Excuse me sir, can we help you?
Can we help you with something?
Did I miss the spec?
Yeah I'm afraid so the show was this afternoon.
Did you come with the folks from Green Haven?
Why don't we get out of the rain and we'll call them for you.
No, no I came on my own.
No it's OK. We're gonna call the home we're gonna have them come pick you up.
I'm telling you I didn't come with a home.
Why don't you take those rings out your head maybe you won't be deaf and dumb.
That's hard.
I'm sorry kid I didn't mean that.
Your rings look very pretty.
Russ, why don't you take that walker back to my trailer and finish packing up.
Sir, now I gotta get you out of this parcking lot.
Why don't you sit down the wheel chair we'll go inside and make some calls come on.
Malcolm, tell 'em to come through.
How're you doing. I'm looking for a number I can't seem to find in the book.
It's for a nursing home called Green Haven?
I hope they sweat.
Walked right out of that door and no body noticed.
Excuse.. Green Haven.
It's a nursing home.
Hello? Hello?
Hagenbach Wallace before the wreck.
Yeah, you know circuses?
Should. Must've been on two.
Hey, is there a relative maybe I can call or another number you have?
- The first was the Benzini Brothers - The Benzini Brothers?
- When? - 1931
For how long?
Now you know the Benzini Brothers never saw the end of 1931.
- Are you telling me that you were there for... - Right in the middle of it.
Well, that's incredible coz right after the Harvard fire.
and the Hagenback Wallace wreck that's pretty much..
the most famous circus disaster in history.
Are you OK?
You got anything to drink around here that isn't apple juice?
Yeah I think so.
There you go
I remember you.
So how long have you been in that home?
Too long.
I don't know why they call it a home you don't know anybody there.
They stuff you so full of drugs you don't care.
Five kids and not one has a place for me since their mother died.
They take turns visiting on weekends.
My son forgot whose turn it was today so..
You can't blame him The kid's 71 he's startin to lose it up here.
They're not bad kids.
It's not their fault I'm old.
I had a good life you know.
A big life.
Take a seat.. yeah.
I'm sorry, you know what My name's Charlie O'brian the third.
Jacob Jankawsky the only.
That's good.
Don't you have to call the home?
I think we should let 'em sweat.
But if I could, I was wondering..
You know, could you talk to me about what happened in 1931?
We'll need another bottle of this.
It was a big day that last day of my final exam.
I couldn't move fast enough My life was finally gonna start.
And I knew exactly where it was taking me.
"Come on, dear"
"Breakfast is ready"
Inside our house, there was no sign of a depression.
My mother and father had left Poland in a much worse condition.
To them, no one could be poor in America,
if they had half a brain in their head.
"Jacob, won't you say goodbye?"
- "Good luck, dear" - Love you too, mum.
"Do what you can, Jacob we're counting on you"
After six years of dissections, castrations,
and shoving my arm up a cow's ass more times than I care to remember.
By the end of that day,
I knew I'd be a Cornell graduate of Veterinary Science.
And by the end of that night I'd be the first man...
Catherine Hale ever invited into her bed.
She was nuts about me.
You have two hours to complete the exam.
When you have finished the exam, close the booklet,
turn it face downwards and raise your hands.
When I have acknowledged you you may bring the exam up to me,
and leave.
You may begin.
Had a new life all planned.
Then with the openning of a door,
every plan I had vanished.
Mr. Jankawsky May we have a word with you?
Jacob, I'm afraid there's been a car accident.
Is there any other family to call?
No, just me.
According to our records there is no mistake, Mr. Jankawsky.
The house and all their assets including your father's practice
are property of the bank in default of the loan
I'm telling you, you're wrong.
My father owned that house outright.
These documents are dated four years ago.
He signed them. Did they need money for any reason four years ago?
- My tuition - Well, there you have it.
Well, perhaps if you hadn't gone to colledge
you'd still have a home.
But in the light of the way your father ran business, that's unlikely.
My father was a good man.
And when people came to him for help he gave it to them.
Your father was an irresponsible man,
who let people pay him in chickens and eggs
and whatever they had instead of money.
This depression is with us for a very long while believe me.
And the only people standing at the end of it
will be the ones who take what they need to survive.
Don't make the same mistakes as your father.
I remember walking out the front door,
forcing my self not to look back.
I couldn't stay where everything reminded me of the life that was gone.
And I didn't see the point in going back to school.
There were a lot of men in those days with no home,
no family.
There were small towns that were dying.
Rumor was that there were jobs in the cities.
So I got it in my head that I'd walk to
I never made it.
Hey don't mess in with Blacky.
Throwing people off trains is one of the perks of his job.
We don't need no bums on this train.
Now everybody calm down here Brady put that damn pistol away.
Blacky let him go.
