Carnival Story

Carnival Story is a 1954 film starring Anne Baxter and Steve Cochran. The film was set in a circus which was filmed in Munich and Bavaria. Grayson's travelling carnival comes to Munich with acts that include high-dive artist Frank Collini (Lyle Bettger) and strongman Groppo. A local girl named Willi (Anne Baxter) picks the pocket of Joe (Steve Cochran) who works for the carnival, and she ends up being offered a job. Joe makes romantic gestures toward Willi, who tries to resist him but is unable to do so. Collini (Frank Bettger) asks if she would like to become part of his act and he winds up proposing marriage to Willi on her first night as part of the show. The two (Joe and Willi), now known as the Great Collinis' grow in fame, but tragedy strikes on the rung of a high-dive ladder. Willi inherits a great deal of money after the accident, but it is stolen from her by Joe. Joe admits causing the carnival tragedy and Willi attacks him. The ending is superb involving a ferris wheel. You must watch this classic movie to see how the ending unfolds. This is a classic film for any aficionado's collection. (95 minutes - 1954 - Color - 4:3)