The Smallest Show on Earth - Revision history

Kurt at 22:46, 15 September 2024

2024-09-15T22:46:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:46, 15 September 2024
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	\| image = Smallest_show_on_earth.jpg		\| image = Smallest_show_on_earth.jpg
	\| caption = Theatrical release poster		\| caption = Theatrical release poster
	\| director = [[~~w:Basil Dearden\|~~Basil Dearden]]		\| director = [[Basil Dearden]]
	\| producer = {{ubl\|[[~~w:Sidney Gilliat\|~~Sidney Gilliat]]\|[[~~w:Frank Launder\|~~Frank Launder]]\|[[~~w:Michael Relph\|~~Michael Relph]]}}		\| producer = {{ubl\|[[Sidney Gilliat]]\|[[Frank Launder]]\|[[Michael Relph]]}}
	\| writer = {{ubl\|[[w:William Rose (screenwriter)\|William Rose]]\|[[w:John Eldridge (director)\|John Eldridge]]}}		\| writer = {{ubl\|[[William Rose (screenwriter)\|William Rose]]\|[[John Eldridge (director)\|John Eldridge]]}}
	\| starring = {{ubl\|[[Bill Travers]]\|[[~~w:Virginia McKenna\|~~Virginia McKenna]]\|[[Peter Sellers]]\|[[Margaret Rutherford]]\|[[Bernard Miles]]}}		\| starring = {{ubl\|[[Bill Travers]]\|[[Virginia McKenna]]\|[[Peter Sellers]]\|[[Margaret Rutherford]]\|[[Bernard Miles]]}}
	\| music = [[~~w:William Alwyn\|~~William Alwyn]]		\| music = [[William Alwyn]]
	\| cinematography = [[~~w:Douglas Slocombe\|~~Douglas Slocombe]]		\| cinematography = [[Douglas Slocombe]]
	\| editing = [[~~w:Oswald Hafenrichter\|~~Oswald Hafenrichter]]		\| editing = [[Oswald Hafenrichter]]
	\| studio = {{ubl\|Hallmark Productions\|[[w:British Lion Films\|British Lion Film Corporation]]<ref>{{cite web\|last=Brooke\|first=Michael\|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/487707/index.html\|title=''Smallest Show on Earth, The'' (1957)\|work=BFI Screenonline\|date= 2003–14\|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref>}}		\| studio = {{ubl\|Hallmark Productions\|[[British Lion Films\|British Lion Film Corporation]]<ref>{{cite web\|last=Brooke\|first=Michael\|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/487707/index.html\|title=''Smallest Show on Earth, The'' (1957)\|work=BFI Screenonline\|date= 2003–14\|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref>}}
	\| distributor = {{ubl\|British Lion Films (UK)\|Times Film Corporation (US)}}		\| distributor = {{ubl\|British Lion Films (UK)\|Times Film Corporation (US)}}
	\| released = {{Film date\|1957\|04\|09\|London, UK\|df=y}}		\| released = {{Film date\|1957\|04\|09\|London, UK\|df=y}}
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	}}		}}

	'''''The Smallest Show on Earth''''' (US: ''Big Time Operators'') is a 1957 British [[~~w:comedy film\|~~comedy film]], directed by [[~~w:Basil Dearden\|~~Basil Dearden]], and starring [[Bill Travers]], [[~~w:Virginia McKenna\|~~Virginia McKenna]], [[Peter Sellers]] and [[Margaret Rutherford]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6b6383db\|title=''The Smallest Show on Earth'' (1957)\|website=BFI Film Forever\|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> The supporting cast includes [[Bernard Miles]], [[~~w:Leslie Phillips\|~~Leslie Phillips]], [[~~w:Francis de Wolff\|~~Francis de Wolff]], George Cross, June Cunningham and [[Sid James]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-smallest-show-on-earth-v45245/cast-crew\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) – Basil Dearden – Cast and Crew – AllMovie\|website=AllMovie\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> The screenplay was written by [[w:William Rose (screenwriter)\|William Rose]] and [[w:John Eldridge (director)\|John Eldridge]] from an original story by William Rose.<ref name=tcm/>		'''''The Smallest Show on Earth''''' (US: ''Big Time Operators'') is a 1957 British [[comedy film]], directed by [[Basil Dearden]], and starring [[Bill Travers]], [[Virginia McKenna]], [[Peter Sellers]] and [[Margaret Rutherford]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6b6383db\|title=''The Smallest Show on Earth'' (1957)\|website=BFI Film Forever\|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> The supporting cast includes [[Bernard Miles]], [[Leslie Phillips]], [[Francis de Wolff]], George Cross, June Cunningham and [[Sid James]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-smallest-show-on-earth-v45245/cast-crew\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) – Basil Dearden – Cast and Crew – AllMovie\|website=AllMovie\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> The screenplay was written by [[William Rose (screenwriter)\|William Rose]] and [[John Eldridge (director)\|John Eldridge]] from an original story by William Rose.<ref name=tcm/>