And I mean on the inside of the train.
I'm telling you we don't need no trouble I mean look at them clothes.
He ain't no bum.
Don't be sore kid It's almost a reflex of Blacky.
I'm Camel. That there is Grady and Wade.
I'm Jacob Jankawsky.
Jankawsky "How are you doing?"
"Not good"
"It's OK"
Now you're pretty young to be on the rails Are you running from something maybe?
No,no, nothing like that.
Where are you headed?
I don't know.
You hungry? Out of work?
There's no shame in that.
What can you do?
Just about anything I guess.
We land in Deposit in the morning.
We'll get you some work for the day.
And if you're still alive at the end of it
I'll take you in to see August.
The lord and master of the known
and the unknown universe himself
Who's that?
Hold on, hold back you're in for the ride of your life.
Steady.
Pull.
Now I don't know if I picked that train,
or that train picked me.
But something told me my mother and my father sent it my way.
I'd like to think that anyway.
Hello ma'am.
Hey, what the hell are you doing in here.
Get out of there You ain't no menagerie man.
Come on. Got you some work.
With the animals?
You betcha.
Never seen so much manure.
- How do you stand the smell? What smell?
Ladies and gentlemen
Step right this way to see the most dazzling collection
of wonders and marvels of the natural world.
See him gives this signal Gotta push them toward the entrance.
Let them catch on that'll also be fine.
All for one thin dime and believe me it'll be the best dime you ever spent
I guarrantee. Right this way, hand your dime to this fellow right here.
Ladies to the right, gentlemen to the left.
Folks just put one foot in front of the other, your body will follow.
Take this.
Smack the sides with it.
See any heads trying to peek in without paying.
Silver.
That's right. Good boy.
Are you OK? You're shaking a little bit.
Excuse me ma'am.
Do you mind if I take a look?
Walk on.
Showtime. Let's go.
Ladies and gentlemen,
and children of all ages
Welcome to the most extravagant extravaganza
the human eye can behold.
Welcome the stars of the Benzini Bros' most spectacular show on earth.
She didn't seem real to me at first.
The way she looked inside that big top.
Under those lights.
I thought I'd go blind from the shine.
They created heaven in one day.
And just as fast,
heaven was packed away and gone.
You better take your breath before it all comes back on you.
Here.
What is that?
It's jake. It's all we got in this
Damn probition.
Don't seem American to deny a man a drink.
Ain't in the constitution that a man has got a right to happiness?
Come on, I'll take you to see August.
Right now? it's the middle of the night.
The only time the circus people live. Even the boss.
See the musicians and side show people are above us rousabouts.
But below the specialty acts which of course
are below the ring stock animals,
everybody, everybody is below the bosses.
Don't ever forget that.
You wanna watch them clowns no one ever gets a safe passage through here.
Oh Lucinda my dear, good evening how are you?
Hello, you bring out the sunshine.
I know you. I saw you at my show.
Wanna private dance?
Easy now, Barbra. Goodnight, ladies.
- Goodnight, Camel - Goodnight
Now try not to talk till you're familiar with the vernacular,
or you'll get your head bashed in.
Like townies are goones, and performers aren't performers.
The're tinkers, but never call 'em that to their faces.
- So what do I call them? - Performers, just don't talk to them at all.
You'll live longer.
Now be nice and quiet around here coz we have to show some respect to the...
- Ladies and.. gentlemen. - Good evening.
Hey Camel, who's the woman who works with the horses?
That ain't no woman, that's the boss's wife.
Marlena. She's a star attraction.
And she don't talk to nobody and you don't talk to her.
She'll just high hat you anyway.
You know I got a son about your age. Lives right out of Pennsylvania.
I haven't seen him in years.
Fix your shirt there.
Before we do this I gotta ask you and I don't wanna know your business.
But I do know that you ain't been on the road too long.
So before you start I gotta ask you,
if you got any kind of life to go back to,
that's what you should do.
I don't.
I'm so sorry to hear that.
Now remember when you meet August let him do the talking.
Don't go blowing in your wig,
and don't ever mention Ringling Bros.
He hates them bastards worse than the depression.
Now this here is Earl and he's gonna take you in.
Earl, this here is Jacob.
Nice to meet you, Earl.
- What's this, Earl?
- The stowaway that Polack rummy took under his wing.
Colledge boy.
Don't believe that we had the pleasure.
Jacob Jankawsky, sir.
So what am I supposed to do with a Jacob Jankawsky?
I'm just looking for work, sir.
Ever worked a show, son?
No, sir.
- Ever seen a show? -Yes, sir, the Ringling Bros.
Ringling, eih?
Yeah, but it was terrible.
Well, they do try don't they boys?
- Seen our show? - Yes, sir.
- Yeah, what's your favourite act? - I like the woman with the black and white horses.
You've got a good eye. My star attraction.
I do believe we're looking for a boy to carry water for the elephants.
- Aren't we, gentlemen? - But we don't have any elephants.
That sounds perfect I'd love to work with the animals.
Come here.
These from one day o' work?
- Yes, sir.
- Why would a colledge boy dirty his hands as a filthy roustabout?
I guess because out of all that dirt and sweat..
... working with these fellas you wouldn't wanna be caught dead in the daylight with,
- .. just comes so much beauty. - You grandstanding me, kid?
- No, no, sir. - Well, it was beautifully put.
Yet you ride my train. You eat my food without my permission,
while hardworking men labour all day for the same privileges.
And these filthy rousabouts are my family. You, you are an intruder.
Next stop, throw him off.
Probably studied poetry.
Veterinary science not poetry.
And I can tell you one thing. That star attraction horse o' yours?
It's not gonna be walking in few weeks let alone performing.
Earl, wait.
Veterinary sciences. What school?
- Cornell. - You're a Cornell graduate?
He did work the ropes for me this afternoon.
He's good.
He shovelled horse shit all day, that don't make him no horse doc.
I'm sure Rangling has his own vet.
Cornell, come with me.
- You're sure for this, Cornell? - Yeah.
Good.
It's incredible.
It takes your breath away, doesn't it?
My star attraction is limping.
And I can't have a new liberty horse mid season.
So you make sure the horse performs and the job is yours.
Nine bucks a week.
You do right by me, Cornell,
I'll show you a life most suckers can't even dream of.
Come on.
Yeah, I could use an educated man around here.
It gets pretty tiring talking to my menageric of brain seals.
- Kinko. - August.
I have a roommate for you.
What is he?
- Jacob Jankawsky. - Asked what, not who.
This gentleman is the show's new vet.
Ivy league no less which puts him a good deal high in my estimation than you.
Perhaps you would like to offer him your cot.
Well, find me in the morning to see about that horse, Cornell.
They're real smart.
You're not getting the cot.
Darling, may I introduce to you Jacob..
Jacob Jankawsky.
The Benzini Bros' very own Ivy League veterinarian.
- He's the vet? - Yup.
Studied at Cornell University.
The right front hoof.
- It's an abscess. - Darling.
It didn't look this bad in the show.
- You need a hoof tester? - No, I don't think so.
It needs heat and cold until it breaks. It needs a salt wrap.
It'll be fine. Come on, boy.
Help me in, Joe. Thank you.
Come on, boy.
Well?
I didn't wanna say anything in front of Mrs. Rosenberg.
- The horse has laminitis. - English.
The connective tissue between the hoof and the coffin bone has been compromised.
So when he walks the coffin bone rotates towards the sole of the hoof.
Until it punctures through.
- Has it punctured yet? - No it hasn't but
it's just a matter of time, and he's in a lot of pain.
- How much time? - Two or three days.
He needs to be put down.
You know all this by just looking at it? Is there nothing you can do?
No, it's pretty severe.
I'm sorry.
Well, I appreciate it.
Oh darling, Cornell here agrees with you. It's nothing really to worry about.
- Joe, get Pete to help Marlena. - Pete's gonna feed the cats.
No, we'll do that. You just take care of him, come on.
They get a bucket each.
Aer you sure they like this stuf? It's gone bad.
No they like goats. We're all out of goats.
Why don't you start with Ritz here in the middle.
What do I do, just open the door and toss it in?
Unless you think a formal sitdown is more appropriate.
Slow and quiet.
He won't notice you there.
Didn't they cover this in class?
Place it in gently, don't throw it. You don't wanna startle him.
- Think that's funny? - Yes I do.
- I coulda lost my arm. - No, I couldn't've.
He doesn't have any teeth.
Does it hurt?
Like this?
Your gut tells you to shoot my star attraction. No treatment, no hoof test, just your Cornell gut.
You know what circus is about? You said it yourself, kid.
Blood, sweat, pain and shit.
When circus begins to die and animals eat garbage, you know what men eat? nothing.
Your heart goes out to an animal suffering well, that's noble and that's good.
But all that tells me is that you never saw men suffer.
So, before I get back from town you do whatever it is they taught you in that
Ivy League sandbox to get that horse ready for the parade.
As long as we can walk, we play.
It's not an abscess, is it?
He's gonna founder.
It's OK, baby.
We should've taken him out of the show.
Look it's not your fault. It happens.
It's not uncommon. But he's suffering.
The pain is only gonna get worse.
The right thing to do would be to put him down.
That's not gonna happen, is it?
Not when August can get a few more shows out of him.
Round here everybody works until they run into the ground.
No body stops, no body dies until August says so.
- What about August? - I'm a vet, it's my decision.
