Load of rubbish!!

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

When it came to short films, Warner Brothers was best known for their Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoon series that were released in theatres way back when. They've released other shorts as well, but this one is rather special. Why? It got the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" treatment."Circus on Ice" is a 1954 live-action short based on the 40th annual Carnival of the Toronto Skating Club (thanks Canada) showcasing the different talents that the group has done at the event...and that's pretty much it. Nothing else. There isn't a whole lot I can say about it, except that it's just as exciting as watching a figure skating competition on television, which is not that exciting...at all. Even the rather stupid narration from Ken Davey isn't entertaining. James A. Fitzpatrick, he isn't (look him up if you don't know who I'm talking about).The short, despite originally being from the 1950's, is practically a waste of film. No one really gets anything from it, and is just a straight-up bore to watch, even if it's only 8 minutes long. One the bright side, it made good MST3K fodder, so if you really want to see the short for yourself, watch the MST3K episode featuring 1965's "Monster-A- Go-Go".

This is a horrible promo film for a Toronto ice show from 1954. I offer this review split twain, between the actual promo (which, as far as I can see, cannot be found on video), and the Mystery Science Theater 3000 treatment of this film (which CAN be found, and is hilarious).First, the straight promo: Toronto is/was apparently really happy with ice rink shows (this was mid 50's. I don't know if this has changed). Secondly, it invokes circus affection, of which I have none. And if people love the exploitation and beating of circus animals, well I can't help you with your animal abuse impulses. The real filming of this in the 1950's was before the horrible treatment of circus animals was even discussed or revealed. Now we know, so open season on those folks. Just a horrible promo.Now, onto the MST3k version, which, in my opinion is the 2nd funniest short they ever did (Mr. B Natural is 1st). ANIMAL ABUSE ON ICE!!!!!! You folks that aren't familiar with Mystery Science Theater 3000 will probably have no clue, but trust me, this is a good reason to find MST3k. You have to be born between 1950 and 1980, and even if you are, you might not get it. But witness as the gut-shot, dying fawn, skates over her own entrails.............. See it to know the funny...........It's horrid as a promo, but it's GREAT as MST Fodder.See it if you can.

*SPOILERS On Ice*Can someone explain me the appeal of a circus on ice??? Especially the one depicted in this short.Yes, basically the title is the synopsis.A circus.On ice.Big woop-de-doo.But what's worse, is seeing the sheer idiocy of this short which is unashamedly trying to sell us gold-painted crap.Thank God for the MST3K guys, which have given new life to this... as a comedy.Especially memorable is the song which Crow sings about two pink-wearing female skaters:These two girls, they make quite a pair, they will come from your worst nightmare, they will haunt you, so forever, and now, when you see pink, you're gonna think... WE'RE DOOMED! They are agents of Satan...Circus On Ice: 1/10

The boys from MST3K once again managed to make the unwatchable watchable. Unfortunately, Circus On Ice is just some lame promo for a "new and revolutionary ice-skating show!!!" In other words, enough to make your skin crawl. Only worth checking out if you're into MST3K, otherwise read a book.