Review of The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) by Alan Z — 08 Aug 2013

A great spectacle and heart-filled tribute to the world of circuses. DeMIlle brings his signature style of great production, huge sets, animals, everything. I can only imagine how difficult it was to put this on film but with the partnering of Barnum and Bailey, it works tremendously.

Heston gives a performance that anchors the movie while Hutton and Wilde give charm and spice to the already manic world of high flying acrobatics, stunt performers, clowns, and elephants. It may revel in the world for overly-long periods of time but it won't bother those who love the circus and appreciate the talent and risk of it all, and besides, this is what movies did back in the day, truly display the scale and effort of these shows.

Makes me think a movie could be made on CIrque du Soleil for modern times.