Carnival Rock (1957)

Carnival Rock (1957). 1h 15m | Approved

“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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eRock tells the story of a Greek carnival show owner named u0026quot;Christyu0026quot; who is deeply in love with Natalie. This would be a nice story except for one thing: itu0026#39;s an imagined May – September romance on Christyu0026#39;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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe 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 Natalieu0026#39;s bouncing neck can make you seasick.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOne definite highlight is Mamie Van Dorenu0026#39;s appearance on the 1987 video release of this movie. She still looks good.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSterno says ignore the carnies sit in for a set.”