Review of The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) by Scott R — 07 Nov 2014

(75%).

The second movie (The magic box being the first) of a double feature presentation at the great Woolton cinema in Liverpool is weirdly a forgotten 1950's gem of a movie that anyone with at least some affection of old and increasingly scarce independent cinemas will absolutely love. Peter Sellers isn't the main focus of the movie, he's rather more a supporting role, but he's utterly fantastic as an old projectionist with a drink problem and he provides the best laughs. The plot is simple yet effective stuff, it's very well told as you really do want to know what's going to happen next; while the pacing never bogs down, and the comedy keeps on coming until the final reel. This really is a film I'd happily recommend to anyone and everyone, and is perfect for a wet Sunday afternoon.