It'll be your last one.
Listen you should go.
No. I'll keep him calm.
Good boy.
Hush little baby, don't say a word.
Mummy's gonna buy you a mockin' bird.
Are you alright?
I'll be alright.
Mr. Jankawsky.
I'll be sorry to see you go.
This circus, my circus, is a sovereign nation.
You break my law, you have to pay a penalty.
I tell you to fix a horse, you shoot it. That's breaking my law.
The penalty is red lighting.
You need to get off the train.
Except we don't stop the train. There's a chance you might survive although unlikely.
- Mr. Rosenberg, just let me explain. - No, no, no need.
You took initiative, I respect that. But I'm a law abiding man.
Toss him.
Wait.
Wait... no no no.
The only reason you're not a permanent part of this landscape right now
is because you probably saved my Marlena from injury.
And, you solved a great problem for me.
You saw what we fed the cats. It wasn't right, was it?
Now because of you Silverstar will make sure
the cats will eat good fresh meat until we can sell some tickets.
But you killed my star act.
So if we don't sell the tickets and the men aren't paid
they're gonna be looking for someone to blame.
Welcome to the circus, Cornell.
We had to cancel shows in three towns.
The rumor was four men got tossed to save money.
and we might go belly up.
Dead circuses were common in 1931
Men tired of being mistreated with mutiny
or bosses would see the end coming and pull a runner with all the money,
leaving a mess of animals and acts like bones to be picked over.
Luckily we found one in goasner..
Not some, but the rest they knew they'll never in another show again.
When I saw their faces, I thought to myself August was right.
I never seen men hungry.
Darling, one second please. Irving, over here. Joe, pour the champagne.
I want you all to experience the earthquake impact of what i'm about to show you.
I've made an acquisition that will make Benzini Bros a top throw tour.
- Darling. - Yes.
I know I could never truly replace Silverstar for you but I hope you'll give me a chance to try.
- August, you didn't need to do that. - Joe, the doors.
Children, meet our salvation.
We got ourselves a guarranteed sell out crowd cheering bull.
Her name is Rosie, she's 53 and she's brilliant.
What's that in her mouth?
She ran off, they found her eating a cemetary plot.
I'm going to come up with a new star act around you and her.
Darling, I'm not getting up on that. I've never ridden an elephant in my life.
You didn't know how to stand on top of a galloping horse until I showd you.
You're a fast learner. This act will go through the roof.
- Where the hell're we gonna put it? - We'll make room.
How are we gonna pay for it?
Look we won't pay the men for a few weeks.
We've done it before.
Once we start selling out the men will have more cash than they know what to do with.
You know, just back me I know it.
- You the bull man. - He's my menagerie man.
You ain't got no bull man I gotta turn a township. Or else I can't sell it to you.
I'm the bull man.
Speak up, I ain't got all day.
See this animal?
This here is the stupidest goddamn animal on the face of God's good earth.
Here's your bow hook. You're gonna need it.
Good luck to you.
If I never see a dumb bull in my life It'll be too soon.
Cornell, give her a once over. Darling, get acquainted.
You two are gonna make history.
Robinson. Come on.
I think he's lost his mind.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to break in a new act?
- My name is Jacob Jankawsky. - How do you do.
And this is ... Marlena Rosenberg.
You're a beauty.
Your skin's a little dry.
Maybe you should take care of that. You know the first thing you notice
about a woman's age is her skin.
Oh, great. Just what we need around here, another lush.
Well, you're welcome.
Is this the way elephants flirt?
Do you two like to be alone?
I think she likes music.
That is a lovely song.
"Confessing That I Love You"
It's the name of the song.
Right, of course. Loui Armstrong.
Well, I guess now is as good a time as any righ, bull man?
Let's get up there. It's sink or swim around here.
Can you help me with this ladder?
August once dropped me in the middle of this monkey act.
The meanest monkeys you've ever met.
They were biting me throughout the entire performance.
And I had to just smile and act like it was part of the act.
Gosh.
Good grief.
I think it's very important to form an off-stage relationship.
How do I look? Silly, right?
You too are made for each other.
She really is beautiful.
Come in.
Jacob. I'm so glad you could come.
To celebrate our new beautiful elephant.
- Is something wrong? - I feel a little under dressed.
Nonsense. Told you.
Nothing but the best for our very own Cornell graduate vet.
Which of those Ringling bastards do not have? A jacket.
Voila. Thought you could use some new threads.
And a shave.
Can't have my Ivy League vet smelling like his patients.
When I started with Benzini,
this show was nothing but a drift
A man could walk a straight line through the mid way
without getting his pockets picked half a dozen times.
Benzini was a cheap bastard
He didn't invest a dime in new acts.
So when he pulled a runner, everybody thought we were belly up.
