Is Roustabout Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Roustabout is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Music movies.
It features a runtime of 101 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Roustabout Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1964, Roustabout emerges as a significant entry in the Music, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After a singer loses his job at a coffee shop, he finds employment at a struggling carnival, but his attempted romance with a teenager leads to friction with her father. Unlike standard genre fare, Roustabout attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Music is often anchored by its ensemble, and Roustabout features a noteworthy lineup led by Elvis Presley . Supported by the likes of Barbara Stanwyck and Joan Freeman , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Roustabout (1964) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Roustabout Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Roustabout is a Music, Romance film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Roustabout Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Roustabout concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to music resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the music themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Roustabout reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Roustabout?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Music films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Roustabout Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $3.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
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Full Cast & Crew of Roustabout
- Elvis Presley – Charlie Rogers
- Barbara Stanwyck – Maggie Morgan
- Joan Freeman – Cathy Lean
- Leif Erickson – Joe Lean
- Sue Ane Langdon – Madame Mijanou
Top Highlights
Elvis PresleyCharlie Rogers
Barbara StanwyckMaggie Morgan
Joan FreemanCathy Lean
Leif EricksonJoe Lean
Sue Ane LangdonMadame Mijanou
Pat ButtramHarry Carver
Joan StaleyMarge
Dabbs GreerArthur Nielsen
Steve BrodieFred
Norman GrabowskiSam
Where to Watch Roustabout Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
Roustabout is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Roustabout stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1964 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roustabout movie hit or flop?
Roustabout has received mixed reviews with a 6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Roustabout worth watching?
Roustabout is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Music, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Roustabout online?
Roustabout may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How Roustabout Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Roustabout
_**Elvis joins a carnival**_ A talented drifter with no family and an attitude joins a carnival in Southern Cal and soon becomes the main attraction. Barbara Stanwyck plays the owner of the carnival, Joan Freeman the love interest and Pat Buttram a rival in the biz. “Roustabout” (1964) is easily one of the better Elvis flicks (for me, at least), probably because the setting is the carnival & carnies, but also because the story is serious (rather than farcical) and more captivating than most. Presley’s character, Charlie Rogers, makes for a great protagonist with whom to identify. Meanwhile, the presence of the towering Stanwyck is always compelling, plus Buttram’s character is perfectly suited for him. A plus is the many attractive showgirls in the periphery. I’d put it on par with "Kid Galahad" (1962) and “Viva Las Vegas" (1964), although the latter is more of a fun farce; “Roustabout” is a serious drama with some musical sequences. The film runs 1 hour, 41 minutes, and was shot in Potrero Valley, Thousand Oaks, California, & Paramount Studios. GRADE: B
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