A Circus Season: Travels with Tarzan

Nope, the title doesn't refer to the Tarzan. Presented originally on PBS by Oregon Public Broadcasting, A Circus Season follows the Tarzan Zerbini Circus from April to October as it tours throughout the U. S. and Canada, demonstrating conclusively that circus life is all grit and glamour--actually, about 95% grit and 5% glamour. Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look as the performers deal not only with the dangers inherent in putting on a really big 'shoe', but also with uncooperative weather, dreary road travel, individuals with personal troubles, and "wannabes" who soon find the "glamour" of circus life replaced by the harsh realities of being on the road. Underlying all the troubles, however, is a devotion to the circus tradition, and there's much fun to be had in seeing the Tarzan Zerbini Performing Elephants, the Wheel of Thrills, Othmar Vohringer with his Siberian White Tigers, and other acts. Still, if your children are eager to join the circus, cue up this life-under-the-big-tent video; it'll stop them in their tracks. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Fisher)