P.T. Barnum is one of the Quintessential Americans, like Teddy Roosevelt, Henry Ford and Mark Twain. He became one of my heroes when I was a little boy, because I loved the circus and wanted to be a Lion Tamer when I grew up. I came to learn that he was one of THE pioneers in American Entertainment, starting with his American Musem. He revolutionized the entertainment industry by using equal parts genius, insight and flimflam. He INVENTED merchandising, which was only hinted at by this movie, with a scene that had stands and carts holding American Museum souvenirs in the background. He made his own publicity, and made himself part of it. Barnum set an example for the Disneys and Spielbergs and Jobs who would come after him to follow. I enjoyed the movie. I liked the cast. I liked the pacing. I didn’t expect a searching biographical treatise, and didn’t get one. I thought Jackman was winning in the title role. I was disappointed that their Jenny Lynd could not, in fact sing. I was disappointed by the libretto. It was rollicking, but every song sounded the same. I’ve never had any interest in seeing La La Land, but it made me sad when I realized that this was the first contemporary move musical that I’ve seen in over at least 10 years that WASN’T done by Disney!
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