Supporting characters are too hastily sketched in, serving only to further the unsmooth course of true love.

There's no doubting the luscious detail and feel for the period, but the love triangle that inevitable kicks in is a little too rote, even for those in a forgiving mood.

I think it's maybe the best circus movie since The Greatest Show on Earth.

With a bit more style and realism, the film could have been something truly great; however, in this case, good is just good enough.