Emmett Kelly Jr's Circus

This 1981 television special, filmed at the Alladin Theatre in Las Vegas, is a fun-filled hour that the whole family would enjoy. Hosted by British singer- actor Anthony Newley, the show features Emmett Kelly Jr. the clown, the Flying Carrolls (trapeze), Carroll Buckley and Baby Tarra (an elephant), the Drogettes (jugglers), Los Latinos (a high-wire act), Steele's Elephants, Kramer and Company (optical illusions), as well as chimpanzees, tigers, more clowns, singing, dancing--and the inevitable corny circus jokes. Although the program can in no way substitute for the excitement and wonder of a live circus, the camerawork here is good enough to at least convey the general feeling of being close to the action. The low price and quality circus acts make this a good choice for libraries who are in need of more family-oriented variety specials. Recommended. (Available from: Best Film & Video, 98 Cutter Mill Rd., Great Neck, NY 11021.)