Life Is a Circus
Synopsis
Encompassing three hugely popular double acts, The Crazy Gang were one of Britain's best-loved, most enduring variety troupes – their antics delighting audiences for over three decades from the early 1930s and their career taking in numerous Royal Command performances. Their efforts to save a struggling circus provide the laughs in this uproarious comedy, also starring Goldfinger icon Shirley Eaton and featuring Flanagan and Allen's rendition of their greatest hit, Underneath the Arches. The Crazy Gang have been jacks-of-all-trades with Joe Winter's Monster Circus for almost as long as Joe has been on the road, and they're still hoping for a big break. But Joe has hit hard times: his equipment is mortgaged, most of his acts have deserted him and even the elephants have walked out. So the Gang set about finding a way to save the circus... and come up with a typically novel solution!
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
"Life is a Circus": Out on DVD 11/11/2013Official
Type: Trailer • Published 2013-10-21
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Bud Flanagan
Bud
Teddy Knox
Sebastian
Jimmy Nervo
Cecil
Jimmy Gold
Goldie
Charlie Naughton
Charlie
Eddie Gray
Eddie
Chesney Allen
Ches
Shirley Eaton
Shirley Winter
Michael Holliday
Carl Rickenbeck
Lionel Jeffries
Genie
Joseph Tomelty
Joe Winter
Eric Pohlmann
Rickenbeck
Harold Kasket
Hassan
Edwin Richfield
Driver
Peter Glaze
Hand #1
Marie Devereux
Houri Girl
Oliver Reed
Spectator at Sideshow (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
February 1, 1962
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Val Guest
- Screenplay & Story
- Val Guest, John Warren, Len Heath
- Original Score
- Philip Green
- Original Title
- Life Is a Circus
- Country of Origin
- United Kingdom
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 21m
- Production Studios
- Vale Film Productions, British Lion Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Val Guest
Val Guest, John Warren, Len Heath
Philip Green
Arthur Graham
Bill Lenny
E.M. Smedley-Aston
Department Leadership Roster
Arthur Graham
Director of Photography
Val Guest
Director
E.M. Smedley-Aston
Producer
Bill Lenny
Editor
Val Guest
Writer
John Warren
Writer
Len Heath
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Life Is a Circus.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Life Is a Circus.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Life Is a Circus
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Life Is a Circus about?
Encompassing three hugely popular double acts, The Crazy Gang were one of Britain's best-loved, most enduring variety troupes – their antics delighting audiences for over three decades from the early 1930s and their career taking in numerous Royal Command performances. Their efforts to save a struggling circus provide the laughs in this uproarious comedy, also starring Goldfinger icon Shirley Eaton and featuring Flanagan and Allen's rendition of their greatest hit, Underneath the Arches. The Crazy Gang have been jacks-of-all-trades with Joe Winter's Monster Circus for almost as long as Joe has been on the road, and they're still hoping for a big break. But Joe has hit hard times: his equipment is mortgaged, most of his acts have deserted him and even the elephants have walked out. So the Gang set about finding a way to save the circus... and come up with a typically novel solution!
Who directed Life Is a Circus?
Life Is a Circus was directed by Val Guest.
Who stars in Life Is a Circus?
The principal cast of Life Is a Circus includes Bud Flanagan, Teddy Knox, Jimmy Nervo, Jimmy Gold, Charlie Naughton.
When was Life Is a Circus released and how long is it?
Life Is a Circus was released in 1960 with a total runtime of 1h 21m.
Who composed the musical score for Life Is a Circus?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Life Is a Circus was composed by Philip Green.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Life Is a Circus?
Life Is a Circus holds official age classifications: GB: PG (Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.); US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).