This filmed production is based on the London cast of "Barnum" and starred Michael Crawford. The original Broadway production opened at the St. James Theater in New York on April 30, 1980, ran for 854 performances and was nominated for the 1980 Tony Award (New York City) for the Best Musical.
Jim Dale won the 1980 Tony Award (New York City) for Actor in a Musical for "Barnum" in the title role.
Final film of Wendy Toye as a producer.