	==Plot==		==Plot==
	Matt and Jean (Travers and McKenna) are a young couple with a longing to visit exotic places such as [[~~w:Samarkand\|~~Samarkand]]. Matt inherits a cinema from his great uncle. When they look over their new property, they first mistake the modern Grand for it. They are soon disillusioned to learn that the cinema they actually own is the old decrepit Bijou Kinema (nicknamed "the flea pit"), which is sandwiched between two railway bridges. Along with the cinema come three long-time employees: Mrs. Fazackalee (Rutherford), the cashier and bookkeeper; Mr. Quill (Sellers), the projectionist; and Old Tom (Miles) the [[~~w:commissionaire\|~~commissionaire]], doorkeeper and usher.		Matt and Jean (Travers and McKenna) are a young couple with a longing to visit exotic places such as [[Samarkand]]. Matt inherits a cinema from his great uncle. When they look over their new property, they first mistake the modern Grand for it. They are soon disillusioned to learn that the cinema they actually own is the old decrepit Bijou Kinema (nicknamed "the flea pit"), which is sandwiched between two railway bridges. Along with the cinema come three long-time employees: Mrs. Fazackalee (Rutherford), the cashier and bookkeeper; Mr. Quill (Sellers), the projectionist; and Old Tom (Miles) the [[commissionaire]], doorkeeper and usher.

	Robin (Phillips), their solicitor, informs them that the Grand's owner, Mr. Hardcastle (De Wolff), had offered to buy the Bijou from Matt's great uncle for five thousand pounds in order to construct a car park for his nearby cinema. When they see their competitor however, he only offers them five hundred, thinking they have no choice but to accept.		Robin (Phillips), their solicitor, informs them that the Grand's owner, Mr. Hardcastle (De Wolff), had offered to buy the Bijou from Matt's great uncle for five thousand pounds in order to construct a car park for his nearby cinema. When they see their competitor however, he only offers them five hundred, thinking they have no choice but to accept.
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	Hardcastle counters by slipping a bottle of whisky into the next shipment of film reels for Quill, who has a drink problem. He eventually succumbs to the temptation, leaving Matt to try unsuccessfully to substitute for him; Matt is unable to work the antiquated projectors properly, and they are forced to refund the customers' money. Matt and Jean are ready to give up (with Old Tom eavesdropping again, this time hearing Matt say that he had often wished the Grand were burnt to the ground) only to wake up the next morning to find that the Grand has burned down (Old Tom was last seen carrying a can of fuel oil out of the door). Hardcastle is forced to pay ten thousand pounds for the Bijou in order to stay in business while his cinema is being rebuilt. As an added condition, he has to keep the three staff on as employees.		Hardcastle counters by slipping a bottle of whisky into the next shipment of film reels for Quill, who has a drink problem. He eventually succumbs to the temptation, leaving Matt to try unsuccessfully to substitute for him; Matt is unable to work the antiquated projectors properly, and they are forced to refund the customers' money. Matt and Jean are ready to give up (with Old Tom eavesdropping again, this time hearing Matt say that he had often wished the Grand were burnt to the ground) only to wake up the next morning to find that the Grand has burned down (Old Tom was last seen carrying a can of fuel oil out of the door). Hardcastle is forced to pay ten thousand pounds for the Bijou in order to stay in business while his cinema is being rebuilt. As an added condition, he has to keep the three staff on as employees.

	Just as Matt and Jean are leaving on the train, Old Tom tells Matt that "It were the only way, weren't it?", implying he committed [[~~w:arson\|~~arson]]. Alarmed, they decide to write him a letter asking him to clarify his remark, but instead send him a postcard... from Samarkand.		Just as Matt and Jean are leaving on the train, Old Tom tells Matt that "It were the only way, weren't it?", implying he committed [[arson]]. Alarmed, they decide to write him a letter asking him to clarify his remark, but instead send him a postcard... from Samarkand.

	==Cast==		==Cast==
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	==Production==		==Production==
	The Bijou Kinema was not a real building; both the exterior and interior were sets. The exterior facade was constructed between two railway bridges in Christchurch Avenue, London NW6, next to [[~~w:Kilburn tube station\|~~Kilburn tube station]]. A replica at [[~~w:Shepperton Studios\|~~Shepperton Studios]] was used for close-up shots and interior scenes.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth&start=10\|title=Reel Streets\|website=Reelstreets.com\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>		The Bijou Kinema was not a real building; both the exterior and interior were sets. The exterior facade was constructed between two railway bridges in Christchurch Avenue, London NW6, next to [[Kilburn tube station]]. A replica at [[Shepperton Studios]] was used for close-up shots and interior scenes.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth&start=10\|title=Reel Streets\|website=Reelstreets.com\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

	The Gaumont Palace, Hammersmith in London (subsequently called the Hammersmith Odeon, and now the [[~~w:Hammersmith Apollo\|~~Hammersmith Apollo]]) was used for the exterior shots of the rival Grand Cinema with interiors at the Odeon in Richmond.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth\|title=Reel Streets\|website=Reelstreets.com\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>		The Gaumont Palace, Hammersmith in London (subsequently called the Hammersmith Odeon, and now the [[Hammersmith Apollo]]) was used for the exterior shots of the rival Grand Cinema with interiors at the Odeon in Richmond.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth\|title=Reel Streets\|website=Reelstreets.com\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

