Don't be confused - this one is about actual circus acts made of family members, not the controversial comic strip. Step right up to this classic episode.
AI Summary
# Stuff You Should Know: Circus Families
This throwback episode dives into the fascinating world of circus dynasties, exploring how families have passed down their death-defying acts through generations for centuries. From legendary troupes like the Flying Wallendas and the Clarks to lesser-known but equally impressive performers, hosts Josh and Chuck trace the evolution of circus families as actual family businesses—where kids learn trapeze from their parents, marry within the circus community, and keep traditions alive through everything from horse acrobatics to high-wire pyramids. You'll discover how these tight-knit communities actually work, why circus life created such strong family bonds, and some of the incredible (and tragic) stories that shaped circus history.
A Million Little Pieces
2019
R
1h 53m
★ 6.2
"And I remember at the time when I came out, I was like, man, she just called it fiction. It's a really good book. — Josh discusses the James Frey book/film controversy where the author falsely claimed it was entirely true."
— Josh
"Bewitched. Yeah. Did I say? Three's Company? — Chuck confirms Barley Baer also appeared in Bewitched."
— Chuck
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Circus Rookies
1928
1h 0m
"And then all of the Nelsons were in a movie called Circus Rookies in 1928. — The entire Nelson family appeared in this circus-themed film in 1928."
— Chuck
Laugh, Clown, Laugh
1928
1h 14m
★ 7.3
"In the early I'm sorry, late 1920s, granddaughter Hilda was hired to teach Lon Cheney, the actor, how to walk the high wire in a movie called Laugh, Clown, Laugh. — The Flying Nelsons' Hilda Nelson was hired to teach Lon Cheney wire-walking techniques for this film."
— Chuck
Mad Max
1979
1h 31m
★ 6.7
"I watched that not too long ago. I told you. I think I watched the whole Mad Max trilogy. — Chuck mentions having recently watched the Mad Max trilogy in relation to a quote about Bartertown."
— Chuck
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome
1985
1h 47m
★ 6.2
"I know. Welcome to Bartertown. I watched that not too long ago. — Josh references the famous Bartertown line from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome when discussing circus traditions."
— Josh
Man on Wire
2008
1h 34m
★ 7.4
"We talked about this a little bit recently with the movie coming out about man on wire, the tightrope walker between the Twin Towers. — Josh references the documentary about Philippe Petit's tightrope walk between the Twin Towers."
— Josh
Only Murders in the Building
2021
TV-MA
★ 8.4
"Or you believe that blessed be the fruit. Or you dream of one day smashing a glass whilst yelling who's a. Whether you're sworn to Team Kim or you just want a good old fashioned mysterious murder, there's a place that has it all. From Atlanta to only murders in the building. — Only Murders in the Building is mentioned in a Hulu advertisement at the end of the episode."
Saturday Night Fever
1977
1h 58m
★ 6.7
"Who John Travolta or the character yeah, I can't remember his name. Tony Manera. Right. — Chuck references John Travolta's character from Saturday Night Fever, though the character name is Tony Manero."
— Chuck
Scarface
1983
2h 50m
★ 8.2
"I think it's Scarface. Tony Marinara. Right. I think it's Tony. — Josh references the character Tony Montana from Scarface in relation to the Bee Gees' song Staying Alive."
— Josh
The Golden Girls
1985
★ 7.6
"He's been in everything from three companies to the Golden Girls. — Josh mentions Barley Baer appeared in The Golden Girls among many other shows."
— Josh
"It's like real police. If you're a fan of The Wire, sure, there's cops and there's real police. — Josh uses The Wire as an analogy to explain the concept of being born into a circus family versus joining later."
— Josh
Three's Company
1977
★ 7.6
"He's been in everything from three companies to the Golden Girls. — Josh mentions Barley Baer appeared in Three's Company among many other shows."
— Josh
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