P.T. Barnum (1999)

Name: P.T. Barnum
Director: Simon Wincer
Genre: Drama, TV Movie
Released: 1999-09-12
Duration: 3 h
Cast: Beau Bridges, Jordan Bridges, Cynthia Dale, Natalie Radford

Drama TV Movie

Director: Simon Wincer

Cast: Beau Bridges, Jordan Bridges, Cynthia Dale, Natalie Radford

Runtime180 min

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This series illustrates the life and career of P.T. Barnum, America's greatest showman and promoter. Starting as a young man who managed an old woman who was supposedly George Washington's nursemaid, we see his career as he finds success promoting curiosities and attractions with panache and a judicious mix of truth and creativity, whether it be promoting his museum or characters like the midget General Tom Thumb. Yet because the demands of his businesses, his family life is troubled and marred by tragedy. All the while, events lead to his greatest creation, the Ringling Brothers/Barnum & Bailey Circus.

Critical Reception & Ratings

The 1999 TV movie 'P.T. Barnum' directed by Simon Wincer received generally positive reviews, with critics praising the engaging dramatization of the life and career of America's famous showman and promoter. While the film did not receive any major awards, it found an appreciative audience, holding a 7.5/10 rating on IMDb.

About

Phineas Taylor Barnum was an American showman, businessman, and politician remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes and founding with James Anthony Bailey the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. He was also an author, publisher, and philanthropist, although he said of himself: "I am a showman by profession ... and all the gilding shall make nothing else of me." According to Barnum's critics, his personal aim was "to put money in his own coffers". The adage "there's a sucker born every minute" has frequently been attributed to him, although no evidence exists that he had coined the phrase.