It’s striking to remember how many people looked forward to the Christmas circus in the Kelvin Hall, and yet I hadn't known that it was standard procedure to rent the animals—even something as large as a 2800lb hippo! Similarly, over in Canada, the Royal Brothers were traveling from one small town to another, managing to survive through county fairs and by selling tickets to families eager for any kind of live show. The financial burden must have been significant, but considering how challenging things became, it’s remarkable just how devoted these performers were, constantly striving to refine their performances and keep up with the growing competition from cinemas that threatened their livelihood. While modern audiences naturally raise concerns about animal and human well-being, there seems to be a sense of mutual benefit between people and animals, as each relies on the other; and with some impressive stunts, this offers an intriguing glimpse into not just a form of entertainment but also the lives of many individuals for whom alternative careers might have been unachievable.

Source on TMDB