When you first see the pink wedding cake like setting for Victor Mature's big tent, it's a wonderful, chilling feeling, so glamorous and exciting, a reflection of opulent entertainment from three generations ago. Financial troubles due to a broken partnership (leaving Mature in charge) has him needing a bank loan, and in comes circus hating Red Buttons and publicity agent Rhonda Fleming to spoil the colorful stew. Obviously romance is going to bloom with admitted chauvinist Mature and the independent Fleming, as well as the blunt Buttons and Mature's much younger sister, Kathryn Grant (later Crosby) which will certainly upset Mature.
Regardless of the fact that this is a variation of DeMille's Oscar winning "Greatest Show", I found it an absolute delight, thrilling and gorgeous. Vincent Price and Peter Lorre, usually cast as heavies, are the ring master and lead clown, with Lorre obviously having a drinking problem, and possible suspects in the sabotaging behind the scenes. Silent star Gilbert Roland is touching as the tight rope artist and Adele Mara as his partner/wife, his athletic prowess still virile and looking incredible in tights.
This is the type of film that should be seen on a big screen if possible, made for a technically advanced movie experience. The animal acts, regardless of modern issues against them, are delightful to watch, especially the baby chimps obviously having a lot of fun climbing man-made props and reveling in the applause. The cast is great, and there's a laugh regarding Mature's mentioning of Hannibal, having just played him. Buttons, an actor whom I normally find hideous in attitudes, does get to come around a bit more sympathetically. Tension rules as the grieving Roland faces life or death in a big stunt at Niagra Falls in the dramatic conclusion.
Regardless of the fact that this is a variation of DeMille's Oscar winning "Greatest Show", I found it an absolute delight, thrilling and gorgeous. Vincent Price and Peter Lorre, usually cast as heavies, are the ring master and lead clown, with Lorre obviously having a drinking problem, and possible suspects in the sabotaging behind the scenes. Silent star Gilbert Roland is touching as the tight rope artist and Adele Mara as his partner/wife, his athletic prowess still virile and looking incredible in tights.
This is the type of film that should be seen on a big screen if possible, made for a technically advanced movie experience. The animal acts, regardless of modern issues against them, are delightful to watch, especially the baby chimps obviously having a lot of fun climbing man-made props and reveling in the applause. The cast is great, and there's a laugh regarding Mature's mentioning of Hannibal, having just played him. Buttons, an actor whom I normally find hideous in attitudes, does get to come around a bit more sympathetically. Tension rules as the grieving Roland faces life or death in a big stunt at Niagra Falls in the dramatic conclusion.