Call of the Circus is a little-seen 1930 film written by Maxine Alton and directed by Frank O'Connor. The film stars Francis X. Bushman and Ethel Clayton. The film is noted as silent screen idol Bushman's first talkie.[1]
| Call of the Circus | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Frank O'Connor |
| Screenplay by | Maxine Alton |
| Produced by | C.C. Burr |
| Starring | Francis X. Bushman Ethel Clayton |
| Cinematography | Lewis W. Physioc |
Production company | Pickwick Pictures |
| Distributed by | Hollywood Pictures |
Release date | January 15, 1930 (U.S.) |
Running time | 69 minutes |
A retired clown (Bushman) tells a young woman (Wyndham) about his life under the big top and his troubles with his wife (Ethel Clayton). He falls for the young girl after rescuing her from peril, but she falls in love with a young man (William C. Kirby). Eventually he realizes his love for his wife and son, and the three return to the circus.[2][3]
Bushman signed a contract with Pickwick Pictures in July 1929. After the film's release, Bushman sued O'Connor and his production company for back wages, and won a full judgment of $2,500.[4]