Original subtitles

NARRATOR: We bring you the circus,

the Pied Piper whose magic tunes lead children

of all ages from six to 60

into a tinsel and spun-candy world

of reckless beauty and mounting laughter,

of whirling thrills, of rhythm, excitement and grace,

of daring and blaring and dance,

of high-stepping horses and high-flying stars.

But behind all this, the circus is a massive machine,

whose very life depends on discipline, motion and speed;

a mechanized army on wheels

that rolls over any obstacle in its path,

that meets calamity again and again...

but always comes up smiling;

a place where disaster and tragedy stalk the big top,

haunt the backyard and ride the circus train,

where death is constantly watching for one frayed rope,

one weak link or one trace of fear;

a fierce, primitive, fighting force

that smashes relentlessly forward against impossible odds.

That is the circus.

And this is the story of the biggest of the big tops,

and of the men and women who fight to make it

the Greatest Show on Earth.

Good morning, Mr. Braden.

Morning, Nick.

When's the new horse arrive, Brad?

Tomorrow, Chuck.

Don't rub 'em thin, Jimmy.

Those bells are 60 years old.

They've rung in some good shows.

Hi.

Hi, Mr. Braden.

How are the kids?

Oh, just fine.

Except they were playing with Randy Concello a few days ago.

Well, that's nice.

Yes, but Randy came down with the mumps this morning.

What? No.

Any signs?

No, not yet, but baby gorillas do get the mumps.

I'll have Higgins give them a shot of immune serum,

and double their cod liver oil.

Give them plenty of spinach.

You stay healthy now, boy, you hear?

Say, is it true

we're only going to play a short season this year?

Don't believe all you hear.

Go back to Mama now. See?

I told you there was nothing to it.

( trumpets )

( grunting )

How's Myrtle?

Stomach.

Give her some gin and ginger.

( whimpers )

Any news about a full season?

You'll get a full season.

Be sure Myrtle gets all the gin.

( whimpering )

Same old trouble?

Yep. Sore throat, all of it.

Well, get a billiard cue and swab it out.

Better feed your bird, Lou.

Hey, Brad.

Betty in the cookhouse says

we're only gonna play the big cities this year.

And then close up like a miser's heart.

Well, if they're giving odds, bet a buck for me.

Why have a rehearsal just for makeup, Brad?

Because you left off your eyelashes

last performance, last season.

You're going to need an extra shoe,

walking back on Kalamazoo.

I'm supposed to be looking for you, Brad.

Well, are you supposed to find me?

Big brass's hollering for you up front.

You'll find me.

Hey, Brad, this might help.

Too small.

Skim off the cream.

Let the little shows scramble for the thin milk.

Don't forget what circus day means to a small town.

John North, you're just soft about the circus.

It's suicide to play this whole tour this year.

You going to tell that to Brad?

Yes.

A good circus boss carries out orders.

My vote is ten weeks and back to Sarasota.

But for 80 years...

That order about keeping the grounds clean

goes for the top brass, too.

Good morning. I'm sorry, Brad.

I've seen happier heads on Cain.

We sent for you, Brad,

to tell you we've got to pass up the small cities and towns.

Times have changed.

Kids haven't.

Prices have.

We'll stay in the black.

You hope.

Look, Brad, here's the tour for this season.

That's only ten weeks.

60 percent of our money

comes from the big cities in the first ten weeks.

The world's upside down, Brad.

We can't take the risk of our...

Our people risk their necks twice a day.

We'll have a short season, no red ink and no trouble.

Trouble's part of the circus.

They said Barnum was in trouble when he lost Tom Thumb.

They said he was through when Jumbo died.

Aah.

We're the Greatest Show on Earth

and you can't put 1,400 people out of work

because the world has a stomachache.

And you can't risk $25,000 a day

on a sentimental journey either.

If you play only the big cities,

you'll cut the heart right out of this show.

In two seasons, you'll destroy

what it took his family 80 years to build.

I might vote a few weeks more if we had a bigger headline.

Holly isn't known.

We've got one.

Didn't you tell him, John?

Not yet.

Who is it, Johnny?

Have you brought Gargantua back to life?

The Great Sebastian.

What? Oh, no!

You're crazy!

Sebastian's wrecked every show he's been with.

But he draws like sugar and fly tap.

Nobody can handle him.

He's never worked for Brad.

You're buying trouble, Johnny.

I'm buying the best trapeze act in the air.

He may be a god in the air,

but he's a devil on the ground.

You mean with women?

You know how many women this show carries?

He's not that good,

no matter what you've heard.

Things are bad enough as it is.

Oh, Brad, it's too big a gamble.

You haven't sold me.

I'm still against going under canvas.

Are you for Sebastian?

Yes.

Because the only way we could get him

was to sign him for the full season.

I knew there was a trick in it.

You can't get good acts for a ten-week season!

Cool off, Brad.

We're going to stay out as long as we're in the black.

Agreed?

As long as we make money, yes. If you say so, Johnny.

Well, I don't like it, Johnny...

Thank you, gentlemen, that's it.

You better start worrying about Sebastian.

Here, let me show you...

( all talking )

Macky, keep those cats covered when you move them!

Okay, Mr. Braden.

Brad?

Yep?

You know, Sebastian only works in the Center Ring.

I know it.

I'd rather crawl in that cage of cats

than have to tell Holly she's out of the Center Ring.

So would I.

( engine starts )

You can blame me if you want to.

Thanks, but it's my medicine, I'll take it.

Come on, boy, come on.

Hey, Tuffy, off your back and on your toes!

And give me a little more slack this time.

You've got enough rope now for a hanging.

I want more and I'm going to do it without the mechanic.

No deal. I'll put up a net.

What do you think I am-- a fish?

You better use a net for this one,

or you'll break your neck and Brad'll break mine.

( laughs ): Now, don't get sentimental, Tuffy.

Come on, let's go.

Brad sees this, he'll chew your ears off.

( laughing )

WOMAN: Snap your legs now!

All the way again, Lena.

MAN: Point your toes, Janet.

A little more curve.

Relax, relax. ( whistle blows )

Any news? Nope.

MAN: Come on now, let's get...

Faster Loni, faster.

( laughter and chatter )

What gives, Buttons?

Holly's hashed up a new hair-raiser for that center spot.

Quiet around the Center Ring!

Everybody still a minute, please.

Hup!

( woman screams )

( whistles )

Pretty good.

( applause )

( whistling )

Hi, Brad, do you like it?

You try it again and I'll drown you.

It's the finish of my new act.

It'll finish you and your act.

( laughs ): Don't you want to see it once more?

No. Come on down!

( laughs )

Okay, you're the boss.

Watch it, Tuffy, here I come.

Hup!

Oh, brother!

Hey, Wilton. Hold on a second.

Put it in the act, Holly.

That ankle drop is out.

I want you all in one piece.

That's for making the big brass give us a full season.

You got that trapeze wired for sound, pigeon?

Uh-uh. But you're the kind of fella

could talk anybody into anything.

You did, didn't you?

Yeah.

Hey, kids!

Brad fixed it, we're gonna play the full season. Come on!

( clamoring )

Did you hear that, Klaus?

The full season!

Down! Down!

Make him put me down, Klaus.

Why?

Do I have to have an excuse to leave the room?

You know, I think it is the trousers.

Whenever there are trousers, you go.

Full season, Loni!

Oh!

The full season will buy me a sable-dyed rabbit coat.

What you have on, I like.

Well, sugar, like it a little farther away.

Oh, lay off, Fuzzy!

Tell him, Daisy.

( clamoring )

( all clamoring )

( speaking foreign language )

( laughter and chatter )

Oh... whoop!

Okay.

The whole season, isn't that swell?

( chattering )

You're wonderful!

All right, quiet down, everybody! Quiet down.

Now listen. Get this, all of you.

We only stay out as long as we're in the black.

Oh, we'll be in the black, right?

You mean, we all got to play in black face?

( others laugh )

And Sebastian, too!

Sebastian? Sebastian?

Sebastian.

Oh, no, he's not.

Lock up the girls.

Ain't he in Europe?

Oh, boy, wait till you see him.

Who did you say?

I don't know, but I heard that the Great Sebastian...

Is that true, Brad?

News sure travels fast around here.

He's strictly Center Ring, isn't he?

That's right.

( dog barking )

Hi. Ain't it great?

Terrific.

Oh, boy.

Do you know what this is?

Well, sure, it's my iron-jaw mouthpiece. Why?

Put it in your gabby mouth and keep it shut.

MAN: Where'd you leave the prop?

( whistle blows )

WOMAN: They can take of it.

WOMAN 2: All right, get your whips, girls.

You, too, fellas.

I guess I know where I stand.

Holly, listen...

To what? More promises?

About next year, the year after that?

I was a fool to believe you.

You'd sell out your own grandmother for a name act.

You know there's nobody I'd...

Don't say you're sorry.

I couldn't take that.

I'm sorry there's only one Center Ring.

Oh, sure, I know.

The show comes first.

I didn't want to do this.

Save your breath.

I know just what you're going to say.

Oh, Brad.

I had the Center Ring.

You told me I could have it.

Holly, you want the show

to play the road, don't you?

I work in every act in this circus--

I'm in spec, I'm in manage,

I'm a rose on the beauty float,

I fill in with the flyers--

I work from start to finish.

Well, so do most of the others.

It was the only way to get a full season.

But my own act, the one thing that's really mine,

that I've worked on for three years--

that you toss right out of the Center Ring.

Pigeon, look.

You're the best trapeze act in the show.

Then why don't you leave me in center?

Because Sebastian's a bigger draw.

Oh, Brad, I'll draw them. Leave me there.

Sebastian's sure.

You're a chance.

You don't take chances with the show, do you?

No.

All right.

I'll move over.

Where do I go?

Ring One.

Oh, Brad.

I'd do my act in Clown Alley

or the horse top for you.

I'd do anything if it was just for you.

Pigeon, look...

out under the sky, you know how I feel about you,

but under the big top,

one performer is just like another to me.

You've got nothing but sawdust in your veins.

I've scraped too many of you kinkers up from the sawdust

to let anybody get under my skin.

Just so the show rolls,

you don't care who it rolls over or who it hurts.

So it rolls over me.

Be careful someday it doesn't roll over you.

Don't worry, I'll have my rigging out of center

before the Great Sebastian arrives.

Tuffy!

Tear down my rigging!

TUFFY: Okay!

Like peanuts, Harry?

I, uh, I got everything lined up, Mr. Henderson.

Gaff wheels, novelties for sucker bait,

and two of the best stick men in the rackets.

