The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
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Circus
Anglia TV's 'Here and Now' cameras catch up with David Smart ahead of the start of the Billy Smart's New World Circus 8 month tour of Europe.
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Overview
The name Billy Smart is synonymous with the Circus and 1963 saw the family show at the height of its popularity with what is described by Billy's son, David as a "miniature United Nations" about to set off on tour. As well as acrobats, trapeze artists and clowns, the Circus troop included 60 tonnes of elephant - the largest herd of trained elephants in the world trained by Billy Smart Junior.
Bob Wellings and Anglia TV cameras were allowed special access to meet some of the animals and interview a number of the Smart family including their wives who, as former trapeze artistes, were now hands on managing the costumes and music. Sadly, the main man himself, Billy Smart was away at the time of this filming and 3 years later, following a promotion for his Circus in Ipswich died suddenly on returning to his trailer. Billy Smart's circus legacy lives on as an important part of Britain's entertainment history.
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