Not me.
And you were nineteen, right darling?
And August got rid of all the pick pockets and the grift parkers,
and sold up two dead beat clowns and a train car
so that he could buy Lucinda, our lovely fat lady.
And Rex.
But you kept the goochi girls, didn't you?
Not denying their good revenue.
I needed money.
So I had to scavange every dead circus for every act we had.
But you didn't have to buy me, did you?
No, I had to marry you.
That's right.
- Were you a performer? - No, August taught me everything I know.
Then he told me that one day we'd be as big as the Ringling Bros.
Those damn brothers had a streak of genius.
They sold families the idea they wanted a show their mothers and sisters could see.
No sex, no grift, saft for the kids
and no body can touch their pockets.
But we're on our way.
And this bull? This bull is gonna be spectacular.
I took care of the spectacle, now I need someone to take care of the bull.
August wants you to be the bull man.
You'll have full charge of training Rosie. With a raise.
Modest raise. You'll hardly notice it.
-I dont' know anything about elephants. - Are we gonna tell him the truth?
Some outfit will be feeding off our carcass if we don't bring in the people.
And I mean crowds falling over their feet to get inside our big top.
This bull has got to work, Jacob. She's got to.
I need to tell you something. I'm not sure you'll trust me after you hear it.
I never finished Cornell.
I'm not a real vet. I didn't get my degree. I'm not licenced.
Jacob, do you think Lucinda the fat lady really weighs 800 pounds?
She's 400 at the tops.
You think the tattoo woman was tattooed by head hunters in Borneo?
She's from Pittsburgh.
It took her 9 years to ink herself.
And tell him about the hippo, darling.
When she died, we swapped out her for formaldehyde and kept showing her.
For two weeks we travelled with a pickled hippo.
Jacob.
The worlds run on tricks. Everyone plays.
It's having a true talent, a gift born within, something no degree can give you.
You have such a talent.
You knew with one look about Silverstar.
You must learn, my dear boy, that the rules
of these United States of suckers do not apply to us.
To talent and delusion.
To Rosie.
- To Rosie. - To all we love.
Be gentle darling, we have a guest.
August, don't rely on your strenght, darling.
I'm right here.
Come on, lets get you to bed.
Excuse us Jacob.
Is everything alright?
Yes, he just had too much to drink.
Wish I could sing like that.
- Should I leave? - No, I wanna dance.
Come on, lets dance only one time then I'll let you go home.
Come on.
We had fun tonight.
August really likes you.
He could use a friend.
It was good.
It's a pretty song.
" Don't Tell'em What Happened "
No, no, I'll never do that.
The name of the song. "Don't Tell'em What Happened to Me".
- The song? - Yes.
Jacob.
You should go.
I think you should go.
Alright.
Good night.
This is my new friend and roommate, Jacob
I'd like you all to make him fee at home.
I'd love to make you feel at home.
Oh yeah, come on.
Oh hello beautiful.
- What the hell did I do last night? - You threw up on Barbra.
Your balls itchy?
Yeah, they are. Thank you for doing that.
It'll grow back, in batches.
- What's wrong with Queenie? - What do you mean 'wrong'?
I mean she's not hating me. Something's wrong.
- She must've eaten something. - Try getting some honey from the cook house.
And if that doesn't work, we can check her for parasites tomorrow if you want
My real name is Walty, by the way.
Good morning.
I forgot how big you were.
You wanna get to work, OK?
Alright you have to take it easy with me today.
I'm not in the best form.
You feel like walking?
Wild party, I hear.
Forgotten most of it.
It seems like the rest of these guys haven't though.
About last night, I ..
It was just the champagne.
What was?
You're new at this aren't you?
When a woman gives it to you straight don't give her a line like you don't remember.
Alright.
I meant what I said about us being friends.
Where are you going?
Good morning, children.
- Good morning, darling. - Where were you?
I woke up early to train with the girl.
Clearly your charms are very effective on love sick pachyderm.
Too bad they were less successful with Barbra
Barbra, I didn't...
Word has it you didn't though you gave it the old Cornell try.
Can we get on with it, please?
Yes, of course. Now, Cornell. When it comes to working with a bull,
charm's the last thing required.
You know any living creature needs to know who's in charge.
They can sense when a man's power, shall we say, in full strength
and when a man's power is, shall we say, not.
First of all,
can't do anything with a bull without a bull hook, can you?
And with it, you must claim the role of master immediately.
You'll use it right above her shoulder.
and you use your full voice to command.
Rosie... walk. Rosie, move... walk.
Jab her. She needs to know you mean it.
Rosie, walk. Rosie walk. Come on.
Watch me. Back off.
Up.
Forward.
Move.
Ladies and gentlemen
and children of all ages.
