One Ring Circus (1987)

A behind-the-tents look at a small, traveling, circus eking out a living in the mountains of eastern Kentucky in an age of more popular conventional entertainments. Interviews with and observations of concessionaires and performers working two or three different jobs, the local boys helping to put up the tents, and the commentary of owner Pat Guthrie and leading performer, "Screwy Louie," the clown. For some young performers this is part of paying their dues; for some older performers, it is a place to perform when the more prestigious venues are no longer available; for others, it is a way to keep working between other gigs.