The Greatest Show on Earth
Seen it?1952 | 152 min | Drama, Romance
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It won 2 Oscars and it made about 9 times its budget, though it had middling reviews (50% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a lukewarm 6.4 out of 10 from audiences. 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 romantics.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 32 min.
- What might put you off
- It's long: 2 hr 32 min.
- Made in 1952: an older pace and style.
To ensure a full profitable season, circus manager Brad Braden engages The Great Sebastian, though this moves his girlfriend Holly from her hard-won center trapeze spot. Holly and Sebastian begin a dangerous one-upmanship duel in the ring, while he pursues her on the ground.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
50% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.4 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 2 Oscars: Academy Awards: Best Motion Picture, Academy Awards: Best Motion Picture Story. Won 3 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Drama, Golden Globe Awards: Best Director – Motion Picture, Golden Globe Awards: Best Cinematography – Color. Also nominated for 3 more Oscars and 1 DGA Award. Plus 1 other award.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$36 million worldwide on a $4 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 134K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Cecil B. DeMille
- Betty HuttonHolly
- Cornel WildeThe Great Sebastian
- Charlton HestonBrad Braden
- Dorothy LamourPhyllis
- Gloria GrahameAngel
- James StewartButtons
- Henry WilcoxonAgent Gregory
- Lyle BettgerKlaus
- Lawrence TierneyMr. Henderson
- Emmett KellyEmmett Kelly