I saw this film during the 2008 Sarasota Film Festival, which was apropos as Sarasota was the winter quarters of the Ringling Bros during its heyday and is still in some ways a circus town. I enjoy circus history and know a few of the faces personally, so seeing some of them on the big screen was fun! The documentary includes a lot of historic footage and still photos, as well as interviews with folks who were part of the show when it was still a train-based traveling city (before 1958 or so). Marjorie Cordell (web artist) and Jackie LeClair (clown) were featured, as were Dolly Jacobs (aerialist) and Pedro Reis (since married!) who are the current principles of the modern Circus Sarasota. The new Howard Tibbles miniature circus (a new extension of the Sarasota Ringling Museum) was shown, and is quite amazing. Tibbles spent several decades creating this masterpiece of detail which really captures the magnitude of what it took to move the big-top from town to town, often every 24 hours. The modern Sarasota High School Sailor Circus is also featured. It has provided a path for students to learn circus skills for decades, often directly from circus professionals. All in all, a great documentary!
2 Reviews
a FUN must-see for the fun at heart!
tpivnick9 March 2009
Had the pleasure of seeing this 2 weeks ago at the Sedona Int'l Film Festival. I was completely surprised and just absolutely enjoyed myself. This is a little film with a BIG heart. The history was simply fascinating and the miniature circus just has to be seen to be believed. It's amazing that the man has been building this miniature for over 50 years! The detail is just incredible. I just wish that we had purchased the DVD on-site for my dad. Now I'll have to find a way to get my hands on one. Preferably autographed in some way. The film is fabulous and very well done. I loved that it incorporates so much history in three different focal points. Congrats to all involved. GREAT job!
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