THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH (Theatrical Release USA 1952)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì

The Greatest Show on Earth—classic—accesses the skills of Charlton Heston, James Stewart, and Cornell Wilde to produce an outstanding film for all audiences. The set designers and costume designers outperform themselves for razzle dazzle. The movie relies on a pseudo-documentary style of presentation with the use of a narrator who intermittently injects himself into the storyline to explain some of the scenes. No lack of entertainment value here despite the movie’s age. Look for the cameo appearance of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in the circus audience. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

 A close-up view of circus life—the work, the number of people and the skill of people required to make it work, their trials, and their successes.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Cecil B. DeMille for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Cecil B. DeMille for making the movie possible. Additional characters/cast include: Holly (Betty Hutton), The Great Sebastian (Cornel Wilde), Brad Braden (Charlton Heston), Phyllis (Dorothy Lamour), Angel (Gloria Grahame), FBI Agent (Henry Wilcoxon), Klaus (Lyle Bettger), Mr. Henderson (Lawrence Tierney), and Emmett Kelly (Emmett Kelly). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The film is an outstanding piece of art. It earns its watch and deserves a place in the home video library.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers