Roustabout

Roustabout

Year: 1964

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: John Rich

DramaRomanceMusicMusical

A charismatic singer named Charlie Rogers, portrayed by Elvis Presley, experiences a setback that leaves him without a job. He then joins a traveling carnival, where his soulful voice revitalizes its performers and struggling acts. While finding a sense of belonging, Charlie becomes entangled in romantic complications that threaten the carnival's fragile unity and force him to confront personal challenges along the way.

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Timeline & Setting – Roustabout (1964)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Roustabout (1964). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960s

Set in the early to mid-1960s, the story follows a bustling tour through California's show circuits and roadside venues. The era's vibe—rock'n'roll energy, pockets of grit, and the hustle of traveling entertainment—shapes the characters' choices. The period backdrop underlines the contrast between street-level ambition and larger show business opportunities.

Location

California, United States

Most action unfolds on the California stage, moving from a busy restaurant spotlight to the mobile world of a traveling carnival. The setting blends sunny showbiz venues with dusty fairgrounds, capturing mid-century American entertainment culture. The traveling carnival functions as the film's backdrop for performance, romance, and conflict.

🌆 California 🎪 Carnival life

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:33

Main Characters – Roustabout (1964)

Meet the key characters of Roustabout (1964), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Charlie Rogers (Elvis Presley)

Charismatic singer who loses his job after a brawl but demonstrates resilience and talent. He adapts to life as a roustabout, then becomes a featured attraction thanks to Maggie's eye for talent. His romantic drive with Cathy fuels his choices, including returning to defend the carnival. He embodies showbiz charisma tempered by practical loyalty.

🎤 Charismatic 🎭 Performer ❤️ Romantic

Maggie Morgan (Barbara Stanwyck)

Owner of a struggling traveling carnival who recognizes Charlie's talent and promotes him to a lead act. She navigates financial hardship, including the carnival's bankruptcy risk. She serves as a pragmatic mentor to Charlie and a stabilizing force amid the romance subplot. Her faith in Charlie helps the carnival survive.

💼 Entrepreneur 🤝 Mentor 🎪 Carnival Owner

Cathy Lean

Charlie's love interest and Maggie's ally in the carnival's world. She becomes a focal point of his personal stakes, influencing his decision to fight for the carnival. She faces the strain of her father's jealousy and the demands of a performer's life. Her relationship with Charlie anchors the emotional arc.

❤️ Romantic Lead 💕 Love Interest

Joe Lean

Cathy's protective father, he clashes with Charlie and fears for his daughter's safety. His jealousy triggers confrontations, including the road incident with the bike. He embodies the tensions between family loyalty and the lure of show business.

🛡️ Protective ⚔️ Antagonist 👨‍👧 Father

Harry Carver

Promoter who tempts Charlie with a more lucrative show, triggering a key plot turn. He embodies the opportunistic side of show business that can lure performers away from loyal teams. His manipulation raises questions about ambition versus loyalty. He ultimately plays a catalyzing role in Charlie's decision to return to Maggie's carnival.

🎯 Manipulation 💼 Promoter 🚀 Ambition

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:33

Major Themes – Roustabout (1964)

Explore the central themes of Roustabout (1964), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💖 Romance

Charlie and Cathy's romance provides emotional momentum for the plot. It tests loyalties as Cathy's father Joe resists and jealousy threatens the relationship. Charlie's love deepens as he returns to the carnival after setbacks. The romance ultimately anchors him and motivates his decision to stay.

🎪 Showbiz ascent

Talent and showmanship drive Charlie's rise from roustabout to feature attraction. The carnival world offers both opportunities and temptations, from Maggie's belief in him to Harry Carver's lure. The dynamic highlights the fragile balance between art, money, and success.

🌟 Redemption

Charlie's return to Maggie saves the carnival from bankruptcy. His decision to come back blends personal loyalty with love. The ending suggests that redemption comes through commitment to people and craft rather than fame alone. The story resolves with a hopeful reunion.

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 at 15:33

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Unlock the Full Story of Roustabout

Don't stop at just watching — explore Roustabout in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Roustabout is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Roustabout Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Roustabout, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Roustabout Summary

Roustabout Timeline

Track the full timeline of Roustabout with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Roustabout Timeline

More About Roustabout

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