Yesterday was a big day for Todd Robbins, the first sort-of public screening of the documentary "American Carny", which is about him. It was directed and put together by Nick Basile.

If you think Todd has a larger than life quality, it's not just his height. He really IS that way. And on the screen of a movie theatre, he looks even bigger. But the movie manages to make him into a regular human being, who just happens to have an incredible and incurable passion for the slightly bizarre life he's chosen.

It's not just a series of clips of eating lightbulbs, jumping in broken glass, and shoving a couple feet of steel down his gullet. The movie's a friendly biography, beginning to present, that makes you want to know Todd, or know him better. Did some folks in the audience cringe at some of the stunts, peek through their fingers? Sure! But I bet they buy tickets to Todd's next public performance.

Interspersed with some great performance shots are side-stories about life. Todd as a child, proposing to and marrying Krista, his relationship with Melvin Burkhardt.

Those of you who know me personally, know that I'm sometimes (?) hypercritical about performance...what goes wrong, what goes right, how to make it work better, gain a better flow, show a clearer image. This movie gets zero criticism of that sort, from me. It tells the story in exactly the way it should be told.

A number of us were in the supporting cast, and some were in attendence last night. David Oliver, Chris McDaniel, The Great Nippulini, Ses Carny, and James Taylor (of Shocked and Amazed) were all there. Me too, and it was worth the drive.

For more information on the film, go to http://www.americancarny.com/home.htm

I'm not sure where and when it'll be available for public consumption, but watch for it!

Wow,

I can't wait to see this- when will it be released to the public?

YES!!!!!! I've been to the site before and was curious what was going on with it. The trailer looks AMAZING!!!!! I want to see it NOW or get a copy of the DVD or something.......!!! PLEASE

It will be shown at the Coney Island Film Festival this October and perhaps we can arrange a screening at the Sideshow Gathering on Labor Day Weekend.

Dear Todd,

Let me add my voice to the many calling for a screening at the Sideshow Gathering.

Yours,

Paul

Where will the Sideshpw Gathering be held? Thanks in advance,

All the best,
John

The Sideshow Gathering will be held in conjuction with the Inkin' The Valley tattoo convention in Wilkes-Barre PA, Sept. 1-3.

Will there be a DVD (For us poor schmucks who can't get out there?)

Do I get more than one vote?

If so:
The Sideshow Gathering
American Carny
The Sideshow Gathering
American Carny
The Sideshow Gathering
American Carny
The Sideshow Gathering
American Carny
The Sideshow Gathering
American Carny
The Sideshow Gathering
American Carny
The Sideshow Gathering
American Carny

Great footage. I wait with baited breath for the DVD. Good job, Todd, Harley and the others.

Glenn