Rings Around the World (1967): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1967, Rings Around the World is a documentary film directed by Gilbert Cates, running about 79 minutes.

What it’s about. While writing a book on the circus, author John Shawcross reflects upon the great acts he has seen over the years and the mystique of circus people. He recalls the solo trapeze act of La Mara; Tarzan, Sahib, and their elephant; Marco's sword-balancing act; an archery act in which Grey Arrow shoots an apple off the head of Zuni, his wife; the Mascott Sisters' head-to-head balancing act on a high ladder; the juggling of Rudy Cardenas; high bar specialists, the Tongas; Gunther Gebel Williams with his tiger; the flying bar act of the Laribles; Carl Sembach-Krone's trained horses; lion tamer Pablo Noel; the Gaonas and the Four Titos on the trampoline; the Flying Armors on the flying trapeze; Frieda Krone and her elephants; Fredy Knie, Sr., and his Lippizaner; the Francesco Clowns; Lilly Yokoi on her bicycle; Mendez and Seitz on the tightrope; and Pauline Schumann on the trick horse.

Who’s in it. Rings Around the World stars Don Ameche as Host/Ringmaster, Rudy Cardenas as Himself, Sonny Frankello as Himself and Sonny Frankello, among others.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Rings Around the World page.

If you liked it. Fans of Rings Around the World tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.