BB17-042 — THE BIG ARENA
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YEAR: 1958/1959
FILM STUDIO / PRODUCTION: Central Documentary Film Studios, Moscow
TAGLINE: “International Circus Thrills” / “The World’s Greatest Circus Stars in The Big Arena” FEATURED PERFORMER: Oleg Popov, the celebrated Soviet clown
GENRE: Documentary / Circus / Family Entertainment
POSTER PRINTER: Advertising & Commercial Printers Pty. Ltd. — visible along the lower edge
AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
FORMAT: Australian Daybill

POSTER DESIGN FEATURES: A superbly colourful Australian Daybill with an exceptionally strong circus theme. Against a brilliant yellow ground are individually illustrated trapeze artists, a clown riding a unicycle, an elephant, performing bears and other circus performers. Bold red, blue and green typography advertises “International Circus Thrills,” “World’s Wildest Wild Animal Act!” and “Fantastic Dancing Bears with Savage Rhythms!” The MGM release credit and Australian “For General Exhibition” triangle complete the period cinema presentation.

COLLECTOR'S NOTE: This is an unusual crossover piece between vintage cinema and circus memorabilia. The Big Arena documented performers from the Soviet State Circus during the period when Soviet circus companies were attracting considerable international attention, with renowned clown Oleg Popov specifically promoted in the Australian advertising. A contemporary 1960 review described the film as a screen representation of the Soviet State Circus and praised its spectacular acts and entertainment value. The highly decorative Australian artwork gives the poster appeal well beyond collectors specifically seeking the film.