Is ‘The Greatest Showman’ Movie Based On A True Story?

Hugh Jackman stars as P.T. Barnum in the musical movie “The Greatest Showman,” which is out in theaters today (Dec. 20). While the film is inspired by the real-life Barnum and his creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, the film takes a few liberties along the way.

So, yes, to put it simply, “The Greatest Showman” is based on a true story. But, it’s not all true, it glosses over some things, and leaves other aspects out. Let’s break it down.

While Barnum really did put together the circus and all the attractions that come with it, he didn’t do it in as nice of a manner as showcased in the film, according to the Star Tribune.

During his career in the mid-19th century, Barnum inhumanely exploited animals and used people with certain genetic conditions as marvels to be stared at by guests. He also purchased an elderly slave to pose as the over 160-year-old former nurse of the George Washington.

In the movie, though, Barnum’s portrayed as a lovable businessman who just wishes to provide for his family. He’s seen as admirable and kind, from being a family man to his blood and marital relatives, as well as being a family man to the surrogate family he creates by bringing together outcasts and giving them a place to belong.

Also, the film covers a lot, from Barnum’s beginnings to his journey creating his circus to the growth of his show, moving from event to event, but it doesn’t showcase the controversy that surrounded it all, according to Culture Map, especially the modern-day company that was built from it. In the film, Barnum treats his show elephants in not the best manner, which is done with CGI, but there’s no one there wondering about any consequences that might come from it, whether in present time, in the near or distant future.

Then there’s the obvious, which is that this film is a musical and life, sadly, is not. Despite some of these overall differences, the one thing that’s for sure real is that this film makes a musical spectacle of a man who created one of the grandest spectacles of them all.

“The Greatest Showman” is now playing in theaters.