MovieChat Forums > Carnival Magic (1983) Discussion > Thank you, unknown TCM scheduler

Thank you, unknown TCM scheduler

posted 13 years ago by icaredor
7 replies | jump to latest

I feel I must extend my vast gratitude to the TCM scheduler who hauled this movie from oblivion and threw it into the Halloween play mix. Okay, it was shown in the middle of the night as part of a circus tandem with Joan Crawford’s infamous “Berserk,” and Carnival Magic isn’t exactly a horror movie; however, as the scheduler must have realized, it is more terrible than anything else TCM could have offered.

Thanks also to gein of Seattle who inspired me to tape the movie to check it out for myself because his review of it (posted here) sounded so hyperbolic. Now, I appreciate that it was actually meiotic.

A total must see for fans of horrible horror or just horrible movies in general. This film demands a DVD release. You can help by going to TCM to vote for one at http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?stid=484096

[–] yourauntgussie 13 years ago

Hey, I sent a private message to gein because of that howlingly accurate title on the review. I mean, I ask you -- doesn't:

Day of the Escape From Plan 9's Outer Space Carnival of The Apes

sum it up beautifully? It's brilliant.

A former instructor liked to tell us that you could tell a good bit of writing by whether it makes you say, "Damn, I wish I'd written that!" Gein's title does that for me.

dolceri ac dolcere

[–] icaredor 13 years ago

Yes, it is a great title. I don't suppose anyone who's seen even a few of the classically dreadful movies has Plan 9 as worst; it's awful, but so endearing and watchable. Carnival Magic isn't the worst either, although it has left me...I think I can actually finish that sentence with 'flabbergasted.' Hopefully the TCM airing marks a fresh start towards getting this obscure gem the love and abuse it genuinely deserves.

[–] VinnieRattolle 13 years ago

According to Temple of Schlock, it was supposed to be out on DVD this year from a new company called Cultra Video. Since the print TCM aired was virtually flawless (it certainly looked like it had been recently remastered), I'm guessing this is legit, but the releases date has been pushed back (which seems to happen frequently with obscure movies).

http://templeofschlock.blogspot.com/2010/01/four-more-dvds-coming-soon -from-cultra.html

http://templeofschlock.blogspot.com/2010/09/carnival-magic-on-tcm-unde rground-in.html

[–] Bishop_of_Battle 13 years ago

TCM's replaying it next Friday. Head's up for anyone that missed it.

[–] varga-2 13 years ago

I watching it again (March, 19, 2011) and I can only echo the sentiments of icaredor "Thank you, unknown TCM scheduler". I don't know who is making the schedule for "TCM Underground" but you are AMAZING!!! In fact TCM in general is FANTASTIC!! Keep up the great job :)

[–] msdemos 13 years ago

I too have just seen this on TCM and have come here, somewhat in shock, trying to comprehend just what it was that I saw (the three letters, 'WTF?', flashing constantly in my mind the entire time I watched it).

As odd, as comical, as out there as this film was, I have to say that in the end, I WAS completely charmed by the earnestness of this strangely fascinating little flick.

What is it about some inept films that somehow find a way to entertain, while others remain as worthless as the strip of celluloid they are printed on?

Somewhere, Ed Wood would be proud!

One question though.........anybody know what ended up happening to the (apparently) planned sequel, "More Carnival Magic", that this film advertises at the end???

SAVE FERRIS

[–] tody711 13 years ago

I kept watching it with one eye closed cause I was sure some monster would pop out and kill them all. Maybe the chimp would run amok and kill them... A very quirky little movie... But please no more ...