Carny 1980. Bit of a obscurity this one, I only recall this being on Tv once, in the early 80s. Its mainly known for it being a early Jodie Foster movie. Foster plays Donna fleeing her dead job as a waitress to join two hustlers from the carnival Gary Busey and Robbie Robertson. Falling for the Busey character, who plays the carnival dunk tank Bozo the clown, he sits in a cage,, hurling abuse at punters, who throw balls at a target, which if successful dumps in the water. Below.
Robertson the more astute partner runs all the other hustle, he is the brains and muscle on site. Invariably Foster, has to pay her way. After failing as a stripper. She is caught by Busey with Robertson, mayhem kicks in. The local heavy's claiming protection money, smash the place up.
Just like the film freaks, the carnival people protect their own and scam the local hoods. Not telling you how, because that would be a spoiler!
It is a gem, and if you get chance to watch it, mainly for the three stars and to see how good they are together. Foster plays the awkward yet sexy teenager that she played so well, Busey verbose and friendly and Robertson is a revelation. His laconic performance steals the show. It is amazing that he didn't have more attempts at acting, but fronting the Band and producing music for Scorsese (?) must have been enough.
An unpolished gem 8/10.
Robertson the more astute partner runs all the other hustle, he is the brains and muscle on site. Invariably Foster, has to pay her way. After failing as a stripper. She is caught by Busey with Robertson, mayhem kicks in. The local heavy's claiming protection money, smash the place up.
Just like the film freaks, the carnival people protect their own and scam the local hoods. Not telling you how, because that would be a spoiler!
It is a gem, and if you get chance to watch it, mainly for the three stars and to see how good they are together. Foster plays the awkward yet sexy teenager that she played so well, Busey verbose and friendly and Robertson is a revelation. His laconic performance steals the show. It is amazing that he didn't have more attempts at acting, but fronting the Band and producing music for Scorsese (?) must have been enough.
An unpolished gem 8/10.