Carousel Horses

Carousel Day: Mary Poppins | Carousel | Sudden Impact | Something Wicked This Way Comes | The Lost Boys | Catch Me If You Can | Strangers on a Train | The Sting | The Notebook | Logan’s Run |

Carousel Day, also known as National Merry-Go-Round Day, is celebrated annually on July 24 to honor the magic and nostalgia of carousels. This whimsical holiday commemorates the first U.S. patent for a modern carousel, granted on July 25, 1871, to William Schneider of Davenport, Iowa. Carousels, also known as merry-go-rounds, have long been beloved fixtures at amusement parks, fairs, and festivals, captivating riders of all ages with their enchanting music, beautifully carved horses, and gentle, circular motion.

Ten Movies Featuring Carousels

Calliope Music, image of a circus elephant and girl on a carousel horse

The calliope music from carousels fills the air at the entrance of amusement parks and carnivals, evoking a mix of emotions. Depending on your personal experiences, the sound could fill you with joy or dread. If the first movie you watched with a carousel was “Mary Poppins,” then you likely associate it with feelings of whimsy and delight. Conversely, if “Something Wicked This Way Comes” was your introduction to a carousel, you might feel a sense of trepidation as you walk through the turnstile into a carnival.

Carousels have been used in various films to symbolize innocence, nostalgia, and sometimes, a touch of menace. Here are ten memorable movies featuring carousels that span a range of genres and emotions.

Mary Poppins” (1964)

Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Karen Dotrice, and Matthew Garber in Mary Poppins (1964)

Directed by Robert Stevenson and written by Bill Walsh and Don DaGradi, this classic Disney film features a delightful animated carousel scene where the horses come to life. Julie Andrews stars as Mary Poppins, a magical nanny who takes the Banks children on whimsical adventures, including a memorable ride on the carousel. The film also stars Dick Van Dyke as Bert, a charming chimney sweep. Known for its enchanting music and timeless charm, “Mary Poppins” remains a beloved family favorite.

Shirley Jones and Barbara Ruick in Carousel (1956)

Directed by Henry King and written by Phoebe Ephron and Henry Ephron, this musical drama is based on the stage musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein. The film stars Gordon MacRae as Billy Bigelow, a carousel barker, and Shirley Jones as Julie Jordan, his love interest. The story follows their troubled romance and Billy’s attempts to make amends for his mistakes. The film’s notable songs include “If I Loved You” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Sudden Impact (1983)

Clint Eastwood in Sudden Impact (1983)

This thriller is directed by and starsClint Eastwood as Inspector “Dirty” Harry Callahan. The film follows Callahan as he investigates a series of brutal murders committed by a woman named Jennifer Spencer, played by Sondra Locke, who is seeking revenge for a gang rape she and her sister suffered years earlier.

One of the pivotal scenes in the movie occurs at a carousel. This eerie scene uses the whimsical yet haunting music of the carousel to create an unsettling atmosphere as Callahan confronts the antagonist. The juxtaposition of the innocent amusement ride with the film’s dark themes heightens the tension and adds to the film’s gritty tone. Eastwood, known for his roles in iconic films such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and Unforgiven, delivers another memorable performance in this installment of the “Dirty Harry” series.

Something Wicked This Way Comes” (1983)

Jonathan Pryce, Shawn Carson, Bruce M. Fischer, And Vidal Peterson In Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)

Based on Ray Bradbury’s novel and directed by Jack Clayton, this dark fantasy film features an eerie and magical carousel. The story follows two young boys, Will Halloway (Vidal Peterson) and Jim Nightshade (Shawn Carson), who discover the dark secrets of a sinister carnival that comes to their town. The carousel, which can change people’s ages, is central to the plot. The film stars Jason Robards as Charles Halloway and Jonathan Pryce as Mr. Dark, the carnival’s evil proprietor.

Matilda the Musical” (2022)

Matilda The Musical (2022) Carousel

A delightful adaptation of the beloved stage musical, directed by Matthew Warchus and written by Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. The film stars Alisha Weir as the precocious Matilda Wormwood, a young girl with extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers. Emma Thompson plays the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull, while Lashana Lynch stars as the kind-hearted Miss Honey. The story follows Matilda as she uses her powers and wit to stand up against her neglectful parents and the oppressive Trunchbull.

