Circus Day in Our Town (film #8 on Campy Classroom Classics, Vol. 5 DVD (Something Weird, 2004)). [Category: Educational]

This Encyclopedia Britannica circus film from the 50s actually does a better job of making the circus look interesting than the other circus films I’ve seen, even though it’s in black-and-white. The performers actually look as if they have some talent, and there’s a good variety of acts, giving you a good feel for what it was like to attend the circus during the 50s. Highlights include lots of focus on the elephants and how they help put up the circus tent, and a fairly scary scene of clowns putting on makeup. This is a surprisingly lively EB film with lots of historical interest as well.

Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: ***. Weirdness: ***. Historical Interest: ****. Overall Rating: ****.