Circus Boy
Circus Boy is an American western adventure Children's [television series|family] television series that aired in prime time on NBC, and then on ABC, from 1956 to 1957. It was then rerun by NBC on Saturday mornings, from 1958 to 1960.
Summary
Set in the late 1890s, the title of the series refers to a boy named Corky. After his parents, "The Flying Falcons," were killed in a trapeze accident, young Corky was adopted by Joey the Clown, and the whole Burke and Walsh Circus family. When school was brought up for Corky, Joey said he was a school teacher for many years before joining the circus and could easily handle his education.The young boy quickly found a role with the circus as water boy to Bimbo, a baby elephant whom Corky would come to consider his pet. Riding Bimbo's back, Corky dealt with adolescent problems, and helped the show's adults including Joey, owner/promoter Big Tim Champion and head canvasman Pete, keep the circus successful as the traveling show moved from town to town each week.
Outside of an elephant being the animal companion, the series was similar to popular "boy and his dog" shows of the time, such as Lassie/Jeff's Collie, and The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin.
Unusually, the opening credits billed the regular actors by their character names, rather than their own names.
Cast
First episode guest stars
The following cast appeared in the debut episode only. Several sources erroneously list these three, as well as Billy Barty from Episodes 1 and 2, as series regulars.| Actor | Role |
| Leo Gordon | Hank Miller |
| Eddie Marr | Barker |
| Olin Howlin | Swifty |