After this, Dumbo is given the rather embarrassing role of being painted as a clown, and put into a rather degrading circus act. However, Dumbo trips over his ears, and ends up toppling the stacked elephants, which causes the circus tent to collapse. The elephants climb on top of each other, and the plan is for Dumbo to be launched to the top, holding a little flag. Timothy feels that Dumbo just needs to prove himself, and while the Ringmaster is asleep, whispers the idea for an elaborate performance by the elephants. Dumbo is at first scared of Timothy (as he is a mouse), but Timothy's words of wanting to help get Dumbo's Mother released makes him realize the little mouse also means well. The only one who comes to his aid in friendship is a little mouse named Timothy. After this incident, none of the other elephants show any compassion or want to help Dumbo after his Mother is taken away. This causes Mrs Jumbo to protect her son, but her actions cause the Ringmaster and the other circus people to claim her to be a mad elephant, and she is locked away. However, one young boy makes fun of Dumbo, and also ends up pulling on his ears.

Once the train stops at the next station, the elephants are put on exhibition for a number of people at the circus' first venue. Dumbo's Mother just ignores their taunts and still cares for her child.

Their words take on a different tune as they make fun of the little baby, giving him the ridiculing name of Dumbo. The other female pachyderms are charmed by the little baby, until he sneezes, revealing that he has a pair of oversized ears. In Present Day 1941, as a circus train makes it's way to the first of many show stops, a stork arrives with a baby for one elephant, named Mrs Jumbo.The synopsis below may give away important plot points.

Dumbo 1941