1950s Amazing Circus Performers Came To Town & Did Outrageous Stuff

You are watching a promotional film made in the 1950s to sell towns across America on the Cole Brothers Circus. In the 50s the arrival of the Cole Brothers Circus to an American town was a major event that generated excitement and anticipation. It was often one of the most exciting events of the year bringing a taste of the wider world and a touch of magic and spectacle to everyday life. The first sign of the circus’s arrival was usually the circus train, a long line of brightly painted cars carrying performers, animals, and equipment. Seeing the circus train pull into the local station would have been an exciting event, drawing crowds of townsfolk eager for a first glimpse. Following the unloading of the train, there would typically be a parade through the town. This was both a practical way to get the animals and equipment to the circus grounds and an excellent promotional tool. The townsfolk would turn out to watch as elephants, horses, and a host of performers paraded down Main Street. After the parade, the circus workers, often helped by local laborers, would set up the massive big top tent, a process that was a spectacle in itself. On the day of the performances, people would come from miles around. It wasn’t just the local townsfolk who would attend. Farmers and their families from the surrounding rural areas, who might not have many opportunities for entertainment, would also come to see the show. People of all ages, from young children to their grandparents, would gather for the spectacle. The circus would typically feature a variety of acts, from trapeze artists and acrobats to animal trainers, clowns, and sideshow attractions. Among the famous folk shown in this video is Clive Beatty, Emmett Kelly (the clown) and the Melvin Troop. Between shows, visitors could tour the menagerie to see exotic animals, grab a bite from food vendors, or try their luck at various games. After the final performance, the circus would pack up quickly, often working through the night to dismantle the big top, load the animals back onto the train, and prepare for the next town. By morning, all that would remain were the impressions of tent stakes in the ground, a few stray pieces of popcorn, and the memories of the spectacle. Cole Brothers Circus was one of the largest and longest-running traditional circuses in the United States. Its origins trace back to the late 19th century. It was founded by William Washington Cole, who launched his own show, W. W. Cole’s New Colossal Shows in 1884. Throughout the mid-20th century, ownership of Cole Brothers Circus changed hands multiple times. In 1950, it was bought by James Edgar, who passed it on to his son George “Buckles“ Woodcock. After Woodcock’s death, the circus was sold to John Pugh in the late 1970s. While the Cole Brothers Circus had a long and storied history, like many traditional circuses, it ultimately couldn’t withstand the challenges of the modern entertainment landscape. In 2016, the Cole Brothers Circus closed down. Its remaining assets, including its equipment and the rights to the name, were sold at auction. Its closure marked the end of an era for one of America’s most notable circuses. Emmett Kelly was an American circus performer, best known for creating the iconic hobo clown character “Weary Willie.“ Weary Willie was a departure from the typical jovial and colorful clowns of the time. Instead, Willie was a sad, down-on-his-luck hobo who wore tattered clothes, had a stubble of a beard, and always appeared downtrodden. Kelly’s character was unique for its pathos and for the way it resonated with the economic struggles many Americans faced, especially during the Great Depression. Kelly’s contribution to circus history is significant. His portrayal of “Weary Willie“ remains one of the most recognizable and iconic clown characters. Emmett Kelly passed away in 1979. Clyde Beatty was a well-known animal trainer and circus industry personality, best known for his work with big cats such as lions and tigers. Born in Bainbridge, Ohio, Beatty developed a keen interest in animals at a young age and eventually became one of the most famous animal trainers in the world. Beatty’s daring style made him a star. He was famous for going into the cage with his animals, often mixing predators like lions and tigers together, which was considered highly dangerous. His act often involved him “battling“ the big cats, creating a dramatic spectacle that was a major draw for audiences. Clyde Beatty passed away in 1965, and his influence on the circus industry and animal training has been long-lasting. His daring approach to animal acts, while controversial by today’s standards, was revolutionary in its time and made him a major celebrity.