Barnum
Barnum

Barnum

1986Movie90 minEnglish

The amazing biography of legendary circus impresario and unparalleled showman, P.T. Barnum.

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IMDb7.2/10
Director: Lee RothbergGenres: Musical, Biography

Plot Summary

This television film chronicles the life and career of P.T. Barnum, the legendary American showman and entrepreneur. It follows his ambitious rise from humble beginnings to becoming a master of spectacle and publicity, detailing his famous attractions like "The Greatest Show on Earth." The story explores his innovative, and sometimes controversial, methods of entertainment and his enduring impact on American culture.

Critical Reception

As a made-for-television musical, 'Barnum' received mixed to positive reviews, with particular praise often directed at Michael Crawford's charismatic performance. Critics generally noted the ambitious scope of the production and its attempt to capture the essence of Barnum's larger-than-life persona, though some found the pacing uneven.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Michael Crawford's energetic and captivating portrayal of P.T. Barnum.
  • Appreciated for its grand musical numbers and attempt to bring the showman's story to life.
  • Some found the narrative occasionally lacked depth or suffered from pacing issues typical of made-for-TV movies.

Google audience: Audience reception for this specific television film is not widely documented through aggregated Google user reviews.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Sound Mixing.

Fun Fact

Michael Crawford, who starred as P.T. Barnum, previously won a Tony Award for the same role on Broadway in the musical 'Barnum'.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

**_The life of PT Barnum in the 1800s_** Burt Lancaster stars as PT Barnum, breaking the fourth window to tell the story of the showman, author and politician who died four months shy of 81 years-old in 1891. The man is known as the b...