Directed By: Charles Walters
Written By: Helen Deutsch
Based on the story “THE MAN WHO HATED PEOPLE” By: Paul Gallico
Cinematography: Robert Planck
Editor: Ferris Webster
Cast: Leslie Caron, Mel Ferrer, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Jean Pierre Aumont, Kurt Kaszner, Amanda Blake, Alex Gerry, Ralph Dumke
An orphaned young woman becomes part of a puppet act and forms a relationship with the anti-social puppeteer.
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This film will automatically not be for everyone and honestly some might be repulsive, especially the sensibilities of most in modern times. Though for those wanting to get lost in a fantasy of old school filmmaking in its own world. A fairy tale of sorts. We can look at it as different times and what was acceptable at the time. Which doesn’t make it right or wrong.
The Film is very light and more noteworthy for its design under modern eyes.
Either way, it’s a very strange film of its time that offers magical realism with an innocence. Yet approaches adult matters at times. Which can be very dark when it comes to the material
It’s a musical that truly only has two musical sequences. It’s a strange family film that might make adults more uncomfortable, though children might love it. As it comes across as a real world fairy tale
The film is a bit creepy. As usually anything with puppets can be for some. Especially as the puppeteer uses them to distract her and seduce her. It’s where he shows his more sensitive side. Though her believing they are real continuously shows how young she is.
At heart, it’s a film about a man gaslighting and underage girl who’s innocence is shown demeanor, and a baby face
Made Romantic as the puppeteer of the carnival she joins seems to try to save her first from suicide, but also seems to slowly seduce her to teach and save her from her naïveté. Though this is partially in retaliation. As she falls in love so easily with a decent flirty and romantic man. Who earlier saved her from being attacked and taken advantage of.
Though the romantic rival, The Puppeteer is a man scarred by the war and the world becomes More and more bitter. As she seems to not see him at least not the real him only pieces of him that are rough and angry. Though he acts like his feelings are obvious for her. Which only shows that they are not a match if anything due to maturity. That the film Tries to act like she has gained by the end. Making the romance possible.
This is a romantic fantasy truly, but watching it under modern eyes makes it more dastardly if looking at it more critically and under a microscope.
As it is the basis of the stage musical CARNIVAL and won the Oscar for Best Music in 1953.
