The Big Circus

Big-Top melodrama that's rich with easy on the eye formula.

The Big Circus is directed by Joseph M. Newman and jointly written by Irwin Allen (who also produces) and Charles Bennett. It stars Victor Mature, Red Buttons, Rhonda Fleming, Kathryn Grant, Vincent Price and Peter Lorre. Plot sees Mature as Hank Whirling, the owner of The Whirling Circus, where, having seen his partner break away to form his own show, he finds he has to beg a loan off the bank to keep the Whirling show going. The bank agree to the loan but on condition that their financial whizz Randolph Sherman (Buttons) travels along with the show to keep an eye on the finances. He in turn hires publicity agent Helen Harrison (Fleming) to professionally sell the product, bu...

The triumphs & tragedies of a big circus on tour in America in the late 50s

After a huge circus splits into two factions, the one led by Hank Whirling (Victor Mature) quickly apprehends financial backing, but the bank insists on a troublesome financial accountant tagging along (Red Buttons) along with a press agent (Rhonda Fleming). As the circus travels the West into Texas & Eastern states, they enjoy sold out shows, but theyre hindered by a mysterious saboteur and other challenges on the road as they seek to make it to New York City ahead of their rival.

An Irwin Allen production, "The Big Circus" (1959) is cut from the same cloth as Cecil B. DeMilles "The Greatest Show on Earth" (1952), but isnt as good, although its comparab...