The King of Clowns

The Clyde Beatty Show! The world's greatest wild animal trainer Clyde Beatty, with another exciting adventure from his brilliant career. The circus means fun for both young and old, thrills, excitements, snarling jungle beasts. But under the big top, where Clyde Beatty constantly risks death in the most dangerous act on earth, you see only part of the story.

Much of the real drama takes place behind the scenes of the circus, or in faraway places of the world where this master of the big cats has journeyed, hunting down his beasts in their native jungle.

All of this is part of the wide-baity story. Here in Mr. Beatty's own words is the adventure he calls the King of Clown. The problems of circus people are like those of any group living a community life, except that they live so closely their problems are intensified.

And as a circus owner, I'm constantly being called upon to act as judge, counselor, and even father-confessor. A case in point occurred one evening after the closing performance in one of the larger cities on our tour.

I was stretched on a rub-down table, getting the kinks knocked out of my tired muscles when there was a knock on the door. Yes, who is it? Bob Chase, I see him in time. Can't it wait?

Well... Alright, come on in. The only moment of relaxation I get is during my rub-down, and that's usually the time my dressing room turns into grand central station. Take it easy. You know I wouldn't bother you if it wasn't important.

Not so sure. Okay. Hand me my rope, please. Well, Bob, what's the beef? I'm your law superintendent. If there's nothing in my contract, says I can be abused by a flock of temperamental clowns. Oh, are those primadamas kicking up a fuss again?