I'll, uh, I'll work it

just like the Columbia show.

No, Harry.

You've got a tough guy here

you didn't have at Columbia.

Brad Braden? I'll handle him.

With your brains, you couldn't handle that hippo.

Listen, if Braden gets in my way,

I'll roll right over him.

He'd break you in two.

Not with you backing me, Mr. Henderson.

He's too smart to tangle with your boys.

I'll, uh... I'll cut him in maybe.

No, you can't buy men like Braden

and don't meet him head on.

Okay, I'll... I'll go around him.

Great.

What about the, the bankroll for the games?

Have some more peanuts, Harry.

Peanuts?

Hi, Potato.

Getting ready to roll?

What's the potato gag?

Here. Wrap that for me, will you?

Okay.

Well, there's mashed potatoes

and hashed potatoes, sweet potatoes...

I don't feel very sweet.

Except maybe about you.

You're always helping everybody, Buttons.

Brad asked me to help you.

Was he sorry about it?

Maybe he was just worried

I wouldn't have my rigging down

before the Great Sebastian arrives.

Could be, could be.

He doesn't consider anybody's feelings

when it comes to running the circus.

You're telling me.

I'm so mad I could spit.

Well, why don't you spit then?

You know, Brad's not a man, he's a machine,

like the tractors and the generators.

Why, Buttons, I thought you were his friend.

Well, he broke his word to you.

You could never trust him again.

Why, that isn't true.

Brad's been worried sick

about getting us all a full season.

If he had to throw me out,

he had to throw me out and it's...

You didn't mean any of what you just said.

I made you see it his way a little, didn't I?

Darn you.

You make me feel like a big idiot.

Well, stop acting like one then.

But anyway, I'm still mad at him,

and now I'm mad at you, too.

Say, that's pretty neat.

Reminds me of a bandage I wore once

when I sprained my ankle.

Buttons, why can Brad hurt me so?

Why do I always want to hurt him back?

Oh...

They say each man kills the thing he loves.

The coward does it with a kiss,

the brave man with a sword.

Why, that's crazy.

You wouldn't hurt anyone you loved.

Who knows what a man'll do when he's in love?

Every girl in the show has tried for you.

I guess you already have someone, huh?

Could be.

Is she in one of the towns we're gonna play?

Well, I haven't seen the route sheet.

Is that why you don't try

to romance any of the gals?

Clowns are funny people, Holly.

They only love once.

All men aren't that way...

even if they act like clowns.

No, I suppose not.

Oh, Buttons.

I'm all ache inside,

having a man love sawdust more than me.

Well, maybe he'll have to make a choice someday.

Choice?

If ever I'm in his arms,

his head'll be in the machine shop,

or bedding down the hippopotamus.

Yeah.

You're lucky.

Everybody loves you.

Ten million kids-- and your girl.

You'll be seeing her pretty soon.

We roll in three days.

Yeah.

Yeah.

NARRATOR: Into the sunshine of spring,

the circus rises from its winter hibernation,

spic and span and ready

for eight months of excitement and adventure.

The circus trains,

like Noah's Ark, will carry and shelter man and beast

through flood and mud and heat and storm,

through triumph and adversity.

1400 souls--

each sure the season will bring his heart's desires.

You dropped something!

Hey, look out, look out.

Come on, come on.

I wish one of your dogs would bite you.

Keep on barking.

All right, keep it coming, keep it coming, that's right.

Keep it coming.

( bells clanging, indistinct conversation )

Get togs under those wheels!

I can't locate Sebastian.

I tried the hospitals, the hotels...

Straighten that wagon out!

Come on, get with it!

We pull out in half an hour,

whether he's aboard or not.

Check both railroad stations and...

( sirens wailing )

Who's that?

Sebastian, I guess.

Hi, Sebastian.

Hello.

Get a load of that.

Where's the fire?

Sebastian.

( speaking Italian )

Sebastian...

( speaking Italian )

Oh, baby!

( horn honking )

Where is, uh, the boss man?

Ah, I thought he was...

I am Sebastian.

I am honored to be with you.

I hope your act's as good as your entrance.

I've seen them all arrive,

Cadona, the Consellos--

none of them ever came with a funeral escort.

The police escort, it was not my idea.

I clocked him at 75 in a 15 mile zone,

running a red light.

COP 2: I got him for cutting in and out of traffic.

On the wrong side of the highway.

In the war, I drive a tank. Rrrr.

Sometimes I forget.

I forgot.

Yeah, well, the judge'll add that up

to about a hundred dollars or 60 days.

A hundred dollars?

Uh...

Ah...

Then it'll be 60 days in jail.

I would hate to be absent the first two months of the show.

Okay, boys, I'll buy him back.

Au revoir.

Take my jeep, Lawson.

Settle it in the office.

Get your baggage aboard.

You can park that heap in the menagerie house.

I salute you.

We shall get along together splendidly.

( horn honking )

Hey!

Don't crowd, mister.

Can't you see an elephant, or do I have to paint her red?

I was blinded by the memory of an unforgettable night in Paris.

Blow up your water wings, girls.

Here comes the big wave.

Come on, Ruth.

How come no husband ever shot you?

I never offer a sitting target.

I thought I'd seen the last of you

when you got mixed up

with that wire-walker from Lisbon.

You will never see the last of me, Angel.

MAN: Angel?!

That will be arranged when you meet Klaus.

Angel!

Sebastian!

Hello, handsome.

Remember?

Natalia.

No, honey bowl, Phyllis.

Of course, lovely Phyllis with the charming iron jaw.

I'm still hanging on to my job with it.

All right.

Saves your feet.

Sure tough on your clothes, though.

Thanks for the ride, sugar.

You know Sebastian, eh?

Sure, we're old friends.

How good friends?

Listen, you can worry about any other guy

in this show, but not Sebastian.

I wouldn't want him if he were dipped in gold dust.

We will make beautiful music together, huh?

Yeah, the last time, I remember a few sour notes.

Oh, Natalia was...

Ah.

Who is that?

They threw me off the ball team

'cause I was catching home runs at second base.

Say, how come the Giants passed you up?

I don't know.

Oh, that's the giant and the fat boy.

No, no-- in between.

Oh, that's Holly.

Holly? Hmm.

She's interesting.

Uh...

I wouldn't meet her just now, if I were you.

You're poison.

Why?

You just put her out of the Center Ring.

I did?

Ah.

Excuse me.

Music.

Well, here we go again.

Did you bring any cards?

Oh, my feet are killing me.

Well, then, keep off of mine.

Pardon, is it true

what Phyllis has told me?

I wouldn't know.

Pardon me.

Wait a minute.

That they put you

out of the Center Ring for me?

I am Sebastian.

You mean, you didn't know?

How could I?

I am very, very sorry.

I'll get over it.

If you are half as good in the air

as you look on the ground...

you are at least terrific.

The boss seems to have other ideas.

Say, they tell me that you work

with two bars, like I do.

No, you work with two bars like I do.

Anyway, I'm glad to meet you.

It means so much to you, the Center Ring?

Don't be funny.

Excuse me.

Would you hold these, please?

Oh, yes, Sebastian.

Thank you.

Come on.

Where?

To see the boss.

What for?

I will insist he put you right back again.

Oh. You aren't kidding me, are you?

Come and see.

Oh, boy, will I!

Keep going.

This isn't a parking lot.

That was a beautiful doll you made for Sissy.

Hello, Coffee.

Oh, Buttons.

I want you to meet the Great Sebastian.

This is Buttons.

You'll love him-- everybody does. Come on.

Why are you in makeup?

Why are you the Great Sebastian?

( chuckles )

Get those runs in, and we're about through.

Mr. Braden, we've got trouble--

750 pounds of it.

Yeah. We can't get Tiny aboard.

Can't even get him through the door.

Go along with Lotus.

They'll make you comfortable in her car.

That hippo? She might get hungry.

Don't worry. She's a vegetarian.

Brad! Brad!

Sebastian's got something to tell you.

Better tie him in so he won't roll!

Has he?

You know what?

He wants to give up the Center Ring to me.

Isn't he wonderful?

Yeah, wonderful.

Where do you propose to go?

I have had the Center Ring.

To me, it does not matter--

Ring One or Ring Three-- as you wish.

Oh, he really means it, Brad.

He's not just grandstanding.

Holly... Oh, Brad...

I've wanted that ring ever since I've been a foot high.

Do you know what we're paying Sebastian?

Do you know how his billing reads?

He's the star of the show.

And the star requests Ring Three.

Who do you think you're kidding?

I'm sorry, Holly,

but the people watch the star.

That's why the star plays the Center Ring.

The people watch the star, do they?

Well, they're going to be watching me.

If you won't let him give me the Center Ring,

I'll take it away from him.

Oh, no, ma chérie.

I may give it away,

but no one will take it away.

Look, Sebastian, you're a nice guy,

and I hate to do this to you,

but I'm going to make Ring One the Center Ring.

If you do something once, I'll do it twice.

If you do a double, I'll do a triple.

If you stand on your head, I'll stand on my ear.

Not while I'm around, you won't.

The one place you're not around

is 40-feet straight up.

Maybe that's why I like it there.

I'm warning you.

The audiences are going to be looking at me.

And so will I.

You start any trouble,

and I'll ground you both.

Hello, Brad.

We're here to bless the circus trains again.

It's good to see you, Father.

Could you pour it on

a little extra-heavy this time?

Of course we could.

I think we're going to need it.

All right, boys, raise that run up and get it in.

( speaking Latin )

Hurry, Little Jim!

Give me your hand!

Bye! See you in Washington!

Bye, Father.

Bye, Father!

( train whistle blowing )

MAN ( on megaphone ): Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey--

definitely a must-- one of the featured attractions

of the Greatest Show on Earth.

Come right on in. Let's everybody...

Cuban troubadours--

a group of native boys and girls.

She's going to swallow, first, this curved sword.

And you will notice that she has to twist her body

in order that the sword can go down her curved neck.

WOMAN: You think it's sharp?

Children of all ages, John Ringling North welcomes you

to The Greatest Show on Earth!

Brainy bruins with new ideas--

Himalayan, Russian, Syrian and polar bears.

Sleek and shining as silver dollars--

Roland Tiebor's

marvelous, amazing, sophisticated sea lions!

The internationally famous

Riding Canine!

( laughing )

He did it, Mama!

Foot!

That foot's pretty rough to go on a girl's face.

File it.

All right.

Hey, this duel, or whatever you call it,

for the Center Ring, Mr. Braden...

Yeah, what about it?

I hear they're slapping death in the face twice a day.

