"Gentleman is just a polite word for loafer, if you ask me." ~ Penguin Moore
In 1941 Carole starred in the comedy Road Show. She had the leading role of Penguin Moore, the owner of a failing carnival who gets involved with two men who escaped from an asylum. This is one of four movies she made when she was under contract with Hal Roach. He also directed the movie. It is based on the 1934 novel by Eric S. Hatch. The cast includes John Hubbard (as Penguin's love interest) , Adolphe Menjou, Patsy Kelly, Margaret Roach (Hal Roach's daughter), and Charles Butterworth. Carole and John Hubbard had previously worked together in Turnabout.
Carole and Patsy Kelly
Carole and Adolphe Menjou
Road Show was filmed from July 2 until August 14, 1940 at Hal Roach's studio in Culver City, California. It was made with a budget of $500,000. A few days after filming began Carole had eloped with Willis Hunt. While shooting one scene she suffered a minor concussion when a prop vase hit her on her head! She performs "I Should Have Known You Years Ago" but unfortunately her singing voice was dubbed by Martha Mears. Her costumes were designed by Kay Nelson. Road Show was released on February 18, 1941. The movie was not a hit but Carole's performance got good reviews.
