Carnival (1935)

Chick Thompson (Lee Tracy) and his pal, Fingers (Jimmy Durante) worked for the circus but ran away with Chick's baby, Poochy(???). This is because Mrs. Thompson died in childbirth and her father is trying to take the child away from Chick. Eventually, Chick returns to the circus and has rebranded himself 'Doc Crawford'. But soon child welfare workers show up looking for the child....and Chick/Doc realizes that if he's married that perhaps these social workers will give up chasing him and the kid. But Chick is so completely clueless and somehow doesn't realize that Daisy (Sally Eilers) would be a perfect mother and that she in love with him. Eventually, she gets fed up with Chick's neglect and she leaves the circus. What's next for her, Chick and Poochy(?????)?

While "Carnival" is a decent film, it has one huge problem....no man is that stupid and clueless. How could Chick not realize Daisy is great marriage material? How could he not realize she's in love with him? And, how could she not recognize her motherly side when she takes care of the child so much of the time?? Having Chick he this dumb was a bit ridiculous. And, when smart people act THIS dumb, you realize the writing could have been a lot better.

In spite of all this, the film is enjoyable. It is surprising that Durante's comic talents weren't used more as Chick's sidekick...but it still is a nice little film.