The paper wants to know if it's on the level.

They're coming right on.

Take a look.

RINGMASTER: Ladies and gentlemen,

the sensation of the ages!

In Ring One, the beautiful bird of paradise,

queen of the flying trapeze,

the daring, the incredible,

the death-defying,

peerless and fearless Holly!

( whistles and applause )

And, in the Center Ring,

the outstanding aerial daredevil of all time,

the debonair king of the air,

the Great Sebastian!

( applause )

( peppy music playing )

Sure packs 'em in.

Best publicity gag in a long time.

It's no gag, brother.

You wouldn't kid me, would you?

Kid you?

They're working without nets.

Boy, look at that guy!

Look at her!

I hope they don't get killed.

It's all done with mirrors, mister.

Well, what are they gonna do now?

Changing bars.

Should I whistle 'em down, Brad?

They're changing their act.

No. Leave them alone.

They're doing all right.

Okay, you're the boss.

( crowd gasps )

( applause )

( applause )

Hey, Sebastian!

Try it without the doughnut!

( laughing )

How long do you think this can go on

before something happens?

That's the circus, isn't it?

( applause )

Do you believe in prayer?

And practice.

What if one of them falls?

Nobody's going to fall.

This is packing them in, every show.

We stay in the black or close down.

Oh, stop talking so tough.

You know, that isn't the bass drum

I hear thumping-- that's your heart.

You know, thumpety, thumpety, thumpety!

I know.

( all gasp )

( laughing )

( applause )

( extended drumroll )

Oh! Oh!

( drumroll begins )

( audience gasping )

( whistle blows )

( audience members screaming)

( all gasping )

Well, I've had enough.

Well, that was a close one.

( music ends )

( lively music begins )

Well, are you ready to call it off?

I have not started yet, but you were magnificent.

You sure stole it today, Holly. Thanks, Bob.

You two had quite a party up there, didn't you?

Did you notice which ring they were looking at?

If you really want to kill yourself,

wait till the season's over, huh?

Oh, what do you know, he was worried about me.

So was I.

From here on, cut out the dogfights up there

and stick to your acts.

Oh, Brad.

Don't be a killjoy.

You don't know what it's like up there.

It's a different world.

Just the two of us, fighting for the crowd.

You feel like you could do anything.

We're not people up there.

We're like two streaks of light with wings and...

( sighs )

You wouldn't understand.

Nobody would except another flyer.

Like Sebastian?

Yeah.

Like Sebastian.

WOMAN: Come on, come on, sweetie!

I'm coming!

Did you watch the show? Yeah, you're terrific!

Boss wants you, Brad.

Okay.

Well, that's not the half of it.

These girls say you and Sebastian

got an exclusive little club up there in the air.

Get yourself a trapeze if you want to join.

And don't park your chewing gum

on the moon again, please.

Why don't he look at me anymore?

Have I got too much or not enough?

Don't worry, sugar, he'll get around to you.

I'm hoping. Maybe he won't.

Did your elephant sit on this zipper?

He says we're artists up there together.

He'd tell that to a trained seal if it paid off.

Maybe he shows his bad side to you

and his good side to me.

Listen, Snow White, you're not fighting this guy,

you're falling for him.

He was good enough for you once.

Maybe you'd like to have him back.

I wouldn't give Sebastian the right time

if Brad was as nuts about me as he is about you.

Brad? Are you kidding? I come fourth.

After Ringling Bros., Barnum and Bailey.

You're eating too many potatoes.

When Brad doesn't come home nights,

you'll know the blonde he's sitting up with

is a giraffe.

Hey, Holly, you trying to corner the market

or just starting a collection?

Ouch! My...

Well, you only work with your teeth.

Get with it, Mabel.

Three minutes, so let's get it all on.

Okay.

If it were only you, sugar,

I'd let you ride the roller coaster all the way down.

I'm thinking about Brad.

Why do you want to bust up

the swellest guy in the circus?

Sounds like you've got it bad.

He's the only guy that looks at me

that I don't know what he's thinking.

He's thinking circus.

He hasn't thought anything but circus

since he fell out of the cradle.

But if you want him so bad, what's stopping you?

Maybe because I knew too many guys like Sebastian

before I met Brad.

Oh, been around too much, huh?

You haven't been gathering any moss, either.

Eh.

Brad's a one-woman man.

I've got a feeling he wants a one-man woman.

I don't rate a guy like that.

KLAUS: Angel!

Besides, right now she's got elephant trainer trouble.

KLAUS: Angel!

You better hurry, that's not Sabu calling.

Well, that's what I like about him--

he's so gentle.

Who wants them gentle? I like them wild.

Oh, come on, Ferdie, get going.

Angel, come along!

( lively music playing )

You should've seen Brad's face

when you took that tumble.

She was too busy watching Sebastian.

Put your claws away, girls.

Holly!

Gee, if all the Rangers looked like Sebastian,

me for Texas.

You and plenty more, huh, Holly?

Look, all I want from him is the Center Ring.

You always have a smile

for that high- flying peacock.

Well, what do you want me to do, cry over him?

I feel like a turret gunner.

( groans )

Made it.

Okay, batten down the hatch.

Hey, Rich, get me a hot dog, will ya?

We ain't got time.

Well, I'm hungry!

You always are.

( groans )

( lively music continues )

Oh, boy! Yeah.

( music ends, whistle blows )

( applause and cheering )

( fanfare plays )

An album of favorite songs!

A circus serenade!

MAN: * Sing a happy song

* We'll sing along

* As soon as the sun will shine *

* There will be no sorrow tomorrow *

* If you're singing a happy song *

* There will be no sorrow tomorrow *

* If you're singing a happy song! *

A Disney album!

( lively music playing )

Mm... hey, Mickey Mouse!

Hi, Mickey!

( laughing )

BOY: Hi, Donald!

BOY 2: Lookit! Pluto!

GIRL: Hi, Alice!

( music continues )

Oh, there's the Mad Hatter.

The Mad Hatter.

( laughing )

A Gay '90s album!

( lively music playing )

( mid-tempo dance playing )

( band plays new theme )

A moonlight serenade!

The magic of moonlight melodies,

with the lovely Phyllis as Goddess of the Moon.

( applause )

Nursery rhymes!

( "Three Blind Mice" playing) The lady who taught you your first fairy tale--

Mother Goose!

She's big, isn't she?

( applause and cheering )

( music slows ) A barbershop ballad!

( laughter )

( fanfare plays ) A bouquet of American beauties

with the lovely Holly as the center rosebud,

singing "Only a Rose."

( applause )

* A rose

* Tell the love I love best

* Love is a rose.

( whoops )

( laughter )

Gee, you have a funny mouth.

Let me hold him.

Oh, go away.

( loud bang )

( laughter )

( laughter )

Lookit! Isn't it pretty?

( loud bang )

They've been around again, asking questions.

I'm so worried for you.

Oh, now, don't worry.

They'll never find me behind this nose.

Be very careful, dear.

Now, how about a nice smile

that I can remember until next year?

God be with you, my boy.

It's all right, Mother.

* Only a song dying away...

Here we go!

( loud bang )

* Only a smile to keep in memory *

* Until we meet another day

* Only a rose to whisper

* Blushing as roses do

* I'll bring along

* A smile or a song

* For anyone

* Only a rose

* For you.

( applause )

( "Oh, Susanna" playing )

A Stephen Foster album!

( lively song playing, laughter)

( band plays dramatic theme )

( lively Latin music playing)

A South American album!

Exotic firebirds from the forests of the Amazon,

a blaze of breathtaking beauty!

( applause and whistling )

( lively oriental music playing)

( laughter )

( laughter )

( "Jingle, Jangle, Jingle" playing )

( applause )

A very special surprise for children of all ages!

Our guest star for tonight,

Hopalong Cassidy!

( cheering )

BOY: Hey, Dad, sure it's Hoppy.

ANNOUNCER: A Christmas Album.

* Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way *

* Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh. *

( laughter )

Your hair is too red, your legs are too thin,

you have lips like a cat.

You're no good.

You give me too much trouble.

Flattery rolls right off me.

But you make a fire here.

Well, simmer down, General, before you melt your medals.

( "Jingle Bells" playing )

ANNOUNCER: What could be more fitting for the Christmas Album

than "Adeste Fideles"?

( "Adeste Fideles" playing )

NARRATOR: The performance ends...

but the drama never stops.

In the gray, drizzly morning,

the first section of the circus train

pulls into the railroad yard, long before the city is awake.

But the animals are awake

and looking for their breakfast.

Then comes the unloading.

200 tons of living power, 60 carloads of equipment.

Wheels rolling, gears grinding...

a circus is gigantic power and unceasing movement.

It is a restless giant,

unlimbering its muscles after the long night ride,

before moving in to capture a new city.

Up from the railroad yards, with their faithful escort

of early-rising young fans,

who've been waiting since daybreak

to follow these living tanks as they lumber and sway

to the circus grounds

where the stakes are being driven,

that will anchor the big top,

against the beating of its constant adversaries,

wind and rain.

An army, as it were...

an army the audience never sees.

An army that must be moved from city to city,

fed and housed.

A thousand strong, hard-working men,

moving like a finely-geared machine,

with one purpose-- to roll the show.

The all-important bailing ring clangs into place.

Bales of fire-proof canvas, 58,000 pounds of it,

are hauled out, unwrapped, rolled out,

stretched, laid on the ground...

where it lies like the skin of a mighty dismembered giant,

waiting for some magician to bring it together

and give it life.

Waiting until, one by one, the giant's ribs

rise into place

and are firmly fastened in the earth.

Boys line up for the punk gangs,

a chance for a free ticket.

The disciplined army never loses a moment

nor wastes a motion.

The boss canvas man makes fast the canvas to the bailing ring.

The lives of all depend on it.

Each of the hundreds of roustabouts

has his place and his job--

a responsible job,

for one mistake, one bit of carelessness,

could cost a life.

The giant skin is stretched out,

until it lies smooth and molded,

like the bowl of a great coliseum.

But eyes watching for trouble have noticed a little tear,

that must be patched

before the searching fingers of the wind

can rip it into a disaster,

before the giant can stand up

and stretch over his feast of color and laughter.

Now the giant comes to life.

Slowly, the tons and tons of his canvas body

rise and swell into the air.

He starts growing to his full, majestic height,

as he catches his first deep breath.

The strong bailing rings, slipping along the great poles,

until at last they reach to the flags,

flying from the peak.

And as the big top rises in each town,

new risks are taken, caution is thrown to the winds,

in this battle for the Center Ring.

