The Big Circus The Big Circus The Big Circus is a 1959 film starring Victor Mature as a circus owner struggling with financial trouble and a murderous unknown saboteur. It was produced and co-written by Irwin Allen, later known for a series of big-budget disaster films. Hank Whirling (Mature) needs a bank loan to keep his Whirling Circus going. He gets it from a stuffy New York City bank, but only on the condition he take along accountant Randy Sherman (Red Buttons) and publicist Helen Harrison (Rhonda Fleming) to help the circus turn a profit. Hank's top act is the Colino trapeze troupe,
Big Apple Circus new tent was purchased, and Michael Christensen was given a Parenting Achievement award by "Parents" magazine, to recognize his work with Clown Care. Gary Dunning became the Big Circus' executive director in 1994. In addition, the coffee brand Chock full o'Nuts began sponsoring the circus. Peter T. Grauer became the circus' Chairman in 1995, replacing Patricia Rosenwald. In 1996, the circus' Art in Education program began to work in different grade schools. Clown Care continued to develop, opening chapters in Washington, D.C. and in Connecticut. 1997 saw new attendance records set, as an estimated 170,000 people went to see the