Noun

Singular medicine show

Plural medicine shows

medicine show (plural medicine shows)

1. A traveling presentation which sells miracle cures and other products between various entertainment acts.

Medicine shows were traveling horse and wagon teams which peddled miracle medications and other products between various entertainment acts. Their precise origins unknown, medicine shows were common in the 19th century United States (though they continued up to World War II). They are most commonly associated with 'miracle elixers' (referred to as snake oil), which, it was claimed, had the ability to cure any disease, smooth wrinkles, remove stains, prolong life or cure any number of common ailments. Entertainment often included a freak show, a flea circus, musical acts, magic tricks, jokes, or storytelling. In essence, the medicine show was the model for commercial radio and television – free entertainment interspersed with commercial pitches.

History

Origins

While showmen pitching miraculous cures have been around since classical times, the advent of mixed performance and medicine sales in western culture originated during the Dark Ages of Europe after circuses and theatres were banned and performers had only the marketplace or patrons for support. Medicine shows flourished in the late 1800s, particularly in the midwestern United States and the rural South. They had their origin in the patent medicine vendors who set up booths at local fairs in Colonial America. As early as 1773 laws were being passed against their excesses.

Federal Legislation