Ringling Brothers

Their name is synonymous with the American circus. But long before there were dramatic acrobatics, exotic animals, and special effects, the Ringling Brothers circus consisted of an all-Ringling cast of two dancers, two musicians, and one singer. The Wisconsin-born Ringling brothers grew up in an era when the circus’s arrival in town triggered an unofficial holiday. Five of the seven brothers—Albert, Otto, Alfred, Charles, and John—were so drawn to the majestic spectacle of the circus, that in the early 1880s, they decided to start one of their own. In this profile, BIO dives into the fascinating story of how the Ringling brothers, sons of a German immigrant harness maker, came to be multi-millionaires, acquiring Barnum & Bailey and becoming the greatest circus producers in the world. Rare images and footage recall the glory days of the old-style circus, while Ringling Brothers company historians detail how the visionary brothers helped transform their enterprise into a legendary production that would outlast them all. From a show that first traveled by way of a rented horse and a wagon to the spectacular three-ring event that journeys from town to town in mile-long trains, BIO presents an enchanting look at the rich and colorful history of The Greatest Show on Earth.

Upplagd i sortimentet: 20 December, 2010