Very probably the greatest circus-set murder mystery in history, Berserk lets you know it's something special when the main title unveils after a tightrope act swings by his neck across the frame. It only builds upon its outrageousness and campiness as the film progresses. Joan Crawford and Ty Hardin, as her younger lover, could scarcely work better together. There are also enough red herrings to truly keep you guessing who the murderer is without the gimmick wearing out.
Perhaps what makes this most notