An American carnival in Germany sets the scene for sin, sex and melodrama.An American carnival in Germany sets the scene for sin, sex and melodrama.An American carnival in Germany sets the scene for sin, sex and melodrama.
Ady Berber
- Groppo the Wildman
- (as Adi Berber)
Amalie Lindinger
- The Fat Lady
- (uncredited)
Ly Maria
- The Snake Lady
- (uncredited)
Jacob Möslacher
- Self - Interpreter
- (uncredited)
Josef Schneider
- The Sword-swallower
- (uncredited)
Anni Trautner
- The Bearded Lady
- (uncredited)
Jadin Wong
- The Chinese Dancer
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis was filmed simultaneously in a German language version, Circus of Love (1954). The cast of the German version can be seen in uncredited cameo appearances in the English language version, and vice versa.
- GoofsJoe didn't realize until shortly after Willie picked his pocket that his wallet was missing so would have not known it was Willie who stole it and therefore would not be able to pick her out in the crowd. Also when he confronts her, he would not have known where she hid his wallet.
- Alternate versionsSimultaneously shot in two versions; the German language version, Circus of Love (1954), stars Curd Jürgens, Eva Bartok and Bernhard Wicki.
- ConnectionsAlternate-language version of Circus of Love (1954)
- SoundtracksRing Down the Curtain
Written by Willy Schmidt-Gentner, Pony Sherrell, Philip Moody
Featured review
Modest Melodrama
Unpretentious describes this film production fairly well. But that's consistent with the setting: a small, insular world, wherein a variety of atypical and colorful people move in and out of scenes, as the plot dictates. These people, for the most part, are tricksters and hangers-on whose only claim to fame relates to some physical trait, or some bizarre gift or craft.
More talented than most is Frank (Lyle Bettger) who high dives into a burning tank of water. Then there's Joe (Steve Cochran), an announcer who tries to convince attendees to part with a few cents, to see the magic of the headless wonder, or some such. But one of Joe's attendees, a young, attractive woman named Willie (Anne Baxter), follows Joe to a snack stand, whereupon she proceeds to swipe Joe's wallet from his back pocket. With his money, she buys some food. But he catches her. And in so doing, he takes a liking to her. She's destitute, you see, and shapely. And she'll do anything to make some money, even if it's just wash dishes in the carnival's kitchen.
That's the setup for this modest melodrama, wherein Willie learns about life in the circus and, in the process, finds that love can be confusing with so many guys attracted to her. At one point, she concedes hopelessly: "I don't know what love is". Will things work out for Willie? Will she find true, lasting love?
"Carnival Story" is largely a cinematic vehicle for Anne Baxter. I've always liked her. But in this film she overacts a lot. Steve Cochran gives a more relaxed, naturalistic performance, as does Lyle Bettger. Tension derives from Frank's high-dive act, and the rivalry among the various guys drawn to Willie. The film's visuals are acceptable, if unremarkable. Sets seem realistic. Toward the end, the plot trends melodramatically hokey.
A prospective viewer needs to keep expectations reasonably low for this film. It's got melodrama and tension. It's got several fine actors. It's got an unusual setting. And that may be enough, for this small, low-concept story.
More talented than most is Frank (Lyle Bettger) who high dives into a burning tank of water. Then there's Joe (Steve Cochran), an announcer who tries to convince attendees to part with a few cents, to see the magic of the headless wonder, or some such. But one of Joe's attendees, a young, attractive woman named Willie (Anne Baxter), follows Joe to a snack stand, whereupon she proceeds to swipe Joe's wallet from his back pocket. With his money, she buys some food. But he catches her. And in so doing, he takes a liking to her. She's destitute, you see, and shapely. And she'll do anything to make some money, even if it's just wash dishes in the carnival's kitchen.
That's the setup for this modest melodrama, wherein Willie learns about life in the circus and, in the process, finds that love can be confusing with so many guys attracted to her. At one point, she concedes hopelessly: "I don't know what love is". Will things work out for Willie? Will she find true, lasting love?
"Carnival Story" is largely a cinematic vehicle for Anne Baxter. I've always liked her. But in this film she overacts a lot. Steve Cochran gives a more relaxed, naturalistic performance, as does Lyle Bettger. Tension derives from Frank's high-dive act, and the rivalry among the various guys drawn to Willie. The film's visuals are acceptable, if unremarkable. Sets seem realistic. Toward the end, the plot trends melodramatically hokey.
A prospective viewer needs to keep expectations reasonably low for this film. It's got melodrama and tension. It's got several fine actors. It's got an unusual setting. And that may be enough, for this small, low-concept story.
helpful•73
- Lechuguilla
- Mar 14, 2010
- How long is Carnival Story?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Backfire
- Filming locations
- Munich Railway Station, Munich, Bavaria, Germany(train station dock in the opening scene; exterior later, as the loudspeaker announces a departure to Frankfurt)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 35 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content