Carnival Magic (1981)

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(38 ratings)

Markov the Magnificent (Don Stewart) is a magician in a small circus whose main asset is his talking chimpanzee, Alexander the Great. The magician's life is without any gray clouds; he even has some romantic interests. But then his famous monkey is chimp-napped by the dastardly lion tamer who… More Markov the Magnificent (Don Stewart) is a magician in a small circus whose main asset is his talking chimpanzee, Alexander the Great. The magician's life is without any gray clouds; he even has some romantic interests. But then his famous monkey is chimp-napped by the dastardly lion tamer who intends to hand him over to a doctor for some very nasty experiments. Now Markov has to come up with a plan to save Alexander -- and his livelihood in the bargain. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Directed By: Al Adamson
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1981 Wide
Studio: American Pop Classics

Critic Reviews

Brian Orndorf, BrianOrndorf.com
I'm not suggesting Carnival Magic is a good film, but I will admit to delighting in its peculiar behavior and bootleg turns of plot. Did I mention the talking chimp?
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Mildly interesting low-rent melodrama.

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Eric B

I don't know which is my favorite feature of this film: 1) the totally random moment when a shirtless dwarf says "Hi, Sheriff!" It's his only line. 2) how the carny owner Stoney's mood is indicated by whether he's smoking a cigar or not (cigar = happy).… More
I don't know which is my favorite feature of this film: 1) the totally random moment when a shirtless dwarf says "Hi, Sheriff!" It's his only line. 2) how the carny owner Stoney's mood is indicated by whether he's smoking a cigar or not (cigar = happy). Such a strange film. TCM billed it as a movie for children, but its tone is far too downbeat for kids. And then the talk of vivisection? Oh yes, young Bobby and Sally will love that. The enormous-breasted assistant who spends the whole film spilling out of her top is another problem. Otherwise, lead actor Don Stewart gives a surprisingly solid performance, considering what he has to work with (a terrible script and an equally terrible supporting cast). And the muttering voice of the monkey Alex is actually more "realistic" than you would expect, if you accept the premise of a chimpanzee who has barely crossed over into speech capabilities. On the other hand, the general reaction to a talking monkey (essentially "Oh, neat!") is nothing like what it should be.

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Carnival Magic (1981)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Eric B

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