	Back projection shots of [[w:Longton, Stoke-on-Trent\|Longton]], in Staffordshire were used for the final scenes in the railway carriage.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth&start=20\|title=Reel Streets\|website=Reelstreets.com\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>		Back projection shots of [[Longton, Stoke-on-Trent\|Longton]], in Staffordshire were used for the final scenes in the railway carriage.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth&start=20\|title=Reel Streets\|website=Reelstreets.com\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

	The silent film shown in the film is ''[[w:Comin' Thro the Rye (1923 film)\|Comin' Thro the Rye]]'' (1923) starring [[~~w:Alma Taylor\|~~Alma Taylor]]. Taylor is among the uncredited viewers in the audience.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/v45245\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) – Basil Dearden – Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related\|website=AllMovie\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>		The silent film shown in the film is ''[[Comin' Thro the Rye (1923 film)\|Comin' Thro the Rye]]'' (1923) starring [[Alma Taylor]]. Taylor is among the uncredited viewers in the audience.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/v45245\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) – Basil Dearden – Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related\|website=AllMovie\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

	==Critical reception==		==Critical reception==
	''[[~~w:The New York Times\|~~The New York Times]]'' called it "a little package of nonsense ... populated by wonderfully wacky characters ... Margaret Rutherford's cashier, Peter Sellers' projectionist and Bernard Miles' doorman are gems";<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A02E2D91331E63ABC4B51DFB767838C649EDE \|title=Archived copy \|website=[[The New York Times]] \|access-date=2018-01-28 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192901/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A02E2D91331E63ABC4B51DFB767838C649EDE \|archive-date=7 December 2017 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Leonard Maltin]] called it a "Charming, often hilarious comedy";<ref name=tcm>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/90540/Smallest-Show-on-Earth-The/\|title=Smallest Show on Earth, The (1957) – Overview – TCM.com\|website=Turner Classic Movies\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> and a modern review in the ''[[Radio Times]]'' wrote, "In praise of fleapits everywhere, this charming comedy will bring back happy memories for anyone who pines for the days when going to the pictures meant something more than being conveyor-belted in and out of a soulless [[Multiplex (movie theater)\|multiplex]]...The cast alone makes the movie a must-see, and the sequence in which projectionist Peter Sellers, pianist Margaret Rutherford and doorman Bernard Miles relive the glories of the silent era is adorable."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/film/mjmfh/the-smallest-show-on-earth/\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth – review – cast and crew, movie star rating and where to watch film on TV and online\|website=Radio Times\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>		''[[The New York Times]]'' called it "a little package of nonsense ... populated by wonderfully wacky characters ... Margaret Rutherford's cashier, Peter Sellers' projectionist and Bernard Miles' doorman are gems";<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A02E2D91331E63ABC4B51DFB767838C649EDE \|title=Archived copy \|website=[[The New York Times]] \|access-date=2018-01-28 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192901/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A02E2D91331E63ABC4B51DFB767838C649EDE \|archive-date=7 December 2017 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Leonard Maltin]] called it a "Charming, often hilarious comedy";<ref name=tcm>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/90540/Smallest-Show-on-Earth-The/\|title=Smallest Show on Earth, The (1957) – Overview – TCM.com\|website=Turner Classic Movies\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> and a modern review in the ''[[Radio Times]]'' wrote, "In praise of fleapits everywhere, this charming comedy will bring back happy memories for anyone who pines for the days when going to the pictures meant something more than being conveyor-belted in and out of a soulless [[Multiplex (movie theater)\|multiplex]]...The cast alone makes the movie a must-see, and the sequence in which projectionist Peter Sellers, pianist Margaret Rutherford and doorman Bernard Miles relive the glories of the silent era is adorable."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/film/mjmfh/the-smallest-show-on-earth/\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth – review – cast and crew, movie star rating and where to watch film on TV and online\|website=Radio Times\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==

Kurt at 15:37, 14 December 2022

2022-12-14T15:37:16Z

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	~~{{For\|the musical based on this film\|w:Smallest Show on Earth (musical)}}~~
	~~{{Use dmy dates\|date=April 2016}}~~
	~~{{Use British English\|date=April 2016}}~~
	{{Infobox film		{{Infobox film
	\| name = The Smallest Show on Earth		\| name = The Smallest Show on Earth

Kurt: /* External links */

2022-12-14T15:36:43Z

External links

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:36, 14 December 2022
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	* {{tcmdb title\|90540}}		* {{tcmdb title\|90540}}
	* {{Amg movie\|45245}}		* {{Amg movie\|45245}}

	~~{{Basil Dearden}}~~
	~~{{Launder and Gilliat}}~~

	{{DEFAULTSORT:Smallest Show on Earth, The}}		{{DEFAULTSORT:Smallest Show on Earth, The}}

