1.   Born in Smolensk, Nikulin got his start as a circus clown and has often been referred to as the grandfather of the Russian circus.

2.   But his ability to catch a pass also catches the eye of a Russian circus owner who decides the dog will revive her dwindling attendance.

3.   But with so many performers heading for the exit, some experts have begun to question whether the Russian circus can continue to wow the critics.

4.   Cash-strapped Russian circuses are not unknown in this part of the world either.

5.   For years the frustrated musician languished in such bogus gigs as playing backup for the visiting Russian circus.

6.   Nora Dunn and Perry Anzilotti make like Boris and Natasha as a couple of evil Russian circus wranglers.

7.   Poor ticket sales were just the beginning of a dispiriting American run for a renowned Russian circus that moved here envisioning a permanent one.

8.   Russian drinking, these critics say, is about as subtle as a Russian circus, and Russian circuses dote on costumed bears riding tiny motorcycles.

9.   Then, just before the big game, the Russian circus duo finally capture Buddy to star in their show.

10.   They toured the countryside, saw a Russian circus and visited a town on the Finland border.