Fields plays "Larsen E. Whipsnade", the owner of a shady carnival that is constantly on the run from the law. Whipsnade is struggling to keep a step ahead of foreclosure, and clearly not paying his performers, including Bergen and McCarthy, who try to coax money out of him, or in McCarthy's case, steal some outright.
Acting
Fields and Bergen's real-life rivalry fuels every petty exchange.
Writing
Dialogue so sharp it could run a three-card monte.
Practical Effects
Actual circus performers, actual chaos, zero safety regulations.
Director
George Marshall
W.C. Fields
Larson E. Whipsnade
Edgar Bergen
The Great Edgar / Charlie McCarthy / Mortimer Snerd
Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson
Cheerful
Constance Moore
Victoria Whipsnade
John Arledge
Phineas Whipsnade
James Bush
Roger Bel-Goodie
Thurston Hall
Mr. Archibald Bel-Goodie
Mary Forbes
Mrs. Bel-Goodie
Edward Brophy
Corbett
Arthur Hohl
Burr
Princess Baba
Princess Baba, The Great Edgar's Assistant
Ernie Adams
Eddie - Circus Attendant (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
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