Kurt at 20:34, 16 October 2022

2022-10-16T20:34:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:34, 16 October 2022
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	\| producer = {{ubl\|[[w:Sidney Gilliat\|Sidney Gilliat]]\|[[w:Frank Launder\|Frank Launder]]\|[[w:Michael Relph\|Michael Relph]]}}		\| producer = {{ubl\|[[w:Sidney Gilliat\|Sidney Gilliat]]\|[[w:Frank Launder\|Frank Launder]]\|[[w:Michael Relph\|Michael Relph]]}}
	\| writer = {{ubl\|[[w:William Rose (screenwriter)\|William Rose]]\|[[w:John Eldridge (director)\|John Eldridge]]}}		\| writer = {{ubl\|[[w:William Rose (screenwriter)\|William Rose]]\|[[w:John Eldridge (director)\|John Eldridge]]}}
	\| starring = {{ubl\|[[Bill Travers]]\|[[Virginia McKenna]]\|[[Peter Sellers]]\|[[Margaret Rutherford]]\|[[Bernard Miles]]}}		\| starring = {{ubl\|[[Bill Travers]]\|[[w:Virginia McKenna\|Virginia McKenna]]\|[[Peter Sellers]]\|[[Margaret Rutherford]]\|[[Bernard Miles]]}}
	\| music = [[w:William Alwyn\|William Alwyn]]		\| music = [[w:William Alwyn\|William Alwyn]]
	\| cinematography = [[w:Douglas Slocombe\|Douglas Slocombe]]		\| cinematography = [[w:Douglas Slocombe\|Douglas Slocombe]]
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	}}		}}

	'''''The Smallest Show on Earth''''' (US: ''Big Time Operators'') is a 1957 British [[w:comedy film\|comedy film]], directed by [[w:Basil Dearden\|Basil Dearden]], and starring [[Bill Travers]], [[Virginia McKenna]], [[Peter Sellers]] and [[Margaret Rutherford]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6b6383db\|title=''The Smallest Show on Earth'' (1957)\|website=BFI Film Forever\|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> The supporting cast includes [[Bernard Miles]], [[w:Leslie Phillips\|Leslie Phillips]], [[w:Francis de Wolff\|Francis de Wolff]], George Cross, June Cunningham and [[Sid James]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-smallest-show-on-earth-v45245/cast-crew\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) – Basil Dearden – Cast and Crew – AllMovie\|website=AllMovie\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> The screenplay was written by [[w:William Rose (screenwriter)\|William Rose]] and [[w:John Eldridge (director)\|John Eldridge]] from an original story by William Rose.<ref name=tcm/>		'''''The Smallest Show on Earth''''' (US: ''Big Time Operators'') is a 1957 British [[w:comedy film\|comedy film]], directed by [[w:Basil Dearden\|Basil Dearden]], and starring [[Bill Travers]], [[w:Virginia McKenna\|Virginia McKenna]], [[Peter Sellers]] and [[Margaret Rutherford]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6b6383db\|title=''The Smallest Show on Earth'' (1957)\|website=BFI Film Forever\|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> The supporting cast includes [[Bernard Miles]], [[w:Leslie Phillips\|Leslie Phillips]], [[w:Francis de Wolff\|Francis de Wolff]], George Cross, June Cunningham and [[Sid James]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-smallest-show-on-earth-v45245/cast-crew\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) – Basil Dearden – Cast and Crew – AllMovie\|website=AllMovie\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> The screenplay was written by [[w:William Rose (screenwriter)\|William Rose]] and [[w:John Eldridge (director)\|John Eldridge]] from an original story by William Rose.<ref name=tcm/>

	==Plot==		==Plot==

Kurt at 20:23, 16 October 2022

2022-10-16T20:23:28Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:23, 16 October 2022
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	{{For\|the musical based on this film\|Smallest Show on Earth (musical)}}		{{For\|the musical based on this film\|w:Smallest Show on Earth (musical)}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=April 2016}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=April 2016}}
	{{Use British English\|date=April 2016}}		{{Use British English\|date=April 2016}}
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	\| image = Smallest_show_on_earth.jpg		\| image = Smallest_show_on_earth.jpg
	\| caption = Theatrical release poster		\| caption = Theatrical release poster
	\| director = [[Basil Dearden]]		\| director = [[w:Basil Dearden\|Basil Dearden]]
	\| producer = {{ubl\|[[Sidney Gilliat]]\|[[Frank Launder]]\|[[Michael Relph]]}}		\| producer = {{ubl\|[[w:Sidney Gilliat\|Sidney Gilliat]]\|[[w:Frank Launder\|Frank Launder]]\|[[w:Michael Relph\|Michael Relph]]}}
	\| writer = {{ubl\|[[William Rose (screenwriter)\|William Rose]]\|[[John Eldridge (director)\|John Eldridge]]}}		\| writer = {{ubl\|[[w:William Rose (screenwriter)\|William Rose]]\|[[w:John Eldridge (director)\|John Eldridge]]}}
	\| starring = {{ubl\|[[Bill Travers]]\|[[Virginia McKenna]]\|[[Peter Sellers]]\|[[Margaret Rutherford]]\|[[Bernard Miles]]}}		\| starring = {{ubl\|[[Bill Travers]]\|[[Virginia McKenna]]\|[[Peter Sellers]]\|[[Margaret Rutherford]]\|[[Bernard Miles]]}}
	\| music = [[William Alwyn]]		\| music = [[w:William Alwyn\|William Alwyn]]
	\| cinematography = [[Douglas Slocombe]]		\| cinematography = [[w:Douglas Slocombe\|Douglas Slocombe]]
	\| editing = [[Oswald Hafenrichter]]		\| editing = [[w:Oswald Hafenrichter\|Oswald Hafenrichter]]
	\| studio = {{ubl\|Hallmark Productions\|[[British Lion Films\|British Lion Film Corporation]]<ref>{{cite web\|last=Brooke\|first=Michael\|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/487707/index.html\|title=''Smallest Show on Earth, The'' (1957)\|work=BFI Screenonline\|date= 2003–14\|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref>}}		\| studio = {{ubl\|Hallmark Productions\|[[w:British Lion Films\|British Lion Film Corporation]]<ref>{{cite web\|last=Brooke\|first=Michael\|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/487707/index.html\|title=''Smallest Show on Earth, The'' (1957)\|work=BFI Screenonline\|date= 2003–14\|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref>}}
	\| distributor = {{ubl\|British Lion Films (UK)\|Times Film Corporation (US)}}		\| distributor = {{ubl\|British Lion Films (UK)\|Times Film Corporation (US)}}
	\| released = {{Film date\|1957\|04\|09\|London, UK\|df=y}}		\| released = {{Film date\|1957\|04\|09\|London, UK\|df=y}}
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	}}		}}

