like a weathervane in a Kansas twister.

Swingovers? Yeah.

Her rope isn't rigged for that.

Tell the ringmaster to whistle in the zoppes.

- Fast. - Right.

107, 108, 109,

110, 111, 112...

Come on.

114, 1195, 116,

117...

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

121, 122, 123,

124

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. - She'd have broken more than a record.

You sure saved her a buster.

You better tell her, Brad, or she'll never forgive you.

Alberto zoppe and cucciola,

world's 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, cherie, 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 man's 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?

I'd better go.

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

- You, too, no? - 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.

You...

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 elephant's 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. - I'd hate to have your nerve in a tooth.

Come on, sugar. Let's go. Come on.

I think your coffee's 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?

- You. - 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?

Sure, Brad.

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

Oh, that reminds me, Jeannie pulled her shoulder tonight.

She'll 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, cherie. - There won't be any next time.

No?

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 sweetheart's name,

your wife's name, even your mother-in-law's 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 credit's okay with me.

- What's the matter, pal? - My wallet's 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. - Oh, no. I...

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?

Water's coming out of it.

Look at that silly umbrella.

Sit down, son.

Your attention, please.

The greatest show on earth proudly presents

dazzling, dauntless daredevils of the flying trapeze,

breathtaking, death-defying marvels in midair!

Hey!

Hello.

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, cherie? - Yes! Let me go!

Goodbye.

Sebastian won't 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.

Yes, sir.

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.

- Let's 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 month's 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 won't 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 midway's crawling with pickpockets

and crooked gambling.

One rotten apple like you can ruin a whole circus.

You know, you're not so tough.

You won't 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 won't 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 center 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 man's 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 center 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.

No.

Walk me off.

Do not Rob me of my exit.

All right.

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. - All right.

Back to wardrobe, girls. Back to wardrobe.

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

- Thanks for the help, buttons. - Okay.

Where did you ever learn to do a velpeau bandage?

Well, you learn a lot when you're a pharmacist's 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, cherie, you will fall. For me.

All right, get him in there. Let's get started. Get a move on.

Oh, Brad.

Flyers have fallen before. They will again.

He won't die, pigeon.

Your rig goes in center 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 fo 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.

- Hello. - 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 sister's 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.

Cucciolal

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 practiced 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.

Sebastian!

- Sebastian. - Holly.

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 center ring.

I was just keeping it warm for you.

- I do not want it. - Why not?

- You don't want the center 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 its 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 center ring for anything or anybody,

unless you couldn't hold it.

You've been lying ever since you came in here.

- Now let's 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 I'd 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. He'll go crazy if he stays.

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

I did it to him, as surely as if I'd 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 I'd killed him.

Holly, this is circus.

Brad, you can't realize 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 I'd 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 guy's 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.

Yeah?

All right.

- 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 center 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.

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 center 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 won't 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.

I'd 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!

My feet are killing me.

- Hey, what does that mean? - Mine are like rubber.

Step it up kids, we're 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 phony.

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 Brad's 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.

He'll 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 its 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 tomorrow's 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, cherie? All men are alike except...

I know. Except you.

Come on, let's go down to the car.

Hello?

Hello?

No, John north.

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 we're a cinch to keep going the full season.

Yeah.

So long, Johnny.

The full season? That's great. Yeah.

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? Yeah.

You want to bite somebody? Yeah.

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.

Well,

what do you know?

I used to fill my dad's 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 marvelous mastodonic mammals,

gracefully ridden by 20 sultry sirens from the east,

starring angel, the sultan's favorite.

Butter-coated popcorn. Get your popcorn here.

- Hey, one. - You want some?

Thank you.

Steady. Steady.

Steady. All right.

Foot.

Foot. Foot.

Foot.

Foot. Foot.

Foot.

Steady.

Steady?

Steady. Come down.

Steady.

I wouldn't do that for a million dollars.

Minyak, see how our angel's eyes shine today.

She has found a new love.

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

- Let's 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.

Thank you.

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?

We're 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? - Okay.

But next year, let's carry the cash in the gorilla cage.

It's air-conditioned.

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

- Take it away. - Right.

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?

No.

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 won't 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.

Thank you.

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. - Thanks.

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?

Yeah.

What was this good news? I could use some.

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 clown's 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.

Okay.

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?

Walt till the engine's 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 man's 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. Let's get out of here.

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

You crazy lunkhead. Give me that wheel.

We're 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!

Angel!

Sebastian.

Hurry. Angel's 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 Hank's 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.

Stu? Yes.

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. We'll 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 wreck's scattered over five acres.

Half the animals are loose.

And we're rolling into cedar city.

Broken poles and canvas cut to ribbons?

Then we'll sidewall, play without a tent.

All right, take the strain on that pry.

- Come on. Get with it. - Drop her down, will you?

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...

Brad.

Here. Finish minnie's arm.

The rail won't move.

Hook it on a cage.

Take it away.

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

Brad. I didn't know.

I'm glad you're okay, pigeon.

We may miss the matinee, but we'll make the night show.

Oh, Brad.

- 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 its side.

Come on. Pick it up. Up.

All right, let's take him over here.

We'll 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.

We'll 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.

We'll give a show, boss, if I have to put them in horse blankets.

Holly.

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...

He'll bleed to death if we don't get someone to him.

- I know someone. - Good.

- Have you seen buttons? - No.

Birdie! Birdie, have you seen buttons?

He just went by.

Get the zoppes' costumes next.

- Buttons! - All right, throw them down!

Buttons! Buttons! Buttons.

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

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

The doctor's 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. - No.

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. Let's go.

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

Okay, Brad.

Find out what performers are hurt.

Let me know what acts we can't use.

Lie still, Brad.

Here's the doctor's 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 god's big top.

Buttons.

If that detective sees you doing this, he won't 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?

Sa

Which rh?

- Negative. - Negative? Are you sure?

Yeah, I'm sure. We're out of luck, buttons.

- What does that mean? - Well, it'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 guy's 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...

Brad. Yeah?

It's the end of the line. We're licked.

We ain't got no big top, and our lighting's all shot.

- I'm not quitting. We'll 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 heart's going so fast, I can hardly count.

- It must be over 130. - 130...

Well, I guess that's it.

- I'll get word out we're canceling. - No, we're not.

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

- We'll bring the town out here. - Five.

Sell tickets to see the wreck?

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

Maybe. We'll 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 he'll never hear anybody.

What's the matter with all of you?

Brad said we'd give a show, and we're going to give it.

We got no big top.

We'll 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.

But they can't play without...

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. We'll 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 fo the circus

the greatest show on earth

come fo the circus

see the circus

if we're 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 gray

shouting, "peanuts, popcorn and lemonade”

the human cannonball will zoom

as trumpets blare ahd 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?

Yeah.

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. - We'll 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, gray 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.

I'd 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 he'll pop.

Thanks.

- 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. Let's go.

You kids want popcorn? Yeah!

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 center 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 Brad's 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 center!

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.

We're 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? We're gonna parade around the track...

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

- I know, but we're ready to start. - Holly...

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 we're 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 license.

Why not? That would be something new.

Let her go, Holly!

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

Come fo 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 money's 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.