Question 1

What real-life circus disasters are referenced in the film?

Accepted Answer

The circus owner mentions the Hagenbeck-Wallace wreck of 1918, which killed 86 people, and the Hartford fire of 1944, which killed 169 people.

Question 2

How were the circus wagons in the movie historically authentic?

Accepted Answer

Almost all circus wagon carts were original from Ringling Brothers shows, loaned by the Circus World Museum in Wisconsin and later returned.

Question 3

What personal tragedy affected Hal Holbrook during filming?

Accepted Answer

Hal Holbrook had been recently widowed in real life when he filmed his scenes for the movie.

Question 4

What made the love scene between Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson unpleasant?

Accepted Answer

Robert Pattinson had a bad cold with green, infectious snot during the love scene, which Reese Witherspoon found disgusting.

Question 5

What is the central conflict for Jacob in the story?

Accepted Answer

Jacob, a veterinary student, joins a circus as an animal caretaker but faces a dilemma when he becomes transfixed by Marlena, a married performer.

Question 6

What real-life circus disasters are referenced in the film?

Accepted Answer

The circus owner mentions the Hagenbeck-Wallace wreck of 1918, which killed 86 people, and the Hartford fire of 1944, which killed 169 people.

Question 7

How were the circus wagons in the movie authentic?

Accepted Answer

Almost all circus wagon carts were original from Ringling Brothers shows, loaned by the Circus World Museum in Wisconsin and returned after filming.

Question 8

What personal challenge did Hal Holbrook face during filming?

Accepted Answer

Hal Holbrook had been recently widowed in real life when he filmed his scenes.

Question 9

What made the love scene between Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson unpleasant?

Accepted Answer

Robert Pattinson had a bad cold with green, infectious snot during the scene, which Reese Witherspoon found disgusting, and he apologized for it.

Question 10

What is the central conflict for Jacob in the story?

Accepted Answer

Jacob, a veterinary student, joins a circus as an animal caretaker but faces a dilemma when he becomes transfixed by Marlena, a married performer.

Water for Elephants

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