Welcome to the most extravagant extravaganza
the human eye can behold.
Welcome the stars of the Benzini Bros
most spectacular show on earth.
Are you alright?
Yeah I just landed on my heal.
Get that damn bull before we're driven out of town.
And don't forget the bull hook.
Jacob, some the boys saw her headed for town.
I'll help you, kid. Come on.
Excuse me, sir.
Excuse me.
Excuse me, ma'am.
- Is this yours? - Yeah we'll take care of it, officer
don't you worry. Thank you.
She ate my cabbage. You pay for those?
Oh they just love booze.
One whiff of this and she ain't thinking about corn anymore.
Got this from Wade and Grady. Master's been holding out on me.
It kills me. Wasted on a goddamn pachyderm.
This damn leg of mine.
- Is she following? - Yeah, she's following.
Good.
- Are you OK? - I'm fine.
I had a sore wrist, a grazed heal, I'll be fine.
I think August could use a drink.
Maybe you should take him out, Jacob, get him to relax a bit.
Did you catch that bull?
I got it back into the car eventually.
Good.
August.
August, don't.
August, stop.
August, she was good.
She came back on her own. She just needs more time, she wasn't ready yet.
Stop it.
Stay there, I mean it.
We need to get a lot of whiskey.
Don't understand why a man like that wants to be around animals in the first place.
He shouldn't have the right, if you ask me.
Marlena?
- Did Marlena send you? - No.
She doesn't wanna see me.
Won't talk to me.
She won't forgive me this time.
Well, maybe you can talk to her.
I know there's no excuse for what I did.
- Is she alright? Rosie? - She needed some whiskey.
Take all I've got.
Take it.
Will you tell her? Marlena?
- Tell her what? - I saw the bull rear up and
run away with her and I lost my mind.
That's no excuse, I know that.
I've spent all that money on that bull.
I have debts to pay.
I need to sell tickets.
And that bull is useless.
If I lose Marlena, you understand I lose all of this.
What were you planning on doing with that bull hook?
Jacob?
Are you sure that's not too much? you'll make her drunk.
She weighs four tons, she just gets sleepy.
She can barely move as it is.
She'll be fine.
I don't know what to do, Camel. He'll kill her next time.
There's nothing you can do with a man like that.
He threw his men off a moving train so he don't have to pay
you think he thinks twice about one of God's
innocent creatures?
Can you pass me the other rag? It's under your foot.
Lift your leg. "Lift your leg."
"Put down your leg."
I want you to read these out loud to Rosie.
"Lift your leg"
Might help if he said please.
Say, "Lift your leg, please."
- What does that mean? - Just try it.
"Lift your leg, please."
Now, the next one.
"Put down your leg."
"Kneel"
Only really authentic miracle's success.
Washes away old sins.
Don't you think? just the thought of it makes all things right.
Any way, to Rosie
our big fat beautiful bull's eye of a star attraction.
- I need to get some more champagne. - I'll get it.
No, sit. My party.
It's good to see him like this.
It looks like it's gonna be standing room only from now on.
Do you how many star acts we've had that packed them in?
How much money we've made and lost?
and made and lost?
Silverstar paid for our new state room.
And look what happened to him.
Why do you stay with him?
I was born a passenger.
They found me wrapped in a newspaper under a seat in the Baltimore & Ohio.
I was just three days old.
I grew up in foster homes.
I always daydreamed about who my parents were.
When I was five, and for a entire year I pretended my mom was an appaloosan man
I did.
And then I was a philly,
and then I was just dreaming that I was a girl.
and that one day I'd wake up
and run home.
One thing for sure I was a lot safer in those stables than I was in those homes.
And then, cirucs came to town.
And there they were these six gorgeous black friesians
with red tassles hanging down their manes.
So beautiful. And August was right out front.
And as soon as he looked at me
I knew I'll never live with strangers again.
So we got married.
And where did I end up? Living on a train.
It's the only real home I've ever known.
And you know
I'm the star attraction.
Out there I got nothing just like everybody else.
You're a beautiful woman who deserve a beautiful life.
That's all there is to it.
Where were you when I was 17?
Let's dance.
Raid.
Marlena
Jacob.
This way.
- You alright? - That was really close.
I wonder how we are gonna find our way back.
Supposed that we don't find August.
We should probably go look for him, right?
Don't follow me.
I told my self to let her go.
She'll tell August I got lost in the crowd, it was the best thing for it.
It's the best thing for everybody.
I just couldn't do it.
I conviced my self I had to stay to prtotect Rosie.
To protect Marlena, because August couldn't be trusted.
The truth was, maybe I was the man who couldn't be trusted.
Something's wrong with Camel. Come on.
- Hey, kid. How nice to see you. - Hey, Camel.
- What's wrong? - I don't know.