CROWD: ...55... 56... 57... 58... 59...

60... 61... 62... 63...

64... 65... 66... 67... 68...

69...

I warned her not to do Jenny Zack on that rigging.

Yeah, I was there the night Jenny got killed.

AUDIENCE: ...75... 76... 77... 78... 79...

80... 81... 82...

83...

84...

85...

86... 87...

88... 89...

90... 91... 92...

93... 94... 95...

96... 97... 98...

Paying for the hay all in silver?

That's how we get paid.

Holly's spinning like a weather vane

in a Kansas twister.

Swing-overs? Yeah.

Her rope isn't rigged for that.

Tell the ringmaster to whistle in the Zoppes.

Right.

AUDIENCE: ...107... 108... 109...

110... 111...

112... 113...

Come on!

114... 115... 116...

117...

What're they doing, Grandma?

I don't know.

121... 122... 123... 124... 125...

( laughter )

MAN: She's like a fish on a line.

( laughter )

Give me the rope.

Why, you!

You!

Are you crazy?!

Hauling me down in front of everybody.

Everybody laughing at me?

I was going for a record.

What's the matter? Are you jealous?

Can't you stand to see me work in the air anymore?

You can't do that trick on a pull-up rope.

I was doing it, wasn't I?

Get out of the way.

RINGMASTER: A hurricane of hazardous horsemanship,

displayed by the Riding Zoppes.

Why didn't you put her over your knee and spank her?

That would get some laughs, too.

Marc, haven't you got enough clowns,

you've got to make a comic out of her?

She was trying to break a record.

She'd have broken more than a record.

You sure saved her a buster.

You better tell her, Brad,

or she'll never forgive you.

( whistle blows )

( music playing )

Alberto Zoppe and Cucciola,

World's Smallest Bareback Rider!

( audience laughing )

( audience laughing )

( audience oohs and ahhs )

( audience laughing )

( applause, cheers, whistles)

( whistles )

( laughter )

( applause and cheering )

SEBASTIAN: I would buy you spring violets

from the little old lady on the Place de l'Opera

and crêpes suzettes.

You've never eaten them?

Oh.

Paris is a honeymoon city, chérie.

Full of enchantment.

On a night like this,

the Seine is deep and mysterious,

like a woman's eyes.

The lights in it are like jewels.

Did you know, chérie, in your eyes,

there are lights like stardusts?

No.

But keep going.

You are beautiful, and exciting, like wine.

You know, women are like wine.

Some are like sweet sauterne

and some are warm like burgundy.

Some...

Which one was Angel?

Angel?

Mm-hmm. Angel.

Oh, Angel was like cognac--

all fire in a glass.

But you...

you are like champagne,

sparkling, tantalizing.

You make a man's head spin.

( sighs )

You've got a terrific line.

A line?

What is that?

Well, I mean, you've said all this before.

To too many girls.

Well, never to one like you.

Oh, I have wandered a little.

How else could I appreciate what I have found now?

I better go.

When we are up in the air,

I fall more and more in love.

You, too, no?

No.

A girl may say "no,"

but the woman in her means "yes."

Do not be afraid of me.

I'm just scared of myself.

Oh, it is not of yourself.

It is love

that frightens you.

Feel, my heart beats fast like yours.

That's the magic of it, you love me.

No, I mean, I don't know.

( elephant groans) ( sc reams )

Qu'est-ce qu'il y a...?

Let me go!

Sebastian!

Never try to take anything from an elephant.

HOLLY: Sebastian, do something!

A lion, I fight for you.

A tiger!

But the red-headed wildcat with an elephant, no.

( chuckles )

You make this two-tailed jackass put me down.

Did he tell you about Paris in the spring?

It's none of your business what he told...

Did he say you were like cognac,

all fire in the glass?

No, he said I was like champagne.

I made his head spin.

Yeah, only you'll be the one

that wakes up with the hangover.

You take care of your love life, and I'll take care of mine.

Oh, I've got four working here, that's all.

Well, if you've got an elephant missing,

go find her.

Joe, send into town.

They had a Republican convention there tonight, maybe...

Hold it.

Here's your missing Jumbo. It's okay.

Come on, move it up, Ruth.

Come on, move it up.

You...

All right, put her down.

What's this, a new act?

You nearly lost your stray lamb to a wolf.

You know, you've got a nose as long as that elephant's trunk.

Keep them both out of my business.

They're looking for this bull

down at the railroad yard.

Ruth just couldn't resist the hay pile.

I'd hate to have your nerve in a tooth.

Come on, sugar, let's go.

Come on, sug.

Oh, I think your coffee's kind of cold.

Why did you do that, Holly?

I don't know.

There's just something about Sebastian that I...

Oh.

He's some glamour boy.

He said I had stardust in my eyes.

I bet you never even noticed.

Sure I have,

but you weren't rigged for that one-armed swing.

I know.

Just so the show keeps rolling.

Come over here.

I want to show you something.

Just a few more spins up there.

( sighs ): Oh.

You would have lost a good act.

One of the best.

Now look, Holly,

I want you to soft-pedal this stuff

with Sebastian.

You do, Brad?

Why?

It's gone too far.

I guess you're right.

I have been playing with fire.

But it's all your fault.

If you weren't such a big lug. If you'd just...

I'm talking about your act.

This duel or whatever you call it.

I want you to stop it before you get hurt.

Is it me you're worried about, or the circus?

You.

Oh, Brad, do you really mean that?

Why couldn't you say so?

Sure, I'll cut it out.

But I've got pride.

He'll look better than me.

With that net under him?

A net?

Why a net?

To save his expensive neck.

Well, I don't want a net.

All right, then stick to the old act.

Sure, Brad.

Whatever you say.

And when Sebastian tones down,

his net comes out, too.

Now, you going to stop fooling around up there?

Sure, Brad.

What about on the ground?

On the ground?

Oh, that reminds me.

Jeannie pulled her shoulder tonight.

She'll be on the ground for a while.

Will you fill in with the flyers again?

Of course, Brad,

but you were just going to say that...

Line up that pole wagon, swing it over.

Brad, on the ground...

Do you want me to stop seeing him?

On the ground? I...

Pardon.

Ah, doughnuts, hmm?

You left a little of your fragrance behind

with your scarf.

May I escort you to the train?

I'm waiting for Brad.

Till the next time, chérie.

There won't be any next time.

No?

I think you have stardust mixed up with sawdust.

Good night, boss man.

And on the ground...

I wouldn't want to meddle in your private affairs.

MAN: Get your hot dogs.

MAN 2: Stay to the right and left of the doorway.

MAN 3: It is the radar twister...

Your pom-pom hats, folks.

Step right up.

With your name on them.

Your sweetheart's name, your wife's name,

even your mother-in-law's name.

Step right up, folks.

Get your pom-pom hats before you leave!

For you, liebchen, a present.

Thank you, sugar.

Straight from Paris and twice as classy.

( clicks tongue )

How does it look?

Oh, it looks good.

Read it, what it says.

"Angel...

( reading German )

What's it mean?

( speaking German )

"You are mine."

Listen, sugar, I'm not yours.

And I'm not wearing any hat that says so.

The sooner you take no for an answer,

the easier it's going to be for both of us,

because it is no.

The only thing

I like about you are your elephants.

But, Angel...

Want to win a baby doll?

Wise up. I know dolls.

They're my business.

It takes dough to get a dame like her.

Her heart-- it is ice.

She wouldn't say no to a hunk of ice like this, hmm?

MAN: Win a wheel of fortune.

There it is, folks.

Oh, but I could not buy such a thing.

Go ahead, take it. Your credit's okay with me.

MAN: What's the matter, pal?

MAN 2: My wallet's gone.

Wait a minute. Are you sure?

I had the wallet in my pocket when I was right here,

and I had ten dollars in it.

Did you, now?

You must be mistaken, friend.

Oh, no, I...

Well, maybe I was.

Harry, you make trouble.

Right this way, folks, and win a baby doll.

Everybody plays, everybody

wins.

Keep your eye on the arrow, folks.

Round and round it goes,

and where it stops, nobody knows.

Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry.

Everybody plays.

( small engine puttering )

( horn toots playful tune )

( laughter )

( laughter )

Ooh!

Ooh!

( laughter )

How did he get in there?

( bang )

( laughing )

( bang )

GIRL: Water's coming out of it!

BOY: Look at that silly umbrella!

( bang )

( laughter )

( bang )

( moaning )

Sit down, son.

( laughter )

( banging )

( whistle blows )

( engine chugging )

( whistle blows )

Your attention, please.

The Greatest Show on Earth, proudly presents

the most sensational flying acts of all time--

the dazzling, dauntless

daredevils of the flying trapeze,

breathtaking, death-defying marvels in midair.

( applause )

( band plays graceful waltz )

( applause )

( applause )

Hey!

Hello.

You crazy devil, how did you get up here?

( chuckles ): I bribed your catcher.

Let me go! Kiss me.

Look, you're holding up the act.

( murmuring and laughter )

I could swing with you forever like this.

Why will you not see me anymore?

They're waiting. Please put me back.

Not until you kiss me.

When I kiss you, I need both feet on the ground.

Let me go!

You really insist, chérie?

Yes! Let me go!

Good-bye. Oh!

( people gasping )

( yells )

( laughter )

Sebastian won't give up, Brad.

You better marry me quick, or I'm a gone pigeon.

You get back up there and finish the act,

or you'll be a dead pigeon.

Yes, sir.

We've got trouble on the midway.

Harry?

Yeah, he's doll concession.

Get yourself a little spending money!

Here we go for another spin.

The more you play, the more you win.

Let's go, Sam-- you can't win at this.

I got no more money anyhow.

Come on, mister, you can't quit now.

You're bound to hit it this time. Look out.

What do you think you're doing?

Let go of me.

How much did you lose, lady?

This month's egg money, nearly $50.

Here, take this, go on in and enjoy the show.

Thank you!

( women scream )

Don't mix it, Brad, you'll get hurt.

You know I run a clean show.

You're not running me!

MAN: Hey, did you see that?

MAN 2: Right in the kisser!

Hey, look out, Brad!

Just like a mule had kicked him!

That's not part of the show, son.

WOMAN: The boss finally caught you, huh?

BOY: Nice going, Mr. Braden!

( horse neighing )

Do you know who's back of me?

Yeah, and he's back of your whole dirty setup.

Now, get going.

( whistle blowing )

The luscious Phyllis dances and sings

to the sultry South Sea strains

of "Lovely Luawana Lady"!

