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Circus 1 Trivia Quiz

Here is a quiz relating to one of America's favorite pastimes. Good luck.

A multiple-choice quiz by steiny1. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
steiny1

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
77,117

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Difficult

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
1287

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. John Wayne appeared in which of the following circus movies? Hint

The Circus

Circus World

The Circus Clown

Circus of Fear

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Question 2 of 10

2. In what year was Clown College found? Hint

1968

1970

1965

1973

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Question 3 of 10

3. Which of the following were NOT part of earlier circuses? Hint

Equestrian performances

Wild animal acts

Juggling

Flying Trapeze

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Question 4 of 10

4. What President reportedly attended a Rickett's Circus and sold the company a horse? Hint

Jefferson

Washington

John Adams

John Quincy Adams

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Question 5 of 10

5. In which city was the first circus in the United States? Hint

Philadelphia

Boston

New York

Washington D.C.

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Question 6 of 10

6. Larry Harmon introduced what clown in the early 1950s? Hint

Buttons

Willy the Tramp

Clarabell

Bozo

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Question 7 of 10

7. Where does the word 'circus' come from? Hint

Latin

French

German

English

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Question 8 of 10

8. Where was the first modern circus staged? Hint

New York City

Madrid

Paris

London

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Question 9 of 10

9. When are circus tents believed to have come into use? Hint

1600s

1800s

1700s

1900s

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Question 10 of 10

10. Who played 'Buttons' the clown in the Oscar winning movie 'The Greatest Show On Earth'? Hint

Red Buttons

Jimmy Stewart

Red Skelton

Soupy Sales

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. John Wayne appeared in which of the following circus movies?

Answer: Circus World

This was a 1964 movie made in Spain. It co-starred Claudia Cardinale, Rita Hayworth and Lloyd Nolan.

2. In what year was Clown College found?

Answer: 1968

It was founded in Sarasota, Florida by theatrical promoter, Irvin Feld. It is open from July to September and as of 1999 has graduated more than 1200 students.The official name is Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College.

3. Which of the following were NOT part of earlier circuses?

Answer: Flying Trapeze

Although aerobatic acts were part of the circus the flying trapeze did not come about until 1859.

4. What President reportedly attended a Rickett's Circus and sold the company a horse?

Answer: Washington

According to reports this took place in 1797.

5. In which city was the first circus in the United States?

Answer: Philadelphia

In 1792, it was introduced by John Bill Ricketts an English equestrian.

6. Larry Harmon introduced what clown in the early 1950s?

Answer: Bozo

Buttons was the clown in 'The Greatest Show On Earth' and Clarabell was the clown on the 'Howdy Doody Show'.

7. Where does the word 'circus' come from?

Answer: Latin

It is from the Latin word for circle or ring.

8. Where was the first modern circus staged?

Answer: London

In 1768 by Philip Astley who performed as a trick rider.

9. When are circus tents believed to have come into use?

Answer: 1700s

One ring circus tents first appeared in France in the 1790s.

10. Who played 'Buttons' the clown in the Oscar winning movie 'The Greatest Show On Earth'?

Answer: Jimmy Stewart

Buttons was a murderer disguised as a clown traveling with the circus to avoid being arrested.

Source: Author steiny1

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor kyleisalive before going online.
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