Carnival
"Chick" Thompson is a puppet-master in a traveling carnival whose wife dies in childbirth and leaves him with an infant son he names "Poochy." His father-in-law and the baby's grandfather sues him for custody of the baby and Chick takes his son and hides out for a couple of years. He joins his former assistants, Daisy and "Fingers", in a circus act only to find that the persistent grandfather is still on his trail.
Insights
Plot Summary
The story follows a young woman who leaves her small town to pursue her dreams in the city. She finds work at a traveling carnival, where she falls for a charismatic roustabout. However, her ambitions and the harsh realities of carnival life soon clash, leading to a dramatic confrontation and a difficult choice about her future.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Carnival' received a mixed to positive reception. Critics often highlighted Ann Sothern's performance and the film's somewhat melodramatic but engaging portrayal of carnival life. While not considered a major critical success, it was seen as a solid studio picture with effective performances and a compelling narrative.
What Reviewers Say
- Ann Sothern's performance is often cited as a strong point.
- The film effectively captures the atmosphere of a traveling carnival.
- Some found the melodrama a bit overwrought, while others appreciated the emotional core.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews for 'Carnival' (1935) is not readily available in a consolidated format.
Fun Fact
The film marked one of Ann Sothern's early leading roles, showcasing her potential for dramatic and romantic performances before she became more widely known for her comedic roles.
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