Circus on Ice (1954)

Wonderfully offbeat film!

A waste of 90 minutes of my life

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Excellent characters with emotional depth. My wife, daughter and granddaughter all enjoyed it...and me, too! Very good movie! You won't be disappointed.

When it came to short films, Warner Brothers was best known for their Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoon series that were released in theatres way back when. They've released other shorts as well, but this one is rather special. Why? It got the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" treatment."Circus on Ice" is a 1954 live-action short based on the 40th annual Carnival of the Toronto Skating Club (thanks Canada) showcasing the different talents that the group has done at the event...and that's pretty much it. Nothing else. There isn't a whole lot I can say about it, except that it's just as exciting as watching a figure skating competition on television, which is not that exciting...at all. Even the rather stupid narration from Ken Davey isn't entertaining. James A. Fitzpatrick, he isn't (look him up if you don't know who I'm talking about).The short, despite originally being from the 1950's, is practically a waste of film. No one really gets anything from it, and is just a straight-up bore to watch, even if it's only 8 minutes long. One the bright side, it made good MST3K fodder, so if you really want to see the short for yourself, watch the MST3K episode featuring 1965's "Monster-A- Go-Go".

Based on the 40th Annual Carnival of the Toronto Skating Club.Although perhaps unfair to judge a short film from 1954 sixty years later (November 2014), given that the creators probably never intended it to have a long life, this is nevertheless what a review must be.The showcase of talent is rather impressive, with some very nice synchronized routines. Again, but 2014 standards, these may not be the world's best skaters who might be racking up gold medals, but for its time it was not bad and far better than most people could ever achieve. (This film's star, Jacqueline du Bief, did win the bronze in 1952, though.) The confusing part is how this is a "circus" on ice. Other than the ringleader, who stands around doing nothing, and the women dressed up (poorly) as zebras, there seems to be no reason to call this a circus. Why can it not just be a figure skating exhibition?

This is a horrible promo film for a Toronto ice show from 1954. I offer this review split twain, between the actual promo (which, as far as I can see, cannot be found on video), and the Mystery Science Theater 3000 treatment of this film (which CAN be found, and is hilarious).First, the straight promo: Toronto is/was apparently really happy with ice rink shows (this was mid 50's. I don't know if this has changed). Secondly, it invokes circus affection, of which I have none. And if people love the exploitation and beating of circus animals, well I can't help you with your animal abuse impulses. The real filming of this in the 1950's was before the horrible treatment of circus animals was even discussed or revealed. Now we know, so open season on those folks. Just a horrible promo.Now, onto the MST3k version, which, in my opinion is the 2nd funniest short they ever did (Mr. B Natural is 1st). ANIMAL ABUSE ON ICE!!!!!! You folks that aren't familiar with Mystery Science Theater 3000 will probably have no clue, but trust me, this is a good reason to find MST3k. You have to be born between 1950 and 1980, and even if you are, you might not get it. But witness as the gut-shot, dying fawn, skates over her own entrails.............. See it to know the funny...........It's horrid as a promo, but it's GREAT as MST Fodder.See it if you can.

This is one of those short films that makes you wonder what they were trying to do. It's a mixture of being boring, some not-so-beautiful women as slabs of cheesecake, and stupid and fake looking costumes. The idea is an interesting one, but extremely poorly executed.Rightfully skewered on MST3K, this short should be avoided otherwise.