The Greatest Show on Earth

The Greatest Show on Earth is a classic Hollywood drama film directed by Cecil B. DeMille, set in the world of the circus. The film follows the story of Brad Braden, the strict and demanding manager of a struggling circus who hires The Great Sebastian, a daring trapeze legend, to revitalize the show. The film features an all-star cast, including Charlton Heston, Cornel Wilde, Betty Hutton, James Stewart, and Gloria Grahame. The film opens with the circus facing financial difficulties, and Brad Braden (Heston) struggling to keep the show alive. In an effort to draw in bigger crowds, Braden hires The Great Sebastian (Wilde), a renowned trapeze artist who has retired from the spotlight. However, this move sparks rivalry and tension between Sebastian and Holly (Hutton), Braden's girlfriend and the circus's star trapeze artist. As the show's opening night approaches, tensions between Sebastian and Holly continue to rise, with both performers determined to outdo each other in their respective acts. Meanwhile, Buttons the Clown (Stewart) provides comedic relief, while Phyllis (Lamour) and Angel (Grahame) add to the glamour and excitement of the circus. As opening night arrives , the circus is a huge success, thanks in large part to Sebastian's thrilling trapeze act. However, things take a dangerous turn when Sebastian attempts a high-risk stunt, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats . The plot takes a dramatic turn when a train wreck occurs, threatening not only the fate of all the performers but also those of their crew. With the fate of everyone at stake , the movie reaches its climax as Brad Braden must confront his own personal demons while struggling to save the circus he loves so much. The Greatest Show on Earth is a classic film that captures all the excitement, thrills, backstage intrigue & charm associated with one of America's most beloved forms of entertainment. It was awarded an Oscar for Best Picture in 1952 and features a memorable cast of characters that will keep you on the edge fo your seat.

You can stream The Greatest Show on Earth on: Amazon Store

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as The Greatest Show on Earth include Marty, From Here to Eternity, Little Women, Love in the City, Roman Holiday, Magnificent Obsession.