The impossible comes true.|Dec. 20, 2017|United States|105 Min.|TV-14
Genre: Drama
Description: “The Greatest Showman” (2017) is a captivating musical drama that tells the inspiring story of P.T. Barnum, a visionary who rose from humble beginnings to create a world-renowned circus. As a young boy, Barnum and his father worked for the wealthy Hallett family, where he formed a deep bond with Charity Hallett. Their childhood friendship blossomed into love, and despite societal expectations, they married and raised two daughters, Caroline and Helen, in New York. While Charity found contentment in their modest life, Barnum yearned for something greater, dreaming of a life beyond their means.
After losing his job as a shipping clerk due to the company’s bankruptcy, Barnum took a bold step. He secured a bank loan by misleadingly using his former employer’s lost ships as collateral and opened Barnum’s American Museum in Manhattan. Although the museum initially struggled to attract visitors, his daughters inspired him to introduce live performances, including unique acts like Lettie Lutz, a bearded lady. This innovative approach brought in crowds but also drew criticism and protests, particularly from influential critic James Gordon Bennett.
Determined to succeed, Barnum rebranded his venture as “Barnum’s Circus” and enlisted playwright Phillip Carlyle to help boost its popularity. Phillip was captivated by Anne Wheeler, an African American trapeze artist, but societal norms made him hesitant to act on his feelings. As the circus gained momentum, Barnum arranged for his troupe to meet Queen Victoria during a tour abroad. He also convinced Swedish singer Jenny Lind to perform in America, managing her successful debut. However, Barnum’s growing fame and connections with the elite caused him to distance himself from his performers, leading to feelings of abandonment among the troupe.
As societal prejudices and personal challenges unfolded, the performers united to confront adversity, embodying the spirit of resilience. “The Greatest Showman” is a heartwarming tale of ambition, love, and the pursuit of dreams, set against a backdrop of unforgettable music and spectacle.
Cast director: Peter Kohn
Cast actor: Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Austyn Johnson, Cameron Seely, Keala Settle, Sam Humphrey, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
Original name: The Greatest Showman