Read the trivia for the back story. The real story is that dreams are important. Big Tim believes that the circus is no place for an orphan kid. He needs to have an education and family. Somehow putting Corky in an orphanage is no way for him to have a family. And Joey the clown is providing the education. He had been a teacher and brought his class to see the show. The class went home but Joey stayed behind and joined. Joey said he knew his heart was with the circus; and more important Corky is the heart of this circus and everyone there is his family.
Swifty, the crooked circus hawker Big Tim fired, arranges for Big Tim to be jumped. And although Big Tim puts up a good fight, he is outnumbered. But Corky arrives yelling "Hey Rube" (Circus slang for get help) and brings the circus behind him. The gang takes off. Big Tim realizes that Corky really is the heart of the circus, and as his dream is either to grow up in the circus or not grow up at all, then Corky will get his chance. The dream of every kid begins.
Swifty, the crooked circus hawker Big Tim fired, arranges for Big Tim to be jumped. And although Big Tim puts up a good fight, he is outnumbered. But Corky arrives yelling "Hey Rube" (Circus slang for get help) and brings the circus behind him. The gang takes off. Big Tim realizes that Corky really is the heart of the circus, and as his dream is either to grow up in the circus or not grow up at all, then Corky will get his chance. The dream of every kid begins.
