
The Greatest Show on Earth
NR“The Heartbeat Story of Circus People, Filmed with the Cooperation of Ringling Bros. - Barnum and Bailey Circus!”
1952·152 min·Released
Studio: Paramount Pictures
6.4TMDb
6.5IMDb
50%RT
Available on



Theatrical Feb 16, 1952
🇺🇸
USA · English · USA
Overview
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.
Trailer
Crew
DirectorCecil B. DeMille
Cast

Betty Hutton
Holly

Cornel Wilde
The Great Sebastian

Charlton Heston
Brad Braden

Dorothy Lamour
Phyllis

Gloria Grahame
Angel

James Stewart
Buttons

Henry Wilcoxon
FBI Agent Gregory

Lyle Bettger
Klaus

Lawrence Tierney
Mr. Henderson

Emmett Kelly
Himself
Cucciola
Cucciola
Robert Carson
The Ringmaster

John Kellogg
Harry

Julia Faye
Birdie

Cecil B. DeMille
Narrator (voice) (uncredited)

John Ringling North
Himself
Lou Jacobs
Himself (clown)
Brad Jackson
Reporter at RIngside

Frank Wilcox
Doctor

Lillian Albertson
Buttons' mother
More like this
Keywords
circusclowntraveling circustrapeze artist
Details
Budget
$4M
Revenue
$36M
TMDb Votes
275
Added May 14, 2026Updated Jun 4, 2026







