Only Roger Corman could take a title like Carnival Rock and turn it into a good movie. Carnival Rock was one of nine movies that Corman would direct and release in 1957. It takes place largely in a rock and roll nightclub located on a carnival pier. Of the film's 75 minute running time, at least half of it is comprised of musical performances by rock groups. The actual storyline follows the club's owner, Christy, as he struggles to keep his club from falling into the hands of debt collectors and rival businessmen. Christy is madly in love with the club's star, Natalie Cook, but she refuses to return his affections. Instead, she is smitten with Stanley, a stone-faced businessman who is determined to own Christy's club. The plot is standard melodramatic fluff up until the mid-point when Stanley manages to manipulate Christy into betting away his club by challenging his affections for Natalie. They play a simple game that involves cutting a deck of cards where whoever draws the highest wins. Taking part in the bet seems like an insanely idiotic choice on Christy's part. But what can he do? He's in love. This may sound corny, but this entire sequence contains a surprising amount of genuine pathos. I was amazed by how much I actually cared about Christy and his plight. This made it all the more tragic when Christy is forced to become the carnival's clown and get mocked nightly by customers. When Christy finally snaps, I found myself rooting for him! But let's look beyond the plot for a second. I mentioned that a good portion of this film was comprised of musical performances. In many cheap B-movies, this can come as a death sentence. Who can forget legendary composer John Williams' attempt at writing rock music with "Rock Rock Candy Baby" in Lou Place's Daddy-O (1958) or Arch Hall Jr.'s constant insipid mewling in Eegah (1962)? But you know what? The performers in Carnival Rock are...pretty damn good! At one point, legendary R&B pioneers The Platters appear and sing a number! The PLATTERS! So I would recommend Carnival Rock. It's got a firm plot and a swinging soundtrack. I wish I could say the same for the rest of Corman's 1957 films. I'm looking at YOU Attack of the Crab Monsters.
7/10
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