	'''''The Smallest Show on Earth''''' (US: ''Big Time Operators'') is a 1957 British [[comedy film]], directed by [[Basil Dearden]], and starring [[Bill Travers]], [[Virginia McKenna]], [[Peter Sellers]] and [[Margaret Rutherford]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6b6383db\|title=''The Smallest Show on Earth'' (1957)\|website=BFI Film Forever\|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> The supporting cast includes [[Bernard Miles]], [[Leslie Phillips]], [[Francis de Wolff]], George Cross, June Cunningham and [[Sid James]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-smallest-show-on-earth-v45245/cast-crew\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) – Basil Dearden – Cast and Crew – AllMovie\|website=AllMovie\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> The screenplay was written by [[William Rose (screenwriter)\|William Rose]] and [[John Eldridge (director)\|John Eldridge]] from an original story by William Rose.<ref name=tcm/>		'''''The Smallest Show on Earth''''' (US: ''Big Time Operators'') is a 1957 British [[w:comedy film\|comedy film]], directed by [[w:Basil Dearden\|Basil Dearden]], and starring [[Bill Travers]], [[Virginia McKenna]], [[Peter Sellers]] and [[Margaret Rutherford]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6b6383db\|title=''The Smallest Show on Earth'' (1957)\|website=BFI Film Forever\|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> The supporting cast includes [[Bernard Miles]], [[w:Leslie Phillips\|Leslie Phillips]], [[w:Francis de Wolff\|Francis de Wolff]], George Cross, June Cunningham and [[Sid James]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-smallest-show-on-earth-v45245/cast-crew\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) – Basil Dearden – Cast and Crew – AllMovie\|website=AllMovie\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> The screenplay was written by [[w:William Rose (screenwriter)\|William Rose]] and [[w:John Eldridge (director)\|John Eldridge]] from an original story by William Rose.<ref name=tcm/>

	==Plot==		==Plot==
	Matt and Jean (Travers and McKenna) are a young couple with a longing to visit exotic places such as [[Samarkand]]. Matt inherits a cinema from his great uncle. When they look over their new property, they first mistake the modern Grand for it. They are soon disillusioned to learn that the cinema they actually own is the old decrepit Bijou Kinema (nicknamed "the flea pit"), which is sandwiched between two railway bridges. Along with the cinema come three long-time employees: Mrs. Fazackalee (Rutherford), the cashier and bookkeeper; Mr. Quill (Sellers), the projectionist; and Old Tom (Miles) the [[commissionaire]], doorkeeper and usher.		Matt and Jean (Travers and McKenna) are a young couple with a longing to visit exotic places such as [[w:Samarkand\|Samarkand]]. Matt inherits a cinema from his great uncle. When they look over their new property, they first mistake the modern Grand for it. They are soon disillusioned to learn that the cinema they actually own is the old decrepit Bijou Kinema (nicknamed "the flea pit"), which is sandwiched between two railway bridges. Along with the cinema come three long-time employees: Mrs. Fazackalee (Rutherford), the cashier and bookkeeper; Mr. Quill (Sellers), the projectionist; and Old Tom (Miles) the [[w:commissionaire\|commissionaire]], doorkeeper and usher.

