As the houselights dim in the Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery, the ! ringmaster's voice rattles the rafters: "Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages! Producer Kenneth Feld proudly presents the 119th edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Greatest Show on Earth! Take one! We're rolling! Lights! Camera! Action!" But wait -- what kind of show is this? Flickering lights in Ring 2 reveal a scene right out of a silent film. Two Keystone Kop cars have collided, while clowns dressed as cops and criminals strike up a dance.
"Hold it! Cut!" bellows the ringmaster. "That's not what...