Call of the Circus explained

Director:	Frank O'Connor
Producer:	C.C. Burr
Screenplay:	Maxine Alton
Starring:	Francis X. Bushman Ethel Clayton
Cinematography:	Lewis W. Physioc
Studio:	Pickwick Pictures
Distributor:	Hollywood Pictures
Runtime:	69 minutes

Call of the Circus is a 1930 pre-Code film written by Maxine Alton and directed by Frank O'Connor. The film stars Francis X. Bushman and Ethel Clayton. The film is noted as silent screen idol Bushman's first talkie.^[1]

Plot

A retired clown (Bushman) tells a young woman (Wyndham) about his life under the big top and his troubles with his wife (Ethel Clayton). He falls for the young girl after rescuing her from peril, but she falls in love with a young man (William C. Kirby). Eventually he realizes his love for his wife and son, and the three return to the circus.^{[2] [3]}

Starring

• Francis X. Bushman as The Man
• Ethel Clayton as The Woman
• Joan Wyndham as The Girl
• William C. Kirby as The Boy
• Dorothy Gay as Circus Performer
• Sunburnt Jim Wilson as The Shadow

Production

Bushman signed a contract with Pickwick Pictures in July 1929. After the film's release, Bushman sued O'Connor and his production company for back wages, and won a full judgment of $2,500.^[4]

References

1. Web site: 31 Jul 1930, Page 4 - Woodland Daily Democrat at Newspapers.com. Newspapers.com. en. March 18, 2019.
2. Book: Institute, American Film. The American Film Institute Catalog of Motion Pictures Produced in the United States. 1997. University of California Press. 9780520209695. en.
3. Web site: 9 Aug 1930, 8 - The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com. Newspapers.com. en. March 18, 2019.
4. Web site: 29 May 1930, 28 - The Los Angeles Times at Newspapers.com. Newspapers.com. en. March 18, 2019.