( music begins )

( applause )

* Lovely Luawana lady

* When your hopes and dreams grow fadey *

* Don't you ever be afraid

* He won't come back to you

* Lovely Luawana lady

* Where those ukes and jukes are played *

* He dreams of all the dreams he made *

* And longs that they'll come true *

* Ever since he's back

* There's been no lack of gals *

* But, gee, they're slow

* They don't pack that wicky wack *

* You taught him there when the moon was low *

* Now every Susie, Sal and Sadie *

* Just becomes a memory shady *

* Lovely Luawana lady

* When he dreams of you.

( applause )

( applause )

( applause )

( playing "Aloha Oi" on xylophones )

You made a mistake, Mr. Braden,

a bad mistake, throwing my games off the line.

They're off, Mr. Henderson, and they stay off.

It might save you a lot of trouble

if you let Harry come back.

Wherever you operate, the midway's crawling

with pickpockets and crooked gambling.

One rotten apple like you can ruin a whole circus.

You know, you're not so tough.

You won't stand a chance fighting my outfit.

I've never run away from a fight yet.

And I've never lost one.

There's no smoking allowed in here, Mr. Henderson.

But don't throw it away.

I'll show you the way out.

( xylophones continue playing)

( laughter )

( applause )

( band plays upbeat music )

( applause )

( whistle blows )

* Lovely Luawana lady

* When your hopes and dreams grow fadey *

* Don't you ever be afraid

* He won't come back to you

* Now every Susie, Sal and Sadie *

* Just becomes a memory shady *

* Lovely Luawana lady

* When he dreams of you.

( laughter )

Are you afraid to speak to me?

The applause, the Center Ring,

you do not try to steal them anymore.

I don't have to.

The only net I use is in my hair.

Oh?

Right here. Hyah. Hyah.

( crowd laughing )

That net was the boss man's orders.

Safety first.

Who can be safe near you?

You can.

Ringmaster.

I have a surprise for you.

I fly from the big rigging tonight.

Oh, Mr. Thompson,

when I signal, will you announce

that I will do a double forward over the bar,

through a paper hoop.

A double?

Through a hoop?

Through a hoop.

That's not so much with a net under you.

Oh stop it you two, you're on.

( fanfare playing )

Chérie.

The net, it bothers you, hmm?

( shrieks )

You crazy fool.

No net.

Thank you, my friend.

RINGMASTER: Ladies and gentlemen!

The sensation of the ages!

In Ring One,

the beautiful and spectacular queen of the flying trapeze,

the incredible Holly!

And, in the Center Ring,

the outstanding, aerial daredevil

of all time, the debonair king of the air,

the Great Sebastian!

No net.

( crowd gasps )

( crowd gasps )

( drumroll )

( crowd gasps )

And now, for the first time,

in this or any other circus, the Great Sebastian will attempt

a double somersault, over the bar, through a hoop,

scorning a net or any other safety device.

WOMAN: Hope he makes it.

Sebastian! No!

Don't try it without the net!

Who took that net down?

He did. You want it up again?

It's too late now, he's ready to go.

( screaming )

( playing lively tune )

Go on, now.

Keep the show rolling.

Roll up this net.

Clowns!

Holly, keep it going, go into your swing!

No!

Walk me off.

Do not rob me of my ecstasy.

All right.

Your arm, boss man.

Your strong arm.

Easy now.

( applause )

RINGMASTER: Keep your seats please!

The Great Sebastian is shaken but not badly hurt!

The performance is now continuing.

Resume your seats.

Please.

WOMAN: Birdie, is he dead?

No, I don't think so.

Rossi...

Gently now. Let's go.

Back to wardrobe, girls, back to wardrobe.

Will he be all right, Doc?

He's lucky to be alive.

Thanks for the help, Buttons. Okay.

Where did you ever learn to do a Velpeau bandage?

Well, you learn a lot when you're a Pharmacist's Mate.

You must have been the best in the navy.

Gee, he's hurt bad.

The other way... turn him around.

Don't transfer him.

Just leave him on this stretcher.

Sebastian!

Of all the crazy things...

Why did you do it?

I didn't mean for it to happen like this.

Only he would try such a wonderful trick,

and you almost did it.

I will do it... the next time.

Sure you will.

And when you come back,

you'll stand 'em on their ears.

When I come back, chérie,

you will fall... for me.

All right, get him in there.

Let's get started.

Get a move on.

Here, let me...

( siren wailing )

( sobbing ): Oh, Brad.

Flyers have fallen before.

They will again.

He won't die, Pigeon.

Your rig goes in Center Ring tomorrow.

Oh, but I didn't want it like this.

Not over his broken body.

( sobbing )

MAN: Break it up!

NARRATOR: Under the big top, only two days count--

today and tomorrow.

The circus rolls on

whether flyers rise or flyers fall.

Week after week,

new audiences laugh at the antics of the clowns,

and thrill to incredible feats of skill and daring.

( crowd gasps )

( applause )

Hot roasted peanuts!

Peanuts... get them while they're hot!

( applause )

Hot roasted peanuts!

I can't watch it.

Oh...

( audience gasps )

( applause )

( drumroll )

( applause )

( whistle blowing )

( lively music playing )

( applause )

( whistle blowing )

( whistle blowing )

( cymbals clanging rhythmically )

( whistle blowing )

( laughter )

Hup, hup.

Hup. Hup. Hup.

Higher... higher.

MAN: Take another crack at it, Holly, higher this time.

The sky's the limit.

WOMAN: Play it, Emmett!

Give me some rhythm.

MAN: Yeah, maybe that'll help.

WOMAN 1: Well, whistle or something.

WOMAN 2: Anybody got a lemon?

MAN: You think that'll work?

WOMAN: Start your jug band.

MAN: Noodle it up.

Give it plenty of bump.

MAN: Yeah, pick it up, Ed.

( man whistling ) Hit it, Holly!

* When things go wrong and life's no song *

* And you're flat on your back *

* That doesn't mean you have to lie there *

* Be a Jumping Jack

BUTTONS: * Keep on the hop and if you flop *

* And everything looks black

* Stand on your head and holler, "Hi, there" *

* Be a Jumping Jack

* When things go up, they must come down *

* And also vice versa

* If things look bad, don't fret and frown *

* They could be ten times worse *

MAN: Get Emmett.

* Your train of luck, it may get stuck *

* 'Cause something's on the track *

* Take a good jump and you'll get by there *

* Be a Jumping Jack.

( band continues playing )

( laughter )

Oh, Sebastian, you're back.

We missed you. Hi there, gorgeous.

A stitch in time, saves more then nine.

I bet they put plenty in you.

Hey, you were doing this when I left.

Are you setting...

Sebastian...

( speaking Italian )

Hello.

Sebastian, you're out of the hospital.

Yes, but never out of danger when I see you.

Hello, Sebastian.

( speaking German )

Oh, fine, and I hope both your heads are well.

( speaking German )

Dita, don't eat too much.

You'll break your sister's pretty neck.

WOMAN: Well!

If it isn't Superman!

Something will get burned.

It sure will.

Ow!

( laughter )

If you play with fire, you get burned.

I still have my scar.

Brad, oh, Brad!

Sebastian's back.

Oh, good, good.

Cucciola!

( speaking Italian )

Alley up!

Bellissimo!

Say, it looks like the hospital agreed with you.

So did the nurses.

MAN: Hi, Sebastian.

Hello. How are you?

I'll open your trunks and lay your stuff out.

Thank you.

Hey!

Good to see you.

Now maybe I'll get my five bucks back.

Or maybe I'll borrow five more.

Sebastian, it sure wasn't the same without you, fella.

Hello. I practiced somersaults in my bed every day.

Did you do any bed springs?

Why is it, whenever he's around, I'm all wet?

In more ways than one.

Ow!

HOLLY: * ...should slip and lose your grip *

* Get up and bounce right back *

* And just like a rubber ball... *

WOMAN: Look, Holly, Sebastian!

Sebastian!

MAN 1: He sure looks good.

MAN 2: It's only been three months.

MAN 1: Yeah, that's right. So it is.

Hello, Sebastian.

Glad you're out of the hospital.

Sorry you weren't with me.

The show missed you.

HOLLY: Sebastian!

Sebastian!

Holly.

Jiminy Crickets!

Oh, gosh.

I never been so happy to see anyone.

Are you all right again?

Really all right?

Let me see if it's really you.

It was a wonderful hospital...

and such nurses.

Oh, and we were worried about this big lug.

Worried?

This calls for a celebration.

He came back when he heard

how good you were in the Center Ring.

I was just keeping it warm for you.

I do not want it.

Why not?

You don't want the Center Ring back?

Oh... Why not?

Because I just came back to collect my things.

What for?

Match?

Uh, no, thank you.

Collect your...?

Oh, now I know he's kidding.

No, no. I dropped over at the Columbia show.

BRAD: Columbia?

We've been fighting them in every town since you left.

I ran into somebody over there

I had not seen since Paris.

And... very charming.

Oh.

You know how it is.

These things happen.

No, what happens?

A pearl loses its luster in time.

Champagne goes flat, doesn't it?

Even the blonde bubbling kind goes flat very quickly.

Well, I will get my gear and rigging.

You don't plan to work for Columbia, do you?

Let him go, Brad.

He's found some more stardust.

No, he hasn't.

Chérie, I return you to sawdust.

Ah, sawdust to sawdust.

You wouldn't work for Columbia.

You're the Great Sebastian.

You wouldn't give up the Center Ring

for anything or anybody,

unless you couldn't hold it.

You've been lying ever since you came in here.

Now, let's see the truth.

Keep your hands off...

You should not have done that.

That's why you wouldn't shake hands.

( approaching voices )

You weren't going to Columbia.

There wasn't any girl from Paris.

You just didn't want me to know...

to know what I'd done.

Oh!

No, no, chérie.

You have done nothing.

It is life.

No one is to blame.

But...

can't something be done?

No. They have tried.

May I have my coat, please?

There's a job for you in the show

as long as you want it.

One more cripple hanging onto the circus?

Watching others flying through the air

while I am crawling on the ground?

You are meaning to be kind, boss man,

but you and I both know it is better that I go.

Don't let him go, Brad!

Holly, he's grounded for good.

He'll go crazy if he stays.

I did that to him.

He took the chance.

I did it to him.

As surely as if I'd shot him.

You had nothing to do with it.

Oh, yes, I did, Brad.

I made him take that net down.

I laughed at him.

I razzed him into it.

That's what made him take a dive.

You two crazy fools.

He was tops in the air.

Now he's tied to a dead arm for the rest of his life.

A claw hand.

It would have been kinder if I'd killed him.

