The Barnum & Bailey Circus was a famous circus in the United States. P.T. Barnum was a well - known showman. He was great at promoting extraordinary acts and curiosities. He joined forces with James Bailey. Together they created a large - scale circus with various performers like acrobats, animal trainers, and clowns. Their circus toured widely, becoming a beloved form of entertainment in the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, there were also some issues regarding the treatment of animals and performers' working conditions over time.
One key element is P.T. Barnum's promotional skills. He was able to draw large crowds with his marketing strategies. Another is the variety of acts. There were acrobats, jugglers, and animal acts. Also, the partnership between Barnum and Bailey was crucial in expanding the circus.
Barnum and Bailey's real story is quite interesting. Barnum was a shrewd entrepreneur who understood the public's desire for the extraordinary. He started with smaller shows and exhibits, like his 'Feejee Mermaid' which was a hoax but attracted a lot of attention. When he teamed up with Bailey, they combined their resources and talents. The circus had amazing feats like high - wire acts and trained elephants. It toured across the country and even internationally, bringing a sense of wonder to people everywhere. But as society evolved, concerns about animal welfare grew, which contributed to the decline of the Barnum and Bailey Circus.
One key element was Barnum's showmanship. His ability to promote and create a buzz around the circus acts was crucial. Another was the combination of different acts. Having a mix of acrobats, animal shows, and clowns attracted a wide audience. Also, their ability to tour widely and reach different parts of the country and the world was important.
It depends on your perspective. Some parts might be based on real events, but it's likely that there's also some fictional elements added for dramatic effect.
The Greatest Showman isn't a strict retelling of PT Barnum's life. It incorporates fictional elements and exaggerations to make it more cinematic and engaging.