Fantastic!

I gave this film a 9 out of 10, because it was exactly what I expected it to be.

It is interesting even when nothing much happens, which is for most of its 3-hour running time. Read full review

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Carnival Rock (1957)** (out of 4)Christy Cristakos (David J. Stewart) runs a hip nightclub, which features a lot of rock and roll talent including the beautiful Natalie Cook (Susan Cabot) who Christy has a thing for. The only problem is that she has the hots for Stanley (Brian Hutton), a younger and more hip guy. Soon Christy loses his club to Stanley and this sets him off down a dangerous path.Roger Corman's CARNIVAL ROCK is not a good movie but it's hard not to recommend it because of how strange it is. At first the film starts off in a rather good, fun mood and then, pretty much out of nowhere, it turns into a dark and overly bleak film with an incredibly strange character taking us through all of it. From the title, the poster and the set-up this here just appears to be another one of those rock and roll films from the 1950s where you saw cool people dancing and rocking out. The story itself is pretty basic as the less attractive guy wants the hot girl but she's into the hotter guy. This all changes because the Christy character's mental state is a complete mess and it turns into some sort of dark stalker tale.What's so strange is the fact that the lead performance and character are just downright bizarre to say the least. I'm really not sure if Stewart is really awful in the picture or really great. Remember how some people think Jack Nicholson in THE SHINING is terrific whereas others feel he's over-acting? Well, the same is true here. I really don't know what to make of Stewart's performance but it's really out there and bizarre to say the least. Both Cabot and Hutton are decent in their roles but it's actually Dick Miller who steals the picture with a very good supporting performance.CARNIVAL ROCK was obviously cheaply produced and the rock music in it is rather weak. There's certainly nothing really good about this film but at the same time it's lead character is just so weird and the story takes such a dark turn out of nowhere that you can't help but recommend it.

I must admit that "Carnival Rock" surprised me when I saw it for the first time last night. This film is more of a drama than a rock movie; complete with a pretty good story line and some fine acting. David Stewart plays the role of "Chrisy" Christakos, an owner of a small time carnival who happens to be madly in love with a young girl singer he hired, played nicely by Susan Cabot. The supporting players do a fine job in making this film believable and enjoyable. Musically, there are a few highlights. First, The Platters do one of their hits "Remember When". In this movie, you'll also get a look at the early careers of two singers who went on to fame in country music, Bob Luman and David Houston. Look for a young James Burton (who played lead guitar for Ricky Nelson and Elvis) backing up both Luman and Houston. The only complaint I have is that the producers didn't let these 2 guys sing their entire numbers. In most cases, you'll hear just the first or second half of what sounded to be some great rockabilly songs. "Carnival Rock" is a movie that wanted to go beyond what many rock films of the day were famous for; little or no plot. This film succeed nicely. I recommend it.

Good Music! Good entertainment. Solid little B-picture of a man named Christy whose love for the wrong girl causes him nothing but trouble and heartbreak. Shows how cruel love can be and what it can drive a man to do. Good wholesome entertainment plus it's got Dick Miller which is always a plus!

Yes, Roger Corman made the original Little Shop of Horrors. But he also made such losers as The Undead; The Day the World Ended; The Beast with a Million Eyes; It Conquered the World; and Teenage Caveman. In those movies, Corman used his trademark padding technique -- lots of walking. The only difference is that here he pads his movie with singing. Different padding, same director, same horrifying results.Rock tells the story of a Greek carnival show owner named "Christy" who is deeply in love with Natalie. This would be a nice story except for one thing: it's an imagined May - September romance on Christy's part and Natalie has the hots for another. In fact, Christy ends up being unlucky at love and at cards. Christy portrays a happy-go-lucky attitude even when creditors threaten to take his club away. However, this attitude gives him a sense of delusion that prevents him from seeing things as they really are.The Platters make a cameo in this film, but this is essentially a love story with rockabilly music well packed in throughout. Strangely, Natalie starts out singing Mel Torme-like songs after the viewer is subjected to these Jerry Lee Lewis-wannabes. The music is passable, but Natalie's bouncing neck can make you seasick.One definite highlight is Mamie Van Doren's appearance on the 1987 video release of this movie. She still looks good.Sterno says ignore the carnies sit in for a set.