Mickey's Circus Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Mickey's Circus.
Mickey's Circus Ending Explained: Mickey is ringmaster of a circus for orphans. Directed by Ben Sharpsteen, this 1936 animation film stars Walt Disney (Mickey Mouse (voice) (uncredited)), alongside Clarence Nash as Donald Duck (voice) (uncredited). With a 6.3/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Mickey's Circus?
Mickey is ringmaster of a circus for orphans. Donald has a trained sea lion act, and does a bit of juggling himself. Mostly, though, he fights with a baby sea lion who keeps stealing both the fish and the show. Donald then finds himself and Mickey in an unrehearsed high wire act, which kicks into high gear when one of the orphans electrifies the wire. They end by doing a high dive into the seals' tank.
Ben Sharpsteen's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Walt Disney (Mickey Mouse (voice) (uncredited))'s journey. Donald has a trained sea lion act, and does a bit of juggling himself.
How Does Walt Disney (Mickey Mouse (voice) (uncredited))'s Story End?
- Walt Disney: Walt Disney's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Clarence Nash (Donald Duck (voice) (uncredited)): Clarence Nash's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
What Does the Ending of Mickey's Circus Mean?
Mickey's Circus's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Walt Disney may feel rushed. Ben Sharpsteen's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.