Circus World

In 1885, Matt Masters purchases a bankrupt circus and relentlessly rebuilds it into a three-ring Wild West extravaganza. He has spent more than a decade touring the United States and now eyes a Europe tour to pursue an old flame.

As the new century approaches, Masters decides to take the revived circus to Europe to locate his lost great love, Lili Alfredo, and meet their adopted daughter Toni. Cap Carson opposes the plan, arguing it is too risky for the troupe.

Masters purchases a freighter and renames it Circus Maximus to carry his troupe across the Atlantic. He departs with Cap, Steve, and Toni aboard as the voyage begins, despite misgivings from some of the crew.

The Circus Maximus capsizes at the Barcelona pier, derailing the European leg. Masters has to release most performers and sends much of the show back to Europe’s circuit while he scouts for replacements.

Backstage, Masters signs Tojo the Clown and his Ballerina niece Giovanna. Their high-wire act above a cage of lions promises a thrilling centerpiece for the relaunch.

Emile Schumann, a French animal trainer, joins and shifts his act from lions to tigers at Masters’ insistence. The trainer’s partnership requires a doctor for the tigers when illnesses strike the animals.

Margo Angeli, the trapeze artist, is revealed to be Lili Alfredo, Masters’ vanished love who has struggled with guilt and addiction. Her return unlocks old memories and fuels the tension with Matt and Toni.

Toni falls for Steve McCabe, and he returns her feelings, forcing Matt to face the reality that his 'adopted daughter' is now a grown woman. Margo watches with amused detachment as Toni tries to arrange a future.

During preparations in Vienna, a poster of The Flying Alfredos and a clipping reveal Margo to be Toni’s mother. Toni’s confrontation with Lili and Matt explodes in accusations and heartbreak.

The truth comes to a head during Dress Rehearsal in Vienna as Toni learns Matt was the second man in the love triangle. Tempers flare and the troupe steels itself for the show ahead.

A fire erupts in Wardrobe and quickly spreads to the Big Top during the dress rehearsal. Lili, Matt, Steve, Toni, Cap, and Aldo coordinate a daring rescue that saves many performers and some of the tent.

The Emperor grants permission to perform in the Imperial Palace grounds, turning a setback into a spectacular comeback. The show now headlines in front of the Crown and the people.

Lili and Toni duel as the headlining act with a 50-foot swing-over. The revived circus closes with Matt, Lili, Toni, and Steve taking bows to acclaim and the Imperial audience.

With love and family reconciled, Toni accepts Steve as her fiancé and the circus is relaunched under Matt’s leadership, ready to tour anew with a stronger bond between the performers.