	Robin (Phillips), their solicitor, informs them that the Grand's owner, Mr. Hardcastle (De Wolff), had offered to buy the Bijou from Matt's great uncle for five thousand pounds in order to construct a car park for his nearby cinema. When they see their competitor however, he only offers them five hundred, thinking they have no choice but to accept.		Robin (Phillips), their solicitor, informs them that the Grand's owner, Mr. Hardcastle (De Wolff), had offered to buy the Bijou from Matt's great uncle for five thousand pounds in order to construct a car park for his nearby cinema. When they see their competitor however, he only offers them five hundred, thinking they have no choice but to accept.
Line 33:		Line 33:
	Hardcastle counters by slipping a bottle of whisky into the next shipment of film reels for Quill, who has a drink problem. He eventually succumbs to the temptation, leaving Matt to try unsuccessfully to substitute for him; Matt is unable to work the antiquated projectors properly, and they are forced to refund the customers' money. Matt and Jean are ready to give up (with Old Tom eavesdropping again, this time hearing Matt say that he had often wished the Grand were burnt to the ground) only to wake up the next morning to find that the Grand has burned down (Old Tom was last seen carrying a can of fuel oil out of the door). Hardcastle is forced to pay ten thousand pounds for the Bijou in order to stay in business while his cinema is being rebuilt. As an added condition, he has to keep the three staff on as employees.		Hardcastle counters by slipping a bottle of whisky into the next shipment of film reels for Quill, who has a drink problem. He eventually succumbs to the temptation, leaving Matt to try unsuccessfully to substitute for him; Matt is unable to work the antiquated projectors properly, and they are forced to refund the customers' money. Matt and Jean are ready to give up (with Old Tom eavesdropping again, this time hearing Matt say that he had often wished the Grand were burnt to the ground) only to wake up the next morning to find that the Grand has burned down (Old Tom was last seen carrying a can of fuel oil out of the door). Hardcastle is forced to pay ten thousand pounds for the Bijou in order to stay in business while his cinema is being rebuilt. As an added condition, he has to keep the three staff on as employees.

	Just as Matt and Jean are leaving on the train, Old Tom tells Matt that "It were the only way, weren't it?", implying he committed [[arson]]. Alarmed, they decide to write him a letter asking him to clarify his remark, but instead send him a postcard... from Samarkand.		Just as Matt and Jean are leaving on the train, Old Tom tells Matt that "It were the only way, weren't it?", implying he committed [[w:arson\|arson]]. Alarmed, they decide to write him a letter asking him to clarify his remark, but instead send him a postcard... from Samarkand.

	==Cast==		==Cast==
Line 51:		Line 51:

	==Production==		==Production==
	The Bijou Kinema was not a real building; both the exterior and interior were sets. The exterior facade was constructed between two railway bridges in Christchurch Avenue, London NW6, next to [[Kilburn tube station]]. A replica at [[Shepperton Studios]] was used for close-up shots and interior scenes.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth&start=10\|title=Reel Streets\|website=Reelstreets.com\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>		The Bijou Kinema was not a real building; both the exterior and interior were sets. The exterior facade was constructed between two railway bridges in Christchurch Avenue, London NW6, next to [[w:Kilburn tube station\|Kilburn tube station]]. A replica at [[w:Shepperton Studios\|Shepperton Studios]] was used for close-up shots and interior scenes.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth&start=10\|title=Reel Streets\|website=Reelstreets.com\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

	The Gaumont Palace, Hammersmith in London (subsequently called the Hammersmith Odeon, and now the [[Hammersmith Apollo]]) was used for the exterior shots of the rival Grand Cinema with interiors at the Odeon in Richmond.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth\|title=Reel Streets\|website=Reelstreets.com\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>		The Gaumont Palace, Hammersmith in London (subsequently called the Hammersmith Odeon, and now the [[w:Hammersmith Apollo\|Hammersmith Apollo]]) was used for the exterior shots of the rival Grand Cinema with interiors at the Odeon in Richmond.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth\|title=Reel Streets\|website=Reelstreets.com\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

	Back projection shots of [[Longton, Stoke-on-Trent]], in Staffordshire were used for the final scenes in the railway carriage.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth&start=20\|title=Reel Streets\|website=Reelstreets.com\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>		Back projection shots of [[w:Longton, Stoke-on-Trent\|Longton]], in Staffordshire were used for the final scenes in the railway carriage.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth&start=20\|title=Reel Streets\|website=Reelstreets.com\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

	The silent film shown in the film is ''[[Comin' Thro the Rye (1923 film)\|Comin' Thro the Rye]]'' (1923) starring [[Alma Taylor]]. Taylor is among the uncredited viewers in the audience.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/v45245\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) – Basil Dearden – Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related\|website=AllMovie\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>		The silent film shown in the film is ''[[w:Comin' Thro the Rye (1923 film)\|Comin' Thro the Rye]]'' (1923) starring [[w:Alma Taylor\|Alma Taylor]]. Taylor is among the uncredited viewers in the audience.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/v45245\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) – Basil Dearden – Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related\|website=AllMovie\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

