At The Circus: Behind the Big Top, 1936

This silent film from circa 1936 captures the magic and hard work behind setting up a circus in an unidentified town. It begins with the arrival of the circus by train, showing horses and tractors pulling animal cages from railroad flat cars to the circus grounds. Elephants are seen helping erect the massive main tent, demonstrating their strength and intelligence. Aerial shots give a sense of the scale and organization of the circus setup. The film culminates in a grand street parade featuring horses, camels, elephants, and the nostalgic sound of a steam calliope, offering viewers a glimpse into the spectacle and logistics of circus life in the 1930s.