The Greatest Show on Earth

Rating:
Summary: Just what you would expect (unfortunately) from DeMille
Review: Under the category of "What Were They Thinking?" you could find a reference to Best Picture Oscar going to this goofy movie while "High Noon" (or even "The Quiet Man") went unrecognized. It was a surprise back when it happened, and half a century later it strikes most of us as an absolute travesty.

All of the worst tendencies of DeMille's films --- noisy excess coupled with unbelievably cheesy dialogue --- are on ample display here. The dialogue is truly unbearable at times --- one wonders how some of the cast were able to get through their scenes without losing control. It doesn't help that more than a few of the characters are extremely annoying --- it becomes difficult for the viewer to invest anything emotionally in characters one cannot stand.

I only wish I could state with certainty that this was the worst ever Best Picture winner, but unfortunately there are other films (Titanic anyone?) that could give "The Greatest Show on Earth" a good run for its money.

Rating:
Summary: Korn is King!
Review: What is not to love about this movie? The chance to see Charleton Heston give another over the top performance is worth the price by itself. The real reason we love this film is Betty Hutton. When she's on screen you can't take your eyes off her. Her acting style is campy, in your face, and mellow-dramatic. And it works every time. She was what being a "movie" star in the 40's and 50's was all about. Jimmy Stewart as the the clown with a past is brilliant, Gloria Graham is perfect, and Cornell Wilde shows us what a "matinee idol" really was. You won't have a better time at the movies because this is Hollywood in its hey-day. Its not very realistic but sometimes reality is overated.

Rating:
Summary: The Greatest Movie on Earth
Review: When I saw this film as a youngsters I was captivated! I wanted to run off and join the circus. Nearly 50 years later it hasn't lost any of its appeal. Its vidid color, intrigue, romance, suspense give it every element essential to a video epic. The actors give a solid performance. OK, they were a little hokey, but to a seven year old kid they were convincing. To a 50-plus old kid, they were head and shoulders above what passes for acting today.

Rating:
Summary: Even more fun on DVD
Review: Yes, this movie IS flapdoodle as the critic says, but shouldn't we all have a few truly silly movies we adore anyway? If you loved this film when you were a kid, you'll still love it now, at least I did. The new DVD release is a huge improvement over the VHS version, with excellent color and clarity. I was amazed at how good the train wreck looked. Awesome model work from the days before CGI!