An American drama; A story about a Wild West show circus performer on a tour of Europe to avoid financial ruin, who hopes to tracks down the wife of a dead performer, whose daughter he is raising as his own. This film's subject is about loss and forgiveness and while moderately diverting it has a painfully slow start. Exposition is perfunctory and without much style or charm. John Wayne gives an effective but subdued performance but Claudia Cardinale and Rita Hayworth gave performances with feeling as daughter and mother. The production values are impressive, matched by a spirited musical score which intensifies the drama. Two notable sequences involve a capsize and a tent fire which stand out and there is some circus merriment. But, all in all, it is not enjoyable enough as an adventure or convincing as a family melodrama.
Review of Circus World
