Well Greatest Show on Earth was the first movie I ever saw, as well, Mr. Spielberg. I'll never forget the train wreck action sequence. And if anybody knows the details of how it was filmed, I sure wish they'd enlighten me. What kind of model train? Lionel? O Gage? Was it filmed directly on the destination format of 35 mm, or first in 16 mm and then transferred? Was the smoke from the locomotive added with matted animation or is that a rotoscope? How much was the camera overcranked? Did lens choice play a role in producing the effect?

The talented schemers who did the work are probably all deceased now. But if anyone knows these insider secrets, I'd love to be informed. jayguy@comcast.net