Holly, this is circus.

Oh, Brad, you can't realize what it means

not to go up there again.

Maybe I can.

That's why it's better to let him go.

If he goes, I'm going with him.

Holly, don't be a fool.

You saw the way he hid his arm.

He said things to make me hate him.

He said them because he didn't want me to know.

To know that I'd smashed him.

Smashed his whole life.

He didn't want me to know because...

because he loves me

and I've got to make it up to him

for what I've done.

All right, you smashed him.

Do you think smashing all three of us will help him?

You don't need me, Brad.

You've got what you love.

You've got the circus.

But what's he got?

He's got guts. That guy is tough.

He doesn't need sympathy.

He can take this if you leave him alone.

He doesn't need pity.

I'm not going to give him pity.

I'm going to try and give him love.

( phone buzzes )

Yeah?

All right.

What do you want?

To help you.

I don't want any help. I don't need any help.

You've come here to cry over me,

go somewhere else. I am packing.

You don't even know where you're going.

Besides, wherever it is,

what could you do that you couldn't do here

with me to help you?

What do you think you could do for me?

Well, I could fold this cape a little better.

Oh, I see, now I am a cripple.

You would dress me, undress me,

cut up my food, wait on me like a little child?

No, thank you.

If you want to be kind, please go.

I want to be with you wherever you are.

You are lying.

You are sorry for me.

You want to pay me

because you tease me to cut down the net.

That isn't true.

You fell in love with me when I was the Great Sebastian,

King in the Air.

Flash of lightning in the Center Ring.

On the ground, it is someone else you love.

That's all over.

Go back to the boss man.

Don't think I am finished because of this.

If I want someone, I'll ask her myself.

Sure, women are no problem for me.

I find them anywhere.

You came back because you love me.

You would like to believe that, wouldn't you?

It was for this I came back.

You did not. My rig.

Well, I can sell it, anyway.

( bugle playing )

You should be dressing for the show.

The applause, it is all yours now.

You've got the Center Ring.

I can't take it away from you.

I can't even applaud you properly.

Say anything you like.

Hit me if you want.

It won't change the way I feel.

Maybe I would like to hit you, for lying.

No one is to blame but me.

Please, I must hurry.

You're not going.

You're tied to the circus.

And whether you like it or not, you're tied to me.

You think I would tie you to this?

It wasn't your arm I fell in love with...

or your hand.

I fell in love with you.

I would give my other arm if I could believe you.

What does a girl have to say

to make a blind man see?

Now say that you'll stay, that you'll never leave me ever.

This is not because you are sorry for me?

You bet your life I'm sorry for you.

You're stuck with a blonde, and you'll never get away.

Oh, chérie...

how I would love you.

Hey, wait for me, Nita!

( bugle playing )

( whistle blows )

My feet are killing me.

( speaking French )

Hey, what does that mean?

Mine's are like rubber.

Step it up, kids, we're on.

Is my hat okay? Nobody's gonna see you.

Keep your crook to yourself today.

( applause )

( whistle blows )

Picnic in the Park.

( applause, music plays )

A regal cavalcade with Queen Marie Antoinette

and her gay court at the royal horse show.

( applause )

Remember, you're supposed to be a queen.

MAN: * A picnic in the park

* A little way from Paris

* In some romantic place

* You lunched .al fresco in the shade *

* A picnic in the park

* A mademoiselle from Paris

* Beside the River Seine

* You drown your troubles with champagne *

* In the forest, just a breeze *

* Through the drone of lazy bees *

* You may blissfully agree

* What bliss, what rapture

* And the strawberries and cream *

* Add enchantment to the dream *

* Till the setting sun tells everyone the day is done *

* Fly home after dark

* Through country lanes to Paris *

* We'll all be sure to mark

* A charming picnic in the park *

* So you steal away to picnic in the park... *

( applause, music plays )

( applause )

You're for the birds, that's for sure.

Giving up your life to Sebastian

because he's washed up.

Who do you think you are, Joan of Arc or somebody?

What does it matter to you what I do?

Go ahead, play noble.

That halo's going to slip, sugar-- it's phony.

It'll be around your neck.

Where would you wear yours?

( applause )

Say, why are you so steamed up

about me and Sebastian?

Sebastian?

I don't care if you break him up for firewood.

He asked for it, playing around with you.

But Brad's on the level.

He didn't have this coming to him.

Brad hasn't got time for love.

Okay, I'll take Brad, the way he is.

That is, if you're his type.

Who you calling a type?

( applause )

Maybe I have been over the course

a few too many times.

But I've got a heart under this costume

with room in it for one guy.

You busted him apart

and I'm going to pick up the pieces.

He'll never miss you, sugar.

I'm going to give him more than you ever could.

Maybe so, you've had plenty of experience.

( applause, music plays )

* Fly home after dark

* Through country lanes to Paris *

* We'll all be sure to mark

* A charming picnic in the park. *

( applause, music plays )

( applause )

You'll never make it.

Did you see him? No, where?

Here's your toothpick.

( music playing )

Ho!

Ho!

( applause )

( applause )

( whip cracks )

Ho!

Ho!

( horse whinnies )

NARRATOR: When the lights go out on this glittering realm

of sawdust and popcorn,

the circus puts off its spangles

and climbs into battle dress

for the nightly combat with time and distance.

The tear down is a wild tangle of man, machine and beast.

An orderly disorder of ropes and metal poles

and steel cables and tons of heavy canvas.

Yet, out of this apparent chaos,

these people bring tomorrow's show--

fresh and new and gay and hot.

No matter how tangled the skein of their own lives may be.

Ruth!

Don't eat them newspapers.

I told you to leave them lay.

Ruth, give me that paper.

No, no, Ruth, Ruth, you'll get a tummy ache.

Oh, she likes the candy that is stuck to it.

"He killed the thing he loved."

Buttons, look.

You said that.

Did I?

Well, don't believe everything you hear.

Only half of what you see.

I can believe that.

You see, chérie, all men are alike...

I know, except you.

Come on, let's go down to the car.

( whistle blows )

Hello.

Hello?

No, John North.

Hello, Johnny, it's Brad.

Sure, Johnny, Sebastian's back.

Yeah, he's staying with the show.

No, he can't.

Not his old act. ( kettle hisses )

But he's in the show.

Me? Why do you ask that?

There's nothing wrong with me.

Business is holding up fine.

The advance sale is fine.

Everything's fine.

We're a cinch to keep going the full season.

Yeah.

So long, Johnny.

The full season, that's great.

Yeah.

Aren't you in the wrong wagon?

Not the way this one looks.

Don't touch that.

Oh, a brass hat.

What's all this housekeeping?

Just housekeeping.

Well, go do it someplace else. The boys take care of all this.

You are a sour puss, aren't you?

Yeah.

You want to bite somebody. Yeah.

Well, pick your spot.

Needs sugar.

I wasn't sure how you liked it.

I'll learn.

Don't bother.

Sweet?

Hmm?

Oh. Medium.

What do you think you're doing?

Packing your pipe.

( sighs )

Well, don't look so worried.

You never know what you're going to like

until you try it.

Well, what do you know?

I used to fill my dad's pipe.

I don't remember seeing you before.

You didn't.

You only looked at me.

What was that name again?

Minnie Mouse.

Even elephants are afraid of me.

They're smart animals. Women are poison.

But it's a wonderful death.

I'm not dangerous, honest.

I just think a guy in trouble feels better if...

well, if there's a woman around.

Ah...

Just someone to get mad at.

( chuckles )

Well, don't you want some coffee?

Sure, sugar.

That's what I came for.

You know, I never knew a woman could fill a pipe.

MAN: Heads up, big wagon coming through!

( motor revs )

Hello, sucker.

How long you gonna take it?

Pretty picture, ain't it?

Shut up.

Angel likes that guy.

Why? Because he can give her presents.

He's got the dough, so he gets the girl.

Ja. What is mine, I keep.

Not without dough.

But we can get it.

Get it where it'll hurt, too.

Get with it, you've got four and a half minutes.

( Middle Eastern music playing)

Brad, you better watch Angel tonight,

the grapevine says she's in for trouble.

Klaus, the greatest elephant trainer in the world,

presents his marvelous mastodonic mammals,

gracefully ridden by 20 sultry sirens from the East,

starring Angel, the sultan's favorite.

( applause )

Candy-coated popcorn.

Get your popcorn here. One.

You want some?

Thank you.

Right.

Hup, hup.

Hup, hup, hup.

Hup.

( applause )

Hup, hup, hup.

( trumpeting )

Get up, come on. Hup.

All right.

Steady. Steady. Steady.

All right.

Foot, foot.

Foot, foot, foot.

Foot, foot, foot.

Steady. Steady.

Steady.

Come down.

Steady. Steady.

I wouldn't do that for a million dollars.

Minyak,

see how our Angel's eyes shine today.

She has found a new love.

Quit clowning, sugar.

For this, I don't get paid by the hour.

Let's get on with the number, huh?

Oh, you want to hurry back to the boss?

Maybe he has a present.

He likes that funny face, huh?

Tell me,

would he still like it

if Minyak leans a little bit?

Klaus, are you nuts?

Let me up.

Up, Minyak, up.

Steady, be careful.

You make Minyak nervous.

Now your eyes shine for me, too,

because you have fear in your lovely, lying, little heart.

Is she all right?

Steady, Minyak.

Is your foot getting tired?

You want to put it down?

No, my sweet,

you will never go to any other man.

Foot, Minyak, foot.

You all right?

That was close to the finale.

Auggie.

This is my act!

Get your things and get off the lot.

Auggie, take over.

Can you finish?

Sure, I can do anything for you.

Angel!

Fresh popcorn!

( applause )

You fire me because of...

Because you're a jealous fool.

Now, get out of here,

before I have you up for attempted murder.

( applause )

( trumpeting )

( trumpeting )

Buy a circus souvenir.

Take home a balloon for the...

Would you like a balloon?

Good.

( applause )

Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh!

Life has made me a clown.

It'll have to make you a better businessman.

Thank you.

Hey, little one, you're tickling me.

You can feel that?

Oh, he's trying to be friendly, cheer me up.

Come on, Sebastian, don't block the entrance.

Get with it, Buttons.

All right, boys, let 'em roll.

One buck gets you $50.

My dice, I'll bet $3.

Okay $3. Let the dice roll.

Six your point.

Harry...

Hmm?

What we said, I'll do it.

So, you finally got wise, huh?

I got it all figured. It's a cinch.

Tonight.

Sure, haven't you heard?

We're giving a party in the red pay wagon

on the train.

