Watch Billy Rose's Jumbo

Billy Rose's Jumbo is a 1962 American musical film directed by Charles Walters and starring Doris Day, Jimmy Durante, and Stephen Boyd. The movie is a love story that follows a struggling circus owner named Pop Wonder (Durante) and his daughter Kitty (Day). Pop is trying to keep his business running, but he is constantly facing financial troubles. When the circus gets an opportunity to perform at a prestigious venue, it seems like their luck has finally turned around. However, their star attraction, Jumbo the elephant, causes problems that threaten to derail their success. As the circus travels to their next performance, Kitty meets a charming and wealthy businessman named Sam Rawlins (Boyd). The two quickly fall in love, but Sam's high-society parents disapprove of the match. Despite this, Kitty and Sam continue their romance, causing tension between the two families. Meanwhile, Pop struggles to find a way to keep the circus afloat. He comes up with a plan to have Jumbo perform a trick that he believes will save their business. However, this plan ultimately puts Jumbo in danger, and it is up to Kitty and Sam to save the beloved elephant. The film is filled with lively musical numbers, including the popular song "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World," which was originally written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for their Broadway musical "Jumbo." The film also features Durante's famous catchphrase "Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are," which he had been using on his radio show for years. The movie was produced by MGM and was one of the studio's most expensive productions at the time, with a budget of over $5 million. Despite this, the film was not a financial success and received mixed reviews from critics. However, it has since become a cult classic and is beloved by fans of musicals and Doris Day. Day, who was known for her sunny and wholesome on-screen persona, shines in the role of Kitty, bringing both charm and vulnerability to the character. Durante, a veteran entertainer, steals the show as the lovable but beleaguered Pop Wonder. Boyd, who was best known for his dramatic roles, surprises audiences with his singing and dancing abilities. Overall, Billy Rose's Jumbo is a fun and entertaining musical that will delight fans of the genre. While it may not be remembered as one of the great musicals of the era, it is still a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate classic Hollywood charm and an uplifting story.