California. 1958.
Spring is in the air, which can mean only one thing - the circus season is coming.
But for Kal Klondike, the tough and enigmatic owner of Klondike's Circus, it will be a season unlike any other.
With money troubles and an ambitious new schedule to worry about, Klondike's world is turned upside down by a string of unexpected arrivals within his troupe.
A glamorous new public relations guru, a dour financial expert, a super-talented young performer, a crazed saboteur and a mysterious figure from his past are all along for the ride as the circus train sets off for the new season.
Disaster, triumph and a series of spectacular thrills are on the way as the battle to be America's number one circus begins.