A circus with its young and old, tired performers, arrives in a small town and erects its tent. They run into some licence trouble which is smoothed out when they persuade a wealthy resident to help them.

The townspeople respond warmly to the spirit and atmosphere of the show. However, the rich resident, who is campaigning for an election, sets up his own town festival. This causes the circus to lose business.

After the performance, the circus company holds a party and the owner vents his rage on the old clown who retorts that nowadays he must play dead in order to remain alive.

The circus strikes tent and the performers, feeling exhausted and exploited, go off in their truck. In contrast, the townspeople remember their visit with great joy.