Circus In Training (1957)

Chessington Zoo, Chessington, Surrey. C/U of a clown putting on make-up. Behind him we see various circus performers going through their training routines. Seen in training are: clowns, acrobats, a female juggler, performing dogs and a “dancing“ horse. One man bounces on a trampoline then the clown does some comedy bouncing. Lots of the circus performers are related, the featured clown Bill Thompson is the brother of the girl riding the horse - June Thompson. They are both the children of the ringmaster Bill Thompson Senior. C/U of Bill Thompson in his ringmaster’s outfit giving June some instruction. High angle shot of performers practising their art. C/Us of the female juggler who balances on a wobbly board whilst she juggles. She wears a bikini type outfit - the weather looks freezing. C/U of performing dog Bruce walking on his hind legs - another dog has a go. Intercut with shots of the clowns practising a routine are shots of children watching. One of the clowns is called “Frank the Tramp