Bertram Mills Circus, Olympia

Elephants, acrobats, clowns and cowboys all feature in this highlights reel from the annual Bertram Mills Circus at Olympia.

Shot on Kodak, this film captures scenes from the big annual Christmas show by the Bertram Mills Circus at Olympia. Beginning with the bright lights outside, it also features marching elephants, stilt-walkers (including a Mickey Mouse), tumblers and acrobats, trick cyclists and stunt horsemen. Interestingly, while some of the acts are strange or cruel to today’s eyes – particularly the horse carrying numerous riders – many would not look out of place in a modern circus.

Context: London Screen Archives