Big Top Pee-wee (1988)

Big Top Pee-wee (1988), an American comedy film directed by Randal Kleiser, tells the story of Pee-wee Herman’s life on a farm. Along with his assistant Vance, a talking pig, Pee-wee tends to his crops, daydreams about becoming a famous singer, and shares lunch daily with his fiancée Winnie Johnson, who also happens to be a school teacher. He also conducts agricultural experiments in his secure greenhouse. One day while at Mr. Ryan’s general store, Pee-wee is alerted by the local sheriff about an impending storm. He rushes home to protect his farm animals before taking shelter himself. Once the storm passes, Pee-wee discovers that a traveling circus has landed in his backyard due to the strong winds. He quickly befriends the ringmaster Mace Montana and develops feelings for their star trapeze artist Gina Piccolapupula.

Winnie interrupts Pee-wee’s first kiss with Gina, causing both women to reject him for being unfaithful. He breaks off his engagement with Winnie and convinces Gina that he truly loves her. She warms up to him again and they start a romantic relationship. Despite initially forgiving Pee-wee, Winnie realizes she would rather date all four of Gina’s brothers at once. In an attempt to find his place, Pee-wee joins the circus but struggles to perform any acts. It is then that Gina shares about her late father, Papa Piccolapupula, a renowned aerialist who died while attempting the dangerous ‘Spiral of Death’. She suggests that Pee-wee honor him by attempting the tightrope act. However, the unfriendly town elders are determined to get rid of the circus.