	==Critical reception==		==Critical reception==
	''[[The New York Times]]'' called it "a little package of nonsense ... populated by wonderfully wacky characters ... Margaret Rutherford's cashier, Peter Sellers' projectionist and Bernard Miles' doorman are gems";<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A02E2D91331E63ABC4B51DFB767838C649EDE \|title=Archived copy \|website=[[The New York Times]] \|access-date=2018-01-28 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192901/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A02E2D91331E63ABC4B51DFB767838C649EDE \|archive-date=7 December 2017 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Leonard Maltin]] called it a "Charming, often hilarious comedy";<ref name=tcm>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/90540/Smallest-Show-on-Earth-The/\|title=Smallest Show on Earth, The (1957) – Overview – TCM.com\|website=Turner Classic Movies\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> and a modern review in the ''[[Radio Times]]'' wrote, "In praise of fleapits everywhere, this charming comedy will bring back happy memories for anyone who pines for the days when going to the pictures meant something more than being conveyor-belted in and out of a soulless [[Multiplex (movie theater)\|multiplex]]...The cast alone makes the movie a must-see, and the sequence in which projectionist Peter Sellers, pianist Margaret Rutherford and doorman Bernard Miles relive the glories of the silent era is adorable."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/film/mjmfh/the-smallest-show-on-earth/\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth – review – cast and crew, movie star rating and where to watch film on TV and online\|website=Radio Times\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>		''[[w:The New York Times\|The New York Times]]'' called it "a little package of nonsense ... populated by wonderfully wacky characters ... Margaret Rutherford's cashier, Peter Sellers' projectionist and Bernard Miles' doorman are gems";<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A02E2D91331E63ABC4B51DFB767838C649EDE \|title=Archived copy \|website=[[The New York Times]] \|access-date=2018-01-28 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192901/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A02E2D91331E63ABC4B51DFB767838C649EDE \|archive-date=7 December 2017 \|df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Leonard Maltin]] called it a "Charming, often hilarious comedy";<ref name=tcm>{{cite web\|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/90540/Smallest-Show-on-Earth-The/\|title=Smallest Show on Earth, The (1957) – Overview – TCM.com\|website=Turner Classic Movies\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> and a modern review in the ''[[Radio Times]]'' wrote, "In praise of fleapits everywhere, this charming comedy will bring back happy memories for anyone who pines for the days when going to the pictures meant something more than being conveyor-belted in and out of a soulless [[Multiplex (movie theater)\|multiplex]]...The cast alone makes the movie a must-see, and the sequence in which projectionist Peter Sellers, pianist Margaret Rutherford and doorman Bernard Miles relive the glories of the silent era is adorable."<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/film/mjmfh/the-smallest-show-on-earth/\|title=The Smallest Show on Earth – review – cast and crew, movie star rating and where to watch film on TV and online\|website=Radio Times\|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

	==References==		==References==

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{{For|the musical based on this film|Smallest Show on Earth (musical)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox film
| name = The Smallest Show on Earth
| image = Smallest_show_on_earth.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Basil Dearden]]
| producer = {{ubl|[[Sidney Gilliat]]|[[Frank Launder]]|[[Michael Relph]]}}
| writer = {{ubl|[[William Rose (screenwriter)|William Rose]]|[[John Eldridge (director)|John Eldridge]]}}
| starring = {{ubl|[[Bill Travers]]|[[Virginia McKenna]]|[[Peter Sellers]]|[[Margaret Rutherford]]|[[Bernard Miles]]}}
| music = [[William Alwyn]]
| cinematography = [[Douglas Slocombe]]
| editing = [[Oswald Hafenrichter]]
| studio = {{ubl|Hallmark Productions|[[British Lion Films|British Lion Film Corporation]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Brooke|first=Michael|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/487707/index.html|title=''Smallest Show on Earth, The'' (1957)|work=BFI Screenonline|date= 2003–14|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref>}}
| distributor = {{ubl|British Lion Films (UK)|Times Film Corporation (US)}}
| released = {{Film date|1957|04|09|London, UK|df=y}}
| runtime = 80 minutes
| country = United Kingdom
| language = English
| budget =
}}

'''''The Smallest Show on Earth''''' (US: ''Big Time Operators'') is a 1957 British [[comedy film]], directed by [[Basil Dearden]], and starring [[Bill Travers]], [[Virginia McKenna]], [[Peter Sellers]] and [[Margaret Rutherford]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b6b6383db|title=''The Smallest Show on Earth'' (1957)|website=BFI Film Forever|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> The supporting cast includes [[Bernard Miles]], [[Leslie Phillips]], [[Francis de Wolff]], George Cross, June Cunningham and [[Sid James]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-smallest-show-on-earth-v45245/cast-crew|title=The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) – Basil Dearden – Cast and Crew – AllMovie|website=AllMovie|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> The screenplay was written by [[William Rose (screenwriter)|William Rose]] and [[John Eldridge (director)|John Eldridge]] from an original story by William Rose.<ref name=tcm/>

==Plot==
Matt and Jean (Travers and McKenna) are a young couple with a longing to visit exotic places such as [[Samarkand]]. Matt inherits a cinema from his great uncle. When they look over their new property, they first mistake the modern Grand for it. They are soon disillusioned to learn that the cinema they actually own is the old decrepit Bijou Kinema (nicknamed "the flea pit"), which is sandwiched between two railway bridges. Along with the cinema come three long-time employees: Mrs. Fazackalee (Rutherford), the cashier and bookkeeper; Mr. Quill (Sellers), the projectionist; and Old Tom (Miles) the [[commissionaire]], doorkeeper and usher.

Robin (Phillips), their solicitor, informs them that the Grand's owner, Mr. Hardcastle (De Wolff), had offered to buy the Bijou from Matt's great uncle for five thousand pounds in order to construct a car park for his nearby cinema. When they see their competitor however, he only offers them five hundred, thinking they have no choice but to accept.

