At the Circus
Seen it?1939 | 87 min | Comedy, Music
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences and little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Mary Poppins or Miracle on 34th Street, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Light and funny.
- The pace
- Breezy, at 1 hr 27 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1939: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Jeff Wilson, the owner of a small circus, owes his partner Carter $10,000. Before Jeff can pay, Carter's accomplices steal the money so he can take over the circus. Antonio Pirelli and Punchy, who work at the circus, together with lawyer Loophole try to find the thief and get the money back.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
100% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 21K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
Trailer
More like this
Oscar
Weeknight WatchAnother musical comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Mary Poppins
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed musical comedy.
Miracle on 34th Street Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed legal comedy.
The Ladykillers Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed comedy that fewer people know today.
The Three Stooges Weeknight WatchAnother comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Edward Buzzell
- Groucho MarxAttorney J. Cheever Loophole
- Chico MarxAntonio Pirelli
- Harpo Marx'Punchy'
- Kenny BakerJeff Wilson
- Florence RiceJulie Randall
- Eve ArdenPeerless Pauline
- Margaret DumontMrs. Suzanna Dukesbury
- Nat PendletonGoliath
- Fritz FeldJardinet
- James BurkeJohn Carter