American Experience Season 4 Episode 12
Barnum's Big Top
P.T. Barnum was huckster, con man, promoter and entertainer. His American Museum featured ancient relics side by side with such "living curiosities" as lions, snakes, bearded ladies and Siamese twins. In 1871 he took the whole show on the road; it traveled by rail. Barnum introduced the idea of three rings, and his "Jumbo the Elephant" added a new word to the English language. By the time he teamed up with James Bailey, his circus had become "The Greatest Show on Earth."
4 - 13In the White Man's ImageFeb. 17, 1992- 4 - 12Barnum's Big TopOct. 14, 1991
- 4 - 11Wild by LawFeb. 10, 1992
- 4 - 10Love in the Cold WarJan. 13, 1992
- 4 - 9The Quiz Show ScandalJan. 06, 1992
- 4 - 8Duke Ellington: Reminiscing in TempoDec. 09, 1991
- 4 - 7G-Men: The Rise of J. Edgar HooverFeb. 24, 1992
- 4 - 6Pearl Harbor: Surprise and RemembranceNov. 11, 1991
- 4 - 5The Johnstown FloodFeb. 24, 1992
- 4 - 4Scandalous MayorOct. 28, 1991
- 4 - 3The Massachusetts 54th Colored InfantryOct. 07, 1991
- 4 - 2LBJ (2)Sep. 30, 1991
- 4 - 1LBJ (1)Sep. 30, 1991
