Film Overview"The Roustabout" (also known as "The Rousters: Slade") is a television motion picture released in 1983. The action-adventure film was directed by E.W. Swackhamer and written by Stephen J. Cannell. It centers around the Cavendish household, who are modern-day bounty hunters in the American West and also run a carnival, the 'Slade's Wonderful World of Fun.' The film stars Chad Everett, Jim Varney, and Tim Thomerson.
Plot SummaryThe cavalcade called 'Slade's Wonderful World of Fun' has a rich history of Wild West legends, and the late patriarch of the household, Wyatt Earp III, even claimed to be a descendant of the initial Wyatt Earp. Now, his kids, Wyatt (Chad Everett) and Evan Earp (Tim Thomerson), continue the family business of carnival running and bounty hunting. Wyatt is the calm, level-headed brother, deeply rooted in the family's legacy and custom. Evan, on the other hand, is the careless bro, constantly ready for a battle or an obstacle. Candi Cavendish (Mimi Rogers), another sibling, works as the moll in the sideshow however imagine a genuine theater.
Along with running the carnival, the family also acts as bounty hunters, finding wrongdoers and scalawags in the very same custom as their well-known ancestor. Together with Colonel Blackie (Max Baer Jr.), they break cases and combat bad men, all the while handling the carnival. The family crowns every effective arrest on their Bounty Board, which also doubles as a monolith to their legendary ancestry.
Extra Characters and Elements"The Roustabout" is filled with a vibrant ensemble of quirky characters like the sweet and adorable con-man, Virgil (Howard Morris); the faithful and ever-engaging Delores (Brandis Kemp); the bumbling and dimwitted Arnold (Daniel Frishman); and their knowledgeable and long-tongued parrot, Gandalf II.
Despite the darker elements of the story-- with hardened criminals and dangerous confrontations-- the film keeps a general light-hearted and comical tone. The folk tunes by Hoyt Axton contribute to the vibrant and eccentric environment of the carnival and accent the explosive network of plots and sub-plots within the story.
Legacy and Reception"The Roustabout" struggled in terms of viewership and rapidly ended up being a forgotten television movie. Regardless of this, it acted as the pilot for "The Rousters", a series that followed the junction of bounty searching and carnival life. However, the show lasted only one season and was likewise met with blended evaluations. Yet, the movie and the subsequent series are known for their slapstick humor and special concept of combining elements of the Wild West with modern bounty hunting.
ConclusionIn conclusion, "The Roustabout" is a film rich in Wild West mythos, carnival color, and drama. It captures the essence of a forgotten time when fugitive hunter and carnivals were essential aspects of society. With its vibrant cast and offbeat plot, "The Roustabout" assures a special, albeit short-lived, experience into a combination of the old and new West. In spite of its minimal popularity and short-lived tradition, the movie is definitely a special mix of comedy, action, and adventure.
Top Cast
