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Spangles was adapted by actress Leah Baird from the novel by Nellie Revell, with Revell receiving "star" billing in the credits. Marion Nixon plays the title character, a gorgeous bareback rider with a travelling circus. Spangles falls in love with Dick (Pat O'Malley), a young fugitive from justice who uses the Big Top for a hideout. The wicked circus owner threatens to turn Dick over to authorities unless Spangles promises to marry him. The girl is spared this ignominious fate when the owner is trampled to death by a surly elephant. According to Universal's publicity packet, Spangles was inspired by the career of May Wirth, considered the greatest bareback rider of her time.