P.T. Barnum: Fiction vs Fact

Since “The Greatest Showman” hit theaters, people want to know who the real PT Barnum is. Kathy Maher, Executive Director of the Barnum Museum in Bridgeport, Connecticut (Barnum's hometown) has spent nearly the last 20 years studying the guy, so she's in a unique position to set the record straight.

Was there a real Phillip Carlyle?
Did P.T. run into the burning museum to rescue his friend?
What was the deal with Barnum's Bar?
Did Barnum and Jenny Lind have an affair?
Would P.T. Barnum approve of this portrayal of his life?

Produced by Firelight Media, LLC in Trumbull, CT

[Kat..]

"We Mash all of these great characters together"



"And we get a Zach Efron."

[Nejidabest]

The Movie was obviously very loosely based on P.T Barnum's true character and experiences, but who cares, right ? It was a movie with great songs and choreography that promoted acceptance and Love and reminds us what's most important above success and fame - family. Beautiful movie. who cares if it was mostly fictional ?

[GalaxyW]

“No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.” -P.T. Barnum

[eclecticadventurer]

I watched the interview with Barnums great great granddaughter. She said that aside from a few theatrics for the movie, they pretty much got him right. She liked the movie.

[EMtheBee]

It's a shame that such a beautiful movie is based on such a horrible man.

[achyka]

Most of people who are not American don't know who Barnam is so finding out that the movie is completely fictional and the truth of who the man really was is quite interesting. Thank you for this educational video!

[jazzram_]

The Noblest Act is That making others happy
-P.T. Barnum


THX FIR LOVING

[e.m.rivera]

i hate that ppl actually get mad that The Greatest Showman wasnt historicallu accurate. its not a documentary, people! its purely for entertainment, to show the actors talent, and make amazing songs! enjoy it! geez

[sophieshearer]

The movie was made to be a fun, uplifting musical not a fact-based story of barnum's life. Just ease off the film-makers for a while.

[breezenightzx]

I'm so happy they mad this movie!
P.T Barnum deserves to me memorized too

[trashcannot]

I knew this story was fake instead of fact but it's still a good movie. I feel like if it wasn't about Barnum and it was a movie just about what it is instead of him and they changed the names then it would still be really good.

[BruisedBreadstic]

Well you have to understand it was a movie not a documentary.

[jellyoxx]

Finally CT is getting some recognition

[lethearith]

The greatest showman is a musical for god's sake, so don't take the history too seriously

[jeanneramirez]

I love this movie even though it's kinda inaccurate
The made up stuff just makes the story better

[rbamores]

I think I learned from the movie is is to accept yourself who ever you are and don't be insecure and make fun of yourself bc what ever you are your you beautiful and don't make fun of people that have very rare diseases, I love the movie there's so many things you can learn and there's a great advice the songs made the movie much greater, I love the movie

[ameliamarshall]

Loved your video! But... Was the relationship with his on laws correct? His early life of homelessness? His optimism and daring risk taking? His need to be accepted by those in a higher cast system?

[footyfanful]

This was uploaded exactly a year before I saw Hugh in concert.

[oliviamalerich]

I did some research after watching the Greatest Showman, and I’m really glad I did. I hate that so many people I know see Jenny Lind as a villain.

[MicaRayan]

I like the explaination given, and I enjoy the movie very much!