Seven the loser. Sorry, friends, no wins.

That's all.

Hey, wait a minute! Come on, give us a chance...

I said that's all.

Fine game you got here.

Don't even get a chance to get your dough back.

Everything all right in there, Curly?

Okay, but next year,

let's carry the cash in the gorilla cage.

It's air-conditioned.

Well, don't let it sit here and get rusty. Take it away.

Right.

( train whistle blowing )

Ah. Mr. Braden?

That's right.

Agent Gregory, Special Investigations.

What can I do for you?

Do you carry a doctor with this show?

Yes, you can usually find him in the privilege car.

Mm-hmm, does he look anything like this?

No.

You sure?

Ten years can make quite a difference.

What's he wanted for?

Murder.

It's an odd case.

A young doctor killed his wife, who was dying anyway.

What will he get?

I'm a policeman, not a judge.

Why pick on us?

Just a hunch.

He was always...

He was always chasing circuses as a kid.

You won't see that face around here.

Probably not.

Anyway, I've arranged to fingerprint

some of your people in Cedar City.

Do you mind if I ride along with you?

No. The head porter will fix you up with a berth.

Oh, thank you.

( lively music playing )

( train whistle blowing )

( excited chatter )

About here.

That'll stop the red wagon back at the road.

Come on, snap it up.

The first section'll be along pretty soon.

Come on, come on.

( train whistle blowing )

All right, boys, how many?

Say, Buttons.

Here you are, Brad. I got the nickel.

Thanks.

You're always around when there's trouble.

You're pretty hard to find when the news is good.

I got tied up with a cop who's riding with us.

Looking for someone.

Anything serious?

Murder.

He used to be a doctor.

You find the darndest people

around the circus, don't you?

Yeah.

What was this good news?

I could use some.

Good news?

Oh. Uh...

Sebastian there.

He's got feeling in that hand.

BRADEN: Uh-huh?

Yes, and if there's still feeling,

complete recovery is very possible.

Is that a professional opinion?

That's a clown's opinion.

Why don't you rile him up a little?

Might get your flyer back.

Yeah, I'll do that.

By the way, they're going to take

some fingerprints when we get in.

Okay.

( poker chips clinking )

I'll get revenge tomorrow night.

Always I'm lucky-- at cards.

Sure it's luck?

You think I cheat maybe?

Why not?

You've done it before.

I do not like this joke.

It's no joke.

Steady, boy.

Oh, wait a minute. Easy.

Well, he used his bum arm

to get Holly, didn't he?

You know you lie.

You've got it all figured

to get yourself a meal ticket for life,

haven't you? Latching on to her.

Wait, uh... You moved it.

MAN: He sure did, Doc.

You bet he did.

Nome di cielo.

That's why you say these things.

How about it, Doc?

Will he be able to use it?

It certainly did move.

Of course he did, Doc.

You know, that should get well.

I believe that with psychosomatic treatment,

that disc might be...

You did this for me.

For you? I wouldn't give you storage space,

but you're a good flyer,

The show needs you.

Now, keep working on it.

You crazy, wonderful fool.

You know that with my wings clipped,

I would never marry Holly.

Yet, you raise me into the air again.

Because you are circus.

I must tell Holly.

Oh.

Maybe we name our first baby Boss Man.

Good work, Brad.

Hey, Doc, uh, w-what is this

psycho, whatchamacallit?

Wait till the engine's passed.

Unbutton the door and don't try anything.

( train whistle blows )

( grunts )

( man thuds to ground )

Pass it down.

Can you see the trouble?

Can't see nothing ahead.

Get going. We got to burn rubber.

( train whistle blowing )

What's that?

Second section.

Get out of here.

This is the girl's car.

Men are not allowed in here.

Who'd you come to see?

What'd you do, Boy Scout--

lose your compass?

Well, what are you doing

in no-man's land?

Angel, you are going to be a bridesmaid.

Who's getting married?

You are, my darling.

Angel, she's on that train.

So what? We got the dough.

Let's get out of here.

The lights. I must turn the lights down the track.

You crazy lunkhead, give me that wheel.

We're going to turn the lights down the track!

The train!

Stop the train! Stop the train!

Stop!

Can't you see the lights?

Stop!

( yelling )

Angel! Angel!

( screaming )

Sebastian!

Hurry, Angel's caught under here.

Hurry!

( coughing )

Doc?

Where are you, Doc?

Bob.

Bob, where's the Doc?

How do I know?

Help me.

Where are you?

Over here.

Help me.

Okay, hold on, I'll get you out.

My legs are all numb.

I can't feel anything.

You all right, Brad?

Yeah, fine.

Break out some fusees, Blackie.

Get the road torches going.

We need some light.

If Hank's on his feet, have him make torches

out of the waste in the journal boxes.

We've got to get some light here.

Get this stuff off me.

Come on!

How you doing in there, Bob?

Not so hot.

That's a new way to get thrown out of bed.

Elsie, Janie, where are you?

You all right?

Some of these kids are hurt bad.

I'll get the doctor.

No, no, down there, through the window.

Rip that sheet, make some bandages.

( monkeys chattering )

Look at this mess.

Holy mackerel!

Get back in there, you little devils.

( growling )

Raja! Raja, get back!

Get back in there.

Go ahead. Get back.

Come on with those poles!

Get some welding torches!

Get in there!

No place like home, Nero.

Here's another torch!

Put a blanket over the glass.

Watch out, this ain't the pay line.

If you want water, you can get it here.

Busted water line.

It's pretty bad in there.

Where's the doctor?

He was in the privilege car when we hit.

Okay.

MAN: I can hear them.

They're around here somewhere.

( growling )

Come on, boys,

get me out of this junk.

Hey, Mike, get some men

and round up the cats before they smell blood.

Right, Mr. Braden.

Somebody check the gorilla cage.

The glass will be broken.

Board it up. Okay, Boss.

Keep those babies warm.

How many killed, Jack?

Don't know yet.

Is that the doctor?

Yeah, he's out cold.

Get the doctor!

We've got to get some doctors here.

Stu. Yes.

Check the walkie-talkie in my jeep.

See if it's okay. Sure, Brad.

Come on, boys,

get this stuff off me, can't you?

Hello, Angel. What's the score in your car?

It's turned over.

A lot of the girls...

Brad-- you're bleeding.

No dice, Brad.

We gotta rig something.

I know the rig to get.

Tell them to get out the work bulls, we'll need them.

Come on.

Watch out, watch out, don't let him into the car.

( screaming )

He's coming back! Let him go!

Don't worry, Minnie.

You'll be walking on your hands in a week.

My teeth are okay.

Bite off a bandage, then.

Minnie's got a broken arm.

Hold still. Let her lean against you.

Hurry up with that first-aid kit.

I'm here.

Give me the stick.

Come on, Minyak, come on!

Come on, Minyak!

Minyak, this way!

Ready, set, Pretty Boy!

Get the wagons onto the highway, every one that'll roll.

You can't move the circus, Brad.

This wreck's scattered over five acres.

Half the animals are loose.

And we're rolling into Cedar City.

Broken poles and canvas cut to ribbons?

Then we'll side wall, play without a tent.

All right, take this strain on that pry.

Come on, get with it, Len.

Drop that down, will you?

Easy now.

I wish I could do this like Buttons did it. He did a...

Say, where is Buttons?

Birdie, bring that first-aid kit over please.

I sent her for a doctor

and she comes back with an elephant.

You'd better leave the little pixie to Phyllis

if you want to say good-bye to our boyfriend.

Come on!

Good-bye to...

Brad.

Here. Finish Minnie's arm.

The rail won't move.

Hook it on the cage.

No, that's no good, Len.

You'll pull the whole car over.

Slack her off.

Oh, Brad. I didn't know.

I'm glad you're okay, Pigeon.

We may miss the matinee

but we'll make the night show.

Oh, Brad.

Get that block out of the way!

Here, I'll take it.

All right, Minyak, come on, pick it up.

Take it up.

Okay, here we go.

Stand aside.

Come on.

Pick it up. Up.

All right, let's take him over here.

Brad, you're bleeding like a stuck fish.

Birdie! Birdie, hurry with that first-aid kit.

Give me something to put on it.

Here. Use this.

Here. Here, Brad.

Birdie! Hurry!

Thank you, sugar.

Thank you.

Birdie, Birdie, come on.

Don't move like a snail.

Birdie, get the gauze.

We'll make a compression bandage.

Here they are.

Pack it in.

More of it, more of it.

What are you doing here, Birdie?

Here. Go see what's left of your costumes.

We can't give a show without wardrobe.

We'll give a show, Boss,

if I have to put them in horse blankets.

Holly.

Oh. Here. Hold...

Hank, any horses hurt?

The horses are okay, Brad, but you're not.

I'm all right.

I've seen all kinds of accidents on the lot, Holly.

That's an artery.

Every time his heart beats, it pumps blood out of him.

What are we going to do?

The doctors are...

He'll bleed to death

if we don't get someone to him.

I know someone.

Good.

Take it easy, baby.

Come on, now.

( roaring )

Have you seen Buttons?

No.

Birdie. Birdie, have you seen Buttons?

He just went by.

Oh.

Get the Zoppes' costumes next.

Buttons!

All right, throw them down!

Buttons!

Buttons!

Buttons...

Brad's hurt. He's bleeding.

They can't stop it.

Get the doctor working on him, Holly.

I've got to go.

The doctor's knocked out.

He was in the same car.

Buttons, that newspaper... about the doctor

who killed the girl he loved...

Yeah, well Brad told me something about a detective

being on the train looking for that fella.

Look, I don't know if you're the man they're looking for,

but if you are, you can save Brad.

No...

Remember you told me once

about killing the thing you loved?

Well, maybe you killed someone because you loved her so much.

If you are him, you could save someone I love.

Oh, Buttons, I've always loved him.

Please, please, don't let him die!

If you are the man.

Are you, Buttons?

Yeah. I'm the man, Holly.

Come on, let's go.

See if they can set up a cook tent.

Everyone could use some coffee.

Okay, Brad.

Find out what performers are hurt.

Let me know what acts we can't use.

Lie still, Brad.

Here's the doctor's bag. I found it.

Fine, fine.

Get something to put it on, will ya?

We've got to get the big top rigged

somehow and put on a performance.

Lie still, will ya?

You'll finish this performance under God's big top.

Buttons.

If that detective sees you doing this,

he won't need fingerprints.

Well, the circus needs a boss right now.

Besides, I kind of like you.

Brad, please do what Buttons says.

For me.

What are you trying to do?

Make my last moments happy?

Is that you, Chuck?

