Carny

1980 • 105 minutes

About this movie

Frankie (Gary Busey) and Patch (Robbie Robertson) have a system. Frankie wears clown makeup and sits in the dunk-tank cage, howling insults at midway passersby. Patch is out front collecting dollars from marks eager to make Frankie and his big mouth take a dive. It's a good town-to-town living for the two pals. Then Donna (Jodie Foster) came along. A charismatic star trio energizes this grit-and-glitter slice of carnival life that's as atmospheric as a stroll down midway USA. Indeed, music man Robertson, who co-produced and penned the story on which the screenplay was based, once worked as a carny. He and his collaborators ensure that time spent with the impressive sights and unique personalities of this traveling show will be downright unforgettable.

Ratings and reviews

3 1/2 ⭐ First time I saw this. I was kind of expecting more of a 'Bronco Billy' experience but ended up closer to 'The Funhouse.' Busey's clown make-up kept reminding me of 'The Warriors.' Jodie Foster is really pretty in this. Still very young and very attractive, playing a fresh faced nymphet, whom the entire male & female population of the carnival wants a piece of that action. This is definately slow going viewing, dramatic and sleazy but worth a rental if you're interested

Gary Busey fills the clown part just awesome. The movie could've been deeper with the story line but its good as it already is. I dont like like writing spoilers so I'm going to stop it here. I've seen the movie a few times. Definitely worth giving a try

Im a carney.i got 40+ years driving trucks down the road.some of this movie is straight on. But some parts are way wrong.Its all about getting that $$.robbing the suckers that come .the dont do,be a ride jock.the games are where u wanna go.but after the 90$. Stay home its not worth going out.much has changed for the worse.trust me.i know.