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IMDbPro

The Sideshow

  • 1928
  • 1h 5m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
107
YOUR RATING
Ralph Graves, R.E. 'Tex' Madsen, Martha McGruger, Marie Prevost, 'Little Billy' Rhodes, and Alan Roscoe in The Sideshow (1928)
AdventureDramaRomance

Melrose's circus is being threatened by his competitor, who's angry that Melrose has outmanuevered him in bookings; what he doesn't know is that the competitor has also planted a saboteur wh... Read allMelrose's circus is being threatened by his competitor, who's angry that Melrose has outmanuevered him in bookings; what he doesn't know is that the competitor has also planted a saboteur who creates accidents in hopes of reducing the value of the circus. Meanwhile, he's also hir... Read allMelrose's circus is being threatened by his competitor, who's angry that Melrose has outmanuevered him in bookings; what he doesn't know is that the competitor has also planted a saboteur who creates accidents in hopes of reducing the value of the circus. Meanwhile, he's also hired a beautiful young woman as the magician's assistant, with eyes toward more - but he rea... Read all

  • Director
    • Erle C. Kenton
  • Writer
    • Howard J. Green
  • Stars
    • Marie Prevost
    • Ralph Graves
    • 'Little Billy' Rhodes
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.1/10
    107
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Erle C. Kenton
    • Writer
      • Howard J. Green
    • Stars
      • Marie Prevost
      • Ralph Graves
      • 'Little Billy' Rhodes
    • 3User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos

    Top cast15

    Edit
    Marie Prevost
    Marie Prevost
    • Queenie Parker
    Ralph Graves
    Ralph Graves
    • Gentleman Ted Rogers
    'Little Billy' Rhodes
    • P.W. Melrose
    • (as Little Billy)
    Alan Roscoe
    Alan Roscoe
    • Ghandi
    Pat Harmon
    Pat Harmon
    • Bowen - the Canvas Boss
    R.E. 'Tex' Madsen
    • Tall Man
    • (as Texas Madesen)
    Martha McGruger
    • Fat Lady
    Steve Clemente
    Steve Clemente
    • Knife Thrower
    • (as Steve Clemento)
    Janet Ford
    • Knife Thrower's Aide
    Paul Desmuke
    • Armless Man
    Bert Price
    • Tattooed Man
    Chester Morton
    • Thin Man
    Jacques Ray
    • Fire Eater
    Joe Bordeaux
    • Roustabout
    • (uncredited)
    Schlitze
    Schlitze
    • The Geek
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Erle C. Kenton
    • Writer
      • Howard J. Green
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews3

    7.1107
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    Featured reviews

    9Ziggy5446

    An extremely rare and surprisingly moving film.

    The Sideshow (1928), which stars midget actor "Little Billy" Rhodes as a circus owner. Mostly forgotten today except for his part as the Barrister in The Wizard of Oz, Rhodes was a formidable actor who rarely got to play serious roles. In The Sideshow he's a revelation as the tough-as-nails circus owner who longs for the "normal" woman he knows can never love him. He's a grumpy business tycoon who lords it over his employees and outfoxes the competition; a portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte decorates his wall. Viewers will discover whether his Waterloo comes in the form of a new hire, Marie Prevost, who may prefer his taller and more handsome assistant, Ralph Graves. With workmanlike direction by Erle C. Kenton, The Sideshow is more fascinating for its circus atmosphere than any dazzling cinema, but it's a major rediscovery nonetheless.
    9dcole-2

    The Performance of 'Little Billy' Rhodes' career

    This is a solid, entertaining drama from veteran director Erle C. Kenton. But the standout is a superb performance from 'Little Billy' Rhodes as the owner of a circus who is hopelessly in love with a 'normal-sized' woman and doesn't do anything about it. Rhodes brings out the despair and strength of this man who can be tough and demanding and tragic -- all within seconds in a scene. A great job in a good film. One wonders if Tod Browning saw this movie and maybe was inspired a little for his classic "FREAKS".

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    Storyline

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • December 11, 1928 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • None
    • Also known as
      • El palacio de lona
    • Production company
      • Columbia Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      • 1h 5m(65 min)
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Sound mix
      • Silent
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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