Battle for the Big Top
Synopsis
Three circus kings, P.T. Barnum, James Bailey, and John Ringling, competed for control of the American circus in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Synopsis
Les Standiford discusses the fierce competition among three circus leaders-P.T. Barnum, James Bailey, and John Ringling-during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The documentary features archival materials from the National Archives, including photographs and court records. It details how these men shaped the American circus into a major cultural phenomenon. The film also notes that the federal government once operated a circus as part of the New Deal's federal theater project.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet circus kings James Bailey and P.T. Barnum.
- Find out how the federal government ran a circus.
- See the tradition of circus parades on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Did You Know
- The New Deal's federal theater project included a circus unit.
- James Bailey, P.T. Barnum, and John Ringling were key figures in circus history.
- The National Archives holds documentary connections to circuses over many decades.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the three circus kings mentioned in the documentary?
The three circus kings are James Bailey, P.T. Barnum, and John Ringling.
What notable event would occur in Washington when the circus came to town?
The circus would have a parade where costume performers and elephants marched down Pennsylvania Avenue.
What project did the federal government run that included a circus unit?
The New Deal's federal theater project included a circus unit.
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