Chuck, how many seed wagons are okay?

About half.

Set them up. Use planks for what's missing.

You have got sawdust in your veins.

You can't even die decently.

Aw, take it easy, Holly.

This isn't sawdust. He's bleeding.

You're going to have to have a blood transfusion, right quick.

You were in the Army, Brad. What's your blood type?

A-B.

A-B? Which Rh?

Negative.

Negative? Are you sure?

Yeah, I'm sure.

We're out of luck, Buttons.

HOLLY: What does that mean?

BUTTONS: Well, it's hard to find.

There must be a blood bank in Cedar City.

We don't have any time for that.

Look, some of you, go out and see if you can find

somebody that has A-B blood.

There must be somebody in the show.

There is someone-- me, I have it.

HOLLY: Sebastian.

Not him-- you're not going

to put that guy's blood in me.

Brad, shh.

You don't have enough blood in you now

to quibble about it.

Sit down here, roll up your left sleeve.

Get his wristwatch off.

I think I can rig it with this.

Buttons, find somebody else.

You'll be dead in 20 minutes without him.

Here, soak this in alcohol.

All right, just take enough

till you can get some other guy.

It hurts me as much as it does you,

but noblesse oblige.

You ought to be grateful.

Grateful? To him?

I've had nothing but trouble ever since you joined the show.

They warned me about you,

but I had to find out the hard way.

Big stuff in the air, upsetting the whole circus,

chopping down your net,

and now you want to be a hero, save my life.

I don't want any part of you.

I do not want to give you my good blood.

But what it could do for you?

It hasn't done much for you.

If he should make love well, after this,

pay no attention-- it will be me.

I can't see. Give me the light over here.

I'll take it.

Go ahead, Doctor.

Yes, take all you want.

It will make of him a better man.

He will have more fire, more of what women love.

They may even want to marry you.

And each time you look at one of your children, boss man,

you will see me.

If any kid of mine, ever...

Brad. Yeah?

It's the end of the line.

We're licked.

We ain't got no big top and our lighting's all shot.

I'm not quitting. We'll give a show.

Brad, take it easy... Open it.

Where's my hat?

Buttons?

Give me that stethoscope.

HOLLY: What is it, Buttons?

Put the ear tips in my ears.

Keep count of these plunger strokes here.

Now, put that over his heart.

A little lower, little lower.

Right there.

His heart's going so fast, I can hardly count it.

It must be over 130.

Well, I guess that's it.

I'll get word out we're canceling.

No, we're not.

We couldn't even get into town on a junk wagon.

HOLLY: Then we'll bring the town out here.

Five...

Sell tickets to see the wreck?

That's not a bad idea.

Are you nuts?

Maybe.

We'll get the crowd out here

if we have to drag them by the hair.

If you're putting on this act for Brad, he can't hear you.

What's the matter with you?

Stop shaking the stand or he'll never hear anybody.

What's the matter with all of you?

Brad said we'd give a show, and we're going to give it.

We got no big top!

We'll side wall it. Set up in the open.

Where?

Over there, it's an open field.

I got you, bird brain. You struck oil.

Jack, get everything together that can walk, crawl or run,

floats, midgets, anything that can stand,

tell them it's cherry pie.

Hank, fix up everything on wheels.

If the horses can't pull them, we can.

You're doing fine, Doc.

Hurry up, do what I said. Come on, Bob.

Tell Lloyd to stake out.

What about the big top?

Don't argue with me.

Emmett, patch up the clowns for a parade.

Parade?

Yes, parade. Are you kidding?

No, I'm not kidding. Rig my trapeze in the wagon.

Gertrude, Gertrude,

help Birdie with the wardrobe, hurry.

Dave, Dave, find Merle--

tell him to get the band together.

But they can't play without...

If the instruments are busted, tell them they can sing. Okay.

Here, never mind the wreck, get the show rolling. Hurry.

I can beat a drum, even with one hand.

Not until I'm through with you.

You're doing all right where you are, sugar.

What are you doing? Will you two stop it?

You'll kill this man.

Twenty-five...

So long, Brad.

I'll bring all the elephants that can walk,

and the ones that can't I'll carry.

You keep him going, Buttons.

We'll roll the show.

God bless you.

Thirty.

Buttons, which one are you trying to save him for?

NARRATOR: Scars covered by grease paint, bandages hidden by funny wigs,

the spangled Pied Piper limps into town.

Come on, folks, tie yourself to a balloon.

Float out to see the circus.

Come on, come on, follow us.

Come to the circus!

This is the first time I've been alone with you

since that wonderful night in Paris, and I love it.

Look, sugar, I love you because you're Rh negative.

Not to you, chérie.

Come on!

Come on!

We've got 'em, Merle.

They're coming with us.

Hit the circus song!

* Come to the circus

* The greatest show on Earth

* Come to the circus

* See the circus

* If we're not very careful life can overwork us *

* So take today and make it gay *

* For there are too many tears along the way *

* So come to the circus, it's circus day today *

* Come see the barkers and the gawkers *

* The bareback riders and the fearless tightrope walkers *

* The funny bears do their routine *

* The greatest extravaganza the world has ever seen *

* The big calliope will play

* And 50 pachyderms will sway *

* You'll see a hawker dressed in gray *

* Shouting peanuts, popcorn and lemonade *

* The human cannonball will zoom *

* As trumpets blare and bass drums boom *

* We'll entertain your mom and pop *

* As we go under the great big top. *

( whistle blowing )

MAN: Working on the wreck.

Get 'em ready for the show.

That the Flying Comet trick?

Yeah.

We've only got four poles.

Rig it over Ring Three.

Hey, Russ.

Yes, boss?

Have Whitey climb up and see if they're in sight yet.

How do you feel?

Never mind that, just take off.

And see if the menagerie...

Brad, Brad, take it easy.

Doc, maybe you can keep him quiet, I give up.

You did a great job, Buttons, a great job.

Thank you, Doc, it's my last.

Looks like you ran into a little trouble.

If I were in the junk business, I might make you an offer.

Vultures even follow train wrecks.

Braden, you're all washed up.

We'll give a show.

Without an audience?

( circus music playing )

You hear that?

Brad, you hear it?

The Pied Piper.

What's that?

That's a rat catcher, Mr. Henderson.

What?

You know, great rats, small rats, lean rats,

scrawny rats, brown rats,

black rats, gray rats, tawny rats.

They made it. Listen to that band.

Hey, Whitey, can you see 'em yet?

I see 'em, Brad!

( band playing "Yankee Doodle")

( band playing "Dixie" )

Wow! Look at 'em come!

They got the whole town with 'em!

( chuckles ): Thank God.

Think I'll go have a look.

( laughs )

( band continues playing )

I'll say this much for you, Braden--

you're good circus.

I'll wait till your back on your feet again,

then I'll knock you off them for good.

Why don't you stay and see the show, Henderson?

There'll be standing room.

I'm sorry, Doc.

I couldn't take a chance with that crowd coming.

Yeah, yeah, I know.

I'd kind of like to... shake your hand before...

You're all right.

Buttons.

Oh, what can a man say?

Well, take care of yourself, Brad.

Tell Holly I'm gonna keep that date

with that girl she knows about.

Where's my hat?

Here's a present for you.

( squeaky bark )

Come on, Squeaker.

Do you want a bite of my candy bar, Buttons?

Oh, no, thanks, honey. I'm not very hungry.

Squeaker likes candy, don't you?

I'll tell you, why don't you take him?

Don't you want him?

Yeah, I want him,

but I can't take him where I'm going.

Here. Don't feed him too much popcorn or he'll pop.

( children laughing ) Gee, thanks!

Well, keep the show rolling, Brad.

Hey, Buttons, what's this...

And why don't you tell Holly Brad wants to see her?

Come on, let's go.

MAN: You kids want popcorn?

Yeah!

HOLLY: Merle, spot the van between those seat wagons.

We got the webs rigged to the star boom, Holly.

Keep them out of the way of the Alzana wire.

Antoinette,

take your web girls up to the big pole. Right.

Lou, you work the Center Ring with Loni and the Chaludis.

Honey, you use my trapeze.

Yours is busted.

Give them a hula bubble bath, Phyllis.

Yes, in the elephant tub.

( laughs )

( speaking Italian )

( man answers in Italian )

Hey, Rusty, follow Captain, huh?

Right, Sebastian.

Well, what happened to you, sugar?

You must have gotten some of Brad's blood.

You walking people, get back by the bubble float.

Holly? Yeah?

Brad wants you. Okay. Help me, everybody.

I have to do the spec

of the grease joint.

RINGMASTER: Ladies and gentlemen,

we bring you a new innovation!

They'll be right with you. Don't...

Sit down, take your seats.

RINGMASTER: The greatest assembly of artists in the world...

Get that out to the Morellis' door.

Golly, Brad, you sure look better

than when I saw you last.

Yeah, sure, but...

No, no, put the Idnavis in the center!

Holly...

Brad, what I said last night,

I'm sorry, I didn't mean it.

Well, I'm not.

Oh, Brad, aren't you proud of me?

You should have seen us-- we panicked them.

We're not gonna have enough seats

out there to hold them.

I nearly folded last night.

It made me see what I've been missing.

You know what I'm gonna do?

We're gonna parade around the track once,

then we're gonna give them the greatest...

Will you listen to what I'm trying to tell you?

I love you.

I know, but we're ready to start.

Holly... After the show, huh, Brad?

Judas priest!

You got nothing but sawdust in your veins.

RINGMASTER: Children of all ages,

the big show is about to commence.

Well, looks like we're out in the cold.

Perhaps we should keep each other warm, huh?

Listen, sugar, the only way you can keep me warm

is to wrap me up in a marriage license.

Why not? That would be something new.

Huh?

Throw it, Merle!

Plenty of brass and make it loud!

( playing lively music )

( cheering )

* Come to the circus

* Come on along and see

* The horses and the camels

* Then we'll follow up with all the other mammals *

* Come see the clowns

* Who play their part

* They'll wear a smile but hide their broken heart *

* Tremendous! Stupendous!

* The circus is supreme

* The Bengal tiger

* And the lion

* The trapeze artist does a leap that's death-defying *

* A land of mirth

* Your money's worth

* Come on along to the circus *

* The Greatest Show on Earth! *

( applause, cheering and whistling )

MAN: That's all, ladies and gentlemen,

that's all.

Come again to the Greatest Show on Earth.

Bring the children.

Bring the old folks.

You can shake the sawdust off your feet,

but you can't shake it out of your heart.

Come again, folks!

The Greatest Show on Earth!

Come again!