The read
Critics rate it 42 points higher than audiences do. It runs a compact 1h 27m.
Synopsis
In 1904, Doc Tilbee, medicine show huckster and champion tall-tale teller, gives a ride to a young boy escaped from an orphanage, where bad conditions (the result of political graft) are being investigated by new appointee Zerelda Wing, who doesn't know that her fiancée is one of the politicians responsible. Tad wants to stay with his new friend Doc, who is attracted to Zerelda, to the discomfiture of his old flame Clara...all amid nostalgic musical numbers.
Ratings
IMDb5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Critics rate it 42 points higher than audiences do.
3 audience votes
Key crew
- Douglas SirkDirector
- Martin BerkeleyWriter
- Irving WallaceWriter
Cast
- Dan DaileyDoc Tilbee
- Diana LynnZerelda Wing
- Scatman CrothersEnoch Jones
- Chet AllenTad Bayliss
- Hugh O'BrianChilton Corr
- Carole MathewsClara Brink
- Rhys WilliamsPete McCoy
- Thomas E. JacksonBilly Gray
- Russell SimpsonSheriff Evans
- George ChandlerDeputy Leach
- Virginia BrissacMrs. Spooner
- John MaxwellMr. Spooner
Stills
Themes
orphanageorphantraveling salesmanhucksters