I woke up this morning and my feet was all floppy
I just can't feel them right.
And it's just not that though there's other stuff, too.
- Like down there? Man stuff? - Yeah.
- What's wrong with him, doc? - I've seen it before.
No such thing, is there doctor?
You're not supposed to drink this stuff, you know?
And what the hell am I supposed to drink the shakes?
It's prohibition. I ain't no astor.
It's OK, Camel.
Tomorrow is payday we'll get you some moonshine.
Don't lie to the man.
If we were getting paid, Blacky wouldn't've red lighted nine men.
- It can't be true. - Nine men disappeared
We didn't make no stops.
When is he gonna get better?
Earl and Blacky see Camel like this it's over.
We need to get him out of sight, Jacob.
Jacob, in a week he's not gonna be able to move his legs at all.
Listen, he told me he has a son, in Redding. We'll play there in three weeks.
Three weeks. It's all he needs.
Blacky and his men don't patrol in formal cars.
Good morning.
Hey.
- Do you mind if I sit? - Not at all.
Can we speak privately later?
Why? is something the matter?
I just wanted to apologize about what happened last night.
That's silly, Jacob, why would you apologize? You weren't even there.
I explained to August what happened.
As best as I could remember it. Champagne just overwhelms my senses.
I remember there was a crowd, and we were pushing
and I was running and I fell and tore my stockings.
Good morning, children.
That was quite an adventure we had last night.
Thanks, Polly.
Glad I didn't have to bail you out of jail. How did you get home?
- I took the ferry. - Brilliant, and cheap. Good man.
I slept like a baby after last night.
- Thank you, my darling. - August, please we're in public.
What? nothing to be ashamed of.
Man and wife re-uniting in the marriage bed, it's a sacred act.
My Marelan has forgiven me. All's well with the world again.
"Stand on your forefeet."
"Go round in a circle."
Beautiful, Jacob.
You know, I was really worried about you, too, last night.
If anything had happened to Marlena
if anyone had harmed her
or as much as touched her
I hate to think of it.
"Stop."
"Stand up."
If August knew anything about that night you'd never know it.
All he seemed to care about was Rosie.
And God love her she played her part to a tee.
We all did. Everything went back to how it was before.
At least that's how it looked. But nothing was the same.
August was riding it. Everything was an illusion.
Straw house sell-outs.
August's promise to many finally paid them, with increases
once his debts were covered.
Success had made a new man out of August, they all said.
But I watched, and knew it was just a matter of time.
Children.
The circus is nothing without it's traditions.
It's a family. And like any family,
when a new member is born, it's arrival has to be greeted with celebration
and with gratitude.
I know we've been kind of busy lately with sold-out performances.
But right now I want to take this moment before today's show to gather together
We close our eyes,
and we thank whoever's up there that sends desperate men running for the rails
because it was a lucky day when Jacob Jankawsky jumped out train.
It's because of his discovery that we have the greatest star attraction
in the Benzini Bros' history.
And so, to officially welcome him into our family
we open our eyes
and we give him the traditional Benzini Bros' baptism.
Congratulations, Jacob.
Would you bring Rosie to my tent after this? and don't tell anyone, OK?
- Where do you want her? - Right there, that would be great.
I'm planning a little surprise for August.
I've never seen the company so happy before.
Maybe we will give everyone his run for the money.
Do you need anything else?
No, thank you.
Actually.
What's this?
This is for you, surprise. Congratulations, darling.
Thank you my darling.
Jacob, where are you going?
- It's your thing. - No please join us. Come.
- Marlena. - Of course.
To August.
A genuine miracle man who made a star attraction out of me.
Many thanks.
Many thanks to both of you.
Forgive me for arriving too soon and spoiling the surprise.
I could go back out
and give you more time.
or better yet. I could yell 'Raid' and clear the place out.
In fact it gave me an idea for the show.
A new act.
This is the story.
A first dance. Two characters
A young awkward man hopelessly in love with a woman beyond his reach
who teases his affections.
We start with a romantic melody that sweeps them on to the dance floor.
He wraps his arms around her.
Come on, please, indulge me.
It's fine. The audience will love it.
Yes.
Now, they look into each other's eyes
- August... - Look at him.
She touches his cheek
gently runs her hand down his neck playing with his hair
never leaving his eyes
making him believe she's his
He slides his hand lower
lower below her waist.
But she slaps his wrist
as if to protect her honor against this rude lothario
That's it. Audience will eat it up. They love the illusion.
They'll never guess you have no honor to protect.
August, please.
It's funny how things plan out.
I've always known the kind of woman you really are.
Sitting in front of your dress shop watching the parade.
Those little girl lost eyes.
This beautiful almost translucent skin.
Translucent to me, I could always see right through you.
Sorry to say that, you're really very common type, darling.
