Their name is synonymous with the American circus. But long before there were dramatic acrobatics exotic animals and special effects the Ringling Brothers circus consisted of an all-Ringling cast of two dancers two musicians and one singer. The Wisconsin-born Ringling brothers grew up in an era when the circus's arrival in town triggered an unofficial holiday. Five of the seven brothers-Albert Otto Alfred Charles and John-were so drawn to the majestic spectacle of the circus that in the early 1880s they decided to start one of their own. In this profile BIO-½ dives into the fascinating story of how the Ringling brothers sons of a German immigrant harness maker came to be multi-millionaires acquiring Barnum & Bailey-½ and becoming the greatest circus producers in the world. Rare images and footage recall the glory days of the old-style circus while Ringling Brothers-½ company historians detail how the visionary brothers helped transform their enterprise into a legendary production that would outlast them all. From a show that first traveled by way of a rented horse and a wagon to the spectacular three-ring event that journeys from town to town in mile-long trains BIO-½ presents an enchanting look at the rich and colorful history of The Greatest Show on Earth-½.

A&E Entertainment Biography Channel

47 Minutes Duration