LOCATIONS AND LOCOS IN DE MILLE MOVIE

Classic Trains General Discussion
1

While an Oscar winner, the 1952 Cecille B DeMille movie “The Greatest Show on Earth” is a bit old on plot today, but it did have quite a few rail scenes an a REALLY BIG, though unrealistic in railroad operating conditions, train-wreck scene. The movie clearly shows a green GG-1 and (I think) an ACL 4-8-4 leaving Sarasota with a circus train section. While I realize that the wreck was obviously staged with models, where were the lead-in shots with actual steam locos filmed, and what engine type did the bad guys try to stop by driving a car into an on-coming section of the circus train? Figure it was Canada, account AAR guides on filming wrecks, but not certain. The wreck, along with the James Stewart character on the lam for euthanizing his wife, had to be, along with Les Miz and Dr. Sam Shepherd, the inspiration for “The Fugitive”!

2

Going thru some old posts I came upon your inquiry. The model of 1 of the steam locomotives used in this movie is located at Santa Clause, IN (at least it was several years ago when I was there). Dont’t remember what RR it was done up in but do remember it was quite a large model.

Bob Bufkin

3

In “real life” it would be difficult for a GG-1 to operate in Sarasota, Florida, unless someone had a really long extension cord. There was never any overhead electric catenary in that area.

4

Filming Locations for The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)# Source: The Internet Movie Database (http:/www.imdb.com)
Cedar City, Utah, USA

[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA](http://www.imdb.com/List?endings=on&&locations=Philadelphia,%20Pennsylvania,%20USA&&heading=18;with+locations+including;Philadelphia,%20Pennsylvania,%20USA)
[Sarasota Springs, Florida, USA](http://www.imdb.com/List?endings=on&&locations=Sarasota%20Springs,%20Florida,%20USA&&heading=18;with+locations+including;Sarasota%20Springs,%20Florida,%20USA)
[Sarasota, Florida, USA](http://www.imdb.com/List?endings=on&&locations=Sarasota,%20Florida,%20USA&&heading=18;with+locations+including;Sarasota,%20Florida,%20USA)
[Washington, District of Columbia, USA](http://www.imdb.com/List?endings=on&&locations=Washington,%20District%20of%20Columbia,%20USA&&heading=18;with+locations+including;Washington,%20District%20of%20Columbia,%20USA)
[Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA](http://www.imdb.com/List?endings=on&&locations=Paramount%20Studios%20-%205555%20Melrose%20Ave.,%20Hollywood,%20Los%20Angeles,%20California,%20USA&&heading=18;with+locations+including;Paramount%20Studios%20-%205555%20Melrose%20Ave.,%20Hollywood,%20Los%20Angeles,%20California,%20USA)
(Los Angeles, California) (studio)
5

If I recall correctly,Ringling Brothers gave excellent cooperation in the making of the film.Take a look at the train wreck sequence again and you will notice that when the first section stops for the fusee,he whistles out a flag for the second section. Somebody was paying attention to get it right.