Well, I know we should go.
Is that the plan?
- You're leaving me for him? - No.
- Well, he must be special. No? - August, please.
If he doesn't mean anything to you tell me to fire him.
Fire him.
Tell me to unleash Blacky and his men to teach him a lesson not to touch my things.
Marlena, it's alright.
Jacob, just go.
Dissension in the ranks. Betrayal trumps lust.
That's what sells tickets, kids.
August, look at me. I'm not going any where.
I'm right here.
- Do you want to leave me? - No.
But I'm your wife, I'm not one of your things.
Prove it.
Look at me. Nothing is going on, nothing. Do you hear me?
Of course an innocent woman won't have to get on her knees.
But you can't help it, can you? Just a force of habit for a woman like you.
Boss, the rudes.
Walk away, now.
I got him, OK? I got him.
The only thing keeping you alive right now are those rudes.
August hates whitnesses.
Oh Jesus, kid, what did you do?
I'm not leaving her with him.
- Get in. Shut the door. - I have to find her.
You go after her and August will have you shot.
Nobody can stop him.
Look, you just got fired. It makes you a trespasser.
- Jacob. - Are you alright?
The girls over heard August giving Blacky the order
they're coming after you as soon as we start to move.
You have to get off the train right now.
Go.
If you don't get too far there's a hotel.
But don't stay longer than the night.
- Just come with me. - What?
You think there's nothing for you out there but there is, you just can't see it.
Jacob, you don't understand. I can't he'll find me.
Marlena, there's a better kind of life that's meant for you.
Whether that life is with me or not,
whether you love me or not,
it doesn't matter.
But it's gotta be now.
We can't stay here, Jacob. we have to keep moving.
Don't worry. We'll get the first bus our of here.
We'll make our way to Ithica, I'll call my dean, take my finals.
We do whatever job we can until my licence comes in.
And then we go to Ringling.
Ringling is a tough act to break into.
- You can't just walk through the door.. - No, no...
Not if we offer ourselves as a team.
You as a performer, me as a vet it's a pretty sweet deal, right?
Do you think they'll take it?
- No. - Someone's coming.
Walter.
Camel.
Ladies and gentlemen. Step this way.
Just follow the sound of my voice, don't be shy.
Plenty of time before the big show starts in the big top.
Jacob, it's OK. We don't have much time.
Where's Walter and Camel?
When we took the train last night August went crazy.
He and Blacky redlighting men all night.
Wade and Grady had soft ground and they found Walter and Camel.
There in the rocks.
They didn't make it.
Wade and Grady are gonna take August down.
I don't know how but you have to get out of here.
I'll stay hidden until the matinee starts.
And then I'll make my way to town, there's gotta be
_ ...a church or something. - There is.
You do the spec, and when the show starts come and meet me.
August won't know you're gone till the second act. We'll get a head start.
- I have to go. - Marlena.
Just promise me you'll come or I'll come back for you.
I swear it.
I'll be there.
I love you.
Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages.
Welcome the stars of the Benzini Bros most spectacular show on earth.
Daddy.
Marlena.
Rosie.
The official report said August had been trampled to death.
Blacky was never seen again after
Wade and Grady dragged him out of that tent.
And no one was charged of letting the animals out of those cages.
For the police it could've been any one.
The Benzini Bros was officially
belly up property of Altuna, Pennsylvania.
The shows on the road would get the sense soon enough
and come to pick up our bones.
I wouldn't leave Rosie to that.
I wasn't gonna let any body touch her with that hook again.
So like I planned,
I took my finals and with my degree,
our animals and Marlena's act Ringling got themselves a sweet deal.
Sweet deal.
My first son was born that season. Walter.
He spent the first seven years of his life with Ringling.
That's why I cannot understand how he could forget to show up today.
There was a circus in town.
By the time our third son came we had enough.
Rosie retired.
Luckily the vet of the Albany Zoo dropped dead
so I got the job.
We bought some property so we can keep the horses,
Rosie, and five kids.
Before you know it the kids are in the car and moving out.
So then it was just Rosie and us.
When Rosie passed on Marlena cried for days.
We owed Rosie our whole lives.
And Marlena?
My Marlena died in her bed.
Still beautiful though.
We had a lot of years, though.
I don't know how I did it but I managed to give her
everything I promised.
And boy, that was the life.
I'm telling you.
Are you hiring me?
I don't know. What about your health?
There's nothing wrong with me, I'm just old.
Work is the best thing for age.
A man like me ought to be working the ticket wicket,
not some kid ringed up like a side show act.
And if you don't think I'm carrying my wages you can call the home.
I won't argue.
You won't be sorry.
We'll get you in the record books.
The oldest man that ever ran away with a circus.
I'm not running away.
I'm coming home.