Instead, on Robin's advice, they pretend to want to reopen the Bijou in order to force Hardcastle to raise his offer. At first, they seem to be succeeding, but then Old Tom inadvertently lets slip their overheard plan and Hardcastle refuses to budge. They decide to carry on with their bluff and go through with the opening. After a few mishaps, the business flourishes, especially after Matt employs the curvaceous Marlene Hogg (Cunningham) to sell ice creams and other treats at the interval. To increase sales, the heat in the theater was turned up during the showing of a film where parched actors crawled across a desert.

Hardcastle counters by slipping a bottle of whisky into the next shipment of film reels for Quill, who has a drink problem. He eventually succumbs to the temptation, leaving Matt to try unsuccessfully to substitute for him; Matt is unable to work the antiquated projectors properly, and they are forced to refund the customers' money. Matt and Jean are ready to give up (with Old Tom eavesdropping again, this time hearing Matt say that he had often wished the Grand were burnt to the ground) only to wake up the next morning to find that the Grand has burned down (Old Tom was last seen carrying a can of fuel oil out of the door). Hardcastle is forced to pay ten thousand pounds for the Bijou in order to stay in business while his cinema is being rebuilt. As an added condition, he has to keep the three staff on as employees.

Just as Matt and Jean are leaving on the train, Old Tom tells Matt that "It were the only way, weren't it?", implying he committed [[arson]]. Alarmed, they decide to write him a letter asking him to clarify his remark, but instead send him a postcard... from Samarkand.

==Cast==
* [[Virginia McKenna]] as Jean Spenser
* [[Bill Travers]] as Matt Spenser
* [[Margaret Rutherford]] as Mrs. Fazackalee
* [[Peter Sellers]] as Percy Quill
* [[Bernard Miles]] as Old Tom
* [[Francis de Wolff]] as Albert Hardcastle
* [[Leslie Phillips]] as Robin Carter
* June Cunningham as Marlene Hogg
* [[Sid James]] as Mr. Hogg
* George Cross as Commissionaire
* George Cormack as Bell
* [[Stringer Davis]] as Emmett
* Michael Corcoran as Taxi Driver

==Production==
The Bijou Kinema was not a real building; both the exterior and interior were sets. The exterior facade was constructed between two railway bridges in Christchurch Avenue, London NW6, next to [[Kilburn tube station]]. A replica at [[Shepperton Studios]] was used for close-up shots and interior scenes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth&start=10|title=Reel Streets|website=Reelstreets.com|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

The Gaumont Palace, Hammersmith in London (subsequently called the Hammersmith Odeon, and now the [[Hammersmith Apollo]]) was used for the exterior shots of the rival Grand Cinema with interiors at the Odeon in Richmond.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth|title=Reel Streets|website=Reelstreets.com|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

Back projection shots of [[Longton, Stoke-on-Trent]], in Staffordshire were used for the final scenes in the railway carriage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reelstreets.com/index.php/component/films/?task=view&id=921&film_ref=smallest_show_on_earth&start=20|title=Reel Streets|website=Reelstreets.com|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

The silent film shown in the film is ''[[Comin' Thro the Rye (1923 film)|Comin' Thro the Rye]]'' (1923) starring [[Alma Taylor]]. Taylor is among the uncredited viewers in the audience.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/v45245|title=The Smallest Show on Earth (1957) – Basil Dearden – Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related|website=AllMovie|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

==Critical reception==
''[[The New York Times]]'' called it "a little package of nonsense ... populated by wonderfully wacky characters ... Margaret Rutherford's cashier, Peter Sellers' projectionist and Bernard Miles' doorman are gems";<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A02E2D91331E63ABC4B51DFB767838C649EDE |title=Archived copy |website=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=2018-01-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207192901/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9A02E2D91331E63ABC4B51DFB767838C649EDE |archive-date=7 December 2017 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> [[Leonard Maltin]] called it a "Charming, often hilarious comedy";<ref name=tcm>{{cite web|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/90540/Smallest-Show-on-Earth-The/|title=Smallest Show on Earth, The (1957) – Overview – TCM.com|website=Turner Classic Movies|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> and a modern review in the ''[[Radio Times]]'' wrote, "In praise of fleapits everywhere, this charming comedy will bring back happy memories for anyone who pines for the days when going to the pictures meant something more than being conveyor-belted in and out of a soulless [[Multiplex (movie theater)|multiplex]]...The cast alone makes the movie a must-see, and the sequence in which projectionist Peter Sellers, pianist Margaret Rutherford and doorman Bernard Miles relive the glories of the silent era is adorable."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/film/mjmfh/the-smallest-show-on-earth/|title=The Smallest Show on Earth – review – cast and crew, movie star rating and where to watch film on TV and online|website=Radio Times|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0050985}}
* {{tcmdb title|90540}}
* {{Amg movie|45245}}

{{Basil Dearden}}
{{Launder and Gilliat}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Smallest Show on Earth, The}}
[[Category:1957 films]]
[[Category:1957 comedy films]]
[[Category:British comedy films]]
[[Category:British black-and-white films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Basil Dearden]]
[[Category:Films set in a movie theatre]]
[[Category:Films scored by William Alwyn]]
[[Category:1950s English-language films]]
[[Category:1950s British films]]