One of the standout scenes in the movie is set on a carousel, where Matilda experiences a moment of joy and freedom amidst her struggles. The carousel scene, with its bright lights and cheerful music, provides a stark contrast to the darker elements of Matilda’s life, symbolizing the hope and magic that Matilda brings to those around her.

“Strangers on a Train” (1951)

Farley Granger And Robert Walker In Strangers On A Train (1951)

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith, this thriller features a suspenseful climax involving a carousel. The film follows two strangers, Guy Haines (Farley Granger) and Bruno Antony (Robert Walker), who meet on a train and discuss exchanging murders. The carousel scene at the film’s end is a masterclass in tension and suspense, showcasing Hitchcock’s legendary directorial skills.

“The Sting” (1973)

Paul Newman In The Sting (1973)

Directed by George Roy Hill and written by David S. Ward, this classic caper film features a carousel prominently in one of the con scenes. The film stars Paul Newman as Henry Gondorff and Robert Redford as Johnny Hooker, two grifters who team up to take down a mob boss. The carousel scene is part of an elaborate con that underscores the film’s themes of deception and strategy. The film also stars Robert Shaw and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Zombieland” (2009)

Zombieland (2009)

A horror-comedy film directed by Ruben Fleischer and written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. The movie stars Jesse Eisenberg as Columbus, Woody Harrelson as Tallahassee, Emma Stone as Wichita, and Abigail Breslin as Little Rock. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, the story follows these four survivors as they navigate the chaos and form an unlikely family.

One memorable scene takes place at an abandoned amusement park where the eerie juxtaposition of the cheery carousel music and the ever-present zombie threat creates a tense and surreal moment. This scene captures the film’s unique blend of horror and humor, highlighting the characters’ desire to find brief moments of normalcy and joy amidst the apocalypse. Woody Harrelson, known for his roles in Natural Born Killers and The Hunger Games, delivers a standout performance as the tough yet endearing Tallahassee.

“Logan’s Run” (1976)

Logan's Run (1976)

Directed by Michael Anderson and based on the novel by William F. Nolan and George Clayton Johnson, “Logan’s Run” is a dystopian science fiction film set in a futuristic society where everyone must undergo a ritualistic death at age 30. The film stars Michael York as Logan 5, a “Sandman” tasked with enforcing this rule, and Jenny Agutter as Jessica 6, who joins him in fleeing the city in search of Sanctuary, a place rumored to offer freedom from the enforced age limit.

The movie’s carousel scene, where citizens participate in a ceremonial renewal process, is iconic and central to the plot. This chilling ritual, meant to symbolize rebirth, underscores the film’s themes of control and rebellion. “Logan’s Run” also features Richard Jordan as Logan’s friend and fellow Sandman, Francis 7, and Peter Ustinov as an old man they encounter outside the city. The movie’s visual effects and imaginative set design have made it a standout in the genre, influencing subsequent science fiction works.

“The Lost Boys” (1987)

Alex Winter In The Lost Boys (1987)

Directed by Joel Schumacher and written by Janice Fischer, Jeffrey Boam, and James Jeremias, this cult classic horror-comedy features a memorable scene with a carousel on a boardwalk. The film stars Jason Patric as Michael Emerson and Corey Haim as his younger brother, Sam, who move to the coastal town of Santa Carla with their mother, Lucy, played by Dianne Wiest. They soon discover that the town is infested with vampires led by David, portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland.

The carousel scene sets the tone for the eerie atmosphere, and throughout the movie, the carousel music can be heard in the background whenever the boardwalk is shown, adding to the film’s haunting ambiance. The film also stars Corey Feldman and Jami Gertz, making it a defining piece of 1980s pop culture.

Celebrating the Carousel

Celebrate Carousel Day by watching these films that capture the joy, wonder, and sometimes the eerie allure of carousels. Whether you’re revisiting a beloved classic or discovering a new favorite, there’s no better way to mark the occasion than with a bit of merry-go-round magic.

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