American Experience, The: Barnum's Big Top

P.T. Barnum, the self-proclaimed "prince of humbug," is the subject of this wonderfully entertaining documentary about the rise of the circus. Produced, written, and directed by Matthew Collins, Barnum's Big Top examines Barnum's transition from manager of the American Museum (which housed many of the entrepreneur's curiosities like the "missing link," mermaids, and exotic animals) to circus owner at the age of 60. During the 1870s, P.T. Barnum got a leg up on his competitors by taking his circus across country by train, and sending hawkers and poster plasters ahead to the next town. Zazel the human cannonball, Diavolo's death defying "loop the loop" (which did not, ultimately, defy death), Salamander the fire-horse, the Wild Men of Borneo (a couple of brothers from Ohio), and more attracted people by the droves all over the country. Consider the impact of Jumbo the elephant (which added a new word to the English language). Jumbo eventually won out over Barnum's competitor Adam Forepaugh's elephant Bolivar in a much publicized media battle of the pachyderms. When Jumbo died, Barnum created a moving, yet fictional, account of his "heroic" death which delighted audiences long after the big guy's demise. In 1881, Barnum hooked up with a Mr. Bailey, and the "greatest show on earth" was born: the Barnum & Bailey Circus. Over the course of a few generations the circus had gone from a traveling grifter operation to the entertainment of choice for the whole family. But, as narrator Robert Lansing points out, Edison's phonograph and motion picture machine would eventually relegate the circus to an ever receding supporting role in mass entertainment. A loving tribute, Barnum's Big Top ingeniously weaves old footage, archival stills, the nostalgic strains of calliope music, and a rousing good story. Step right up. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (Available from: PBS Video, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314-1698; 1-800-424-7963.)