Movies Logo
The Show of Shows: 100 Years of Vaudeville, Circuses and Carnivals

The Show of Shows: 100 Years of Vaudeville, Circuses and Carnivals

This film tells the story of itinerant circus performers, cabaret acts and fairground attractions, showing rarities and never-before seen footage of fairgrounds, circus entertainment, freak shows, variety performances, music hall and seaside entertainment, chronicled from the 19th and 20th century. We will see early shows that wowed the world and home movies of some of the greatest circus families. Director Benedikt Erlingsson takes us back to the days when the most outlandish, skillful and breathtaking acts traveled the world. This rich visual archive has been created with exclusive access to The University of Sheffield’s National Fairground Archive and is accompanied by an epic new score by Georg Holm and Orri Páll Dýrason of Sigur Rós, in collaboration with Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson and Kjartan Dagur Holm.

▶ Watch
Born in Heinola

Born in Heinola

2016

The Play House

The Play House

1921

Jim's Story

Jim's Story

2024

Cries and Whispers

Cries and Whispers

1972

The Isle

The Isle

2000

A City of Sadness

A City of Sadness

1989

No End

No End

1985

Zero for Conduct

Zero for Conduct

1933

Dr Terror's House of Horrors

Dr Terror's House of Horrors

1965

Accattone

Accattone

1961

The Grifters

The Grifters

1990

Suicide Club

Suicide Club

2001

Taxidermia

Taxidermia

2006

Destroy All Monsters

Destroy All Monsters

1968

Perfect Days

Perfect Days

2023

Vermiglio

Vermiglio

2024

La Notte

La Notte

1961

Funny Farm

Funny Farm

1988

Bride of Frankenstein

Bride of Frankenstein

1935

Smiles of a Summer Night

Smiles of a Summer Night

1955