P.T. Barnum: The Greatest Showman Explained

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He wasn’t always the Great Showman. In fact, Phineas Taylor Barnum grew up in relative poverty with only his wits to help him along. When his father died, the fifteen-year-old boy entered the working world as a shopkeeper’s assistant. In leaps and bounds, he worked his way from assistant to shop owner, lottery office owner, and eventually, entertainment promoter. The bulk of his career was focused on his beloved American Museum, where thousands of ticket-holders flocked every day to look at the human oddities, stuffed animals, live whale, and American memorabilia. In the Barnum and Bailey Circus, we see the culmination of the renowned man’s life’s work.

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[Trevorious]

I fell in love with the Movie The Greatest Showman. I'm a street magician so I've always had admiration for the preforming arts and live street theater. Amazing feeling when people love you.

[alyxpriestley]

A few inaccuracies in this one… Charles was PT’s distant cousin and he started performing when he was 5 years old. He was paid handsomely, as were all of his freak show performers… most of them became rich, went on to marry, retire and lead normal / happy lives. Exploitative efforts aside (which, let’s be honest, is true of almost every single business practice) Phineas fought for his family (the freaks) and used his voice in politics to speak up about inequalities.

Thanks for posting though!

[dustyhughes]

My family is somehow related to P.T Barnum and Bailey

[diamondtiara]

Love that mini George Washington!

I also love the enterprising spirit of the 19thc, where so many workers, apprentices and assistants became business owners, and sometimes millionaires, who could enjoy life with the freedom only $$$ can give.

I'm not saying that doesn't happen anymore, but things today are more about climbing corporate ladders.

[tristangossman]

Hey...he took care of his people. They had a better life with P.T. than they would've had otherwise!