Watch The Sawdust Ring

The Sawdust Ring is a classic silent film from 1917 starring Bessie Love, Harold Goodwin, and Jack Richardson. The film tells the story of a young woman named Cap, played by Bessie Love, who dreams of becoming an acrobat in the circus. However, her father disapproves of her aspirations and wants her to marry into wealth and leave the circus life behind.

Despite her father's wishes, Cap continues to pursue her dreams and joins a traveling circus. Along the way, she meets and falls in love with Bert, an aspiring clown played by Harold Goodwin. Together, they work hard and become stars of the show, performing death-defying stunts and captivating audiences with their charm and bravery.

However, their happiness is short-lived when another member of the circus, a jealous performer named Lupo, played by Jack Richardson, begins to sabotage their acts, putting their lives in danger. Cap and Bert must fight to overcome Lupo's treachery and save the show from ruin.

As the film unfolds, we see the struggles and triumphs of the circus life, from the excitement of performing daring feats to the harsh realities of financial hardship and personal sacrifice. The characters are full of life and energy, bringing the spectacle of the circus to life on the screen.

Bessie Love delivers a standout performance as Cap, portraying her character with a determined spirit and a fierce sense of independence. Harold Goodwin is equally charming as Bert, bringing a lighthearted sense of humor to the film. Jack Richardson delivers a convincing turn as the scheming Lupo, creating a believable antagonist for the story.

The film is directed by Henry King, who would go on to become a major Hollywood director, responsible for films such as Jesse James and In Old Chicago. His direction of The Sawdust Ring is accomplished and engaging, capturing the action and emotion of the story with an eye for detail and a sense of style.

The Sawdust Ring is a true classic of the silent film era, capturing the magic and excitement of the circus in a way that only the movies can. Its themes of perseverance, love, and loyalty still resonate today, making it a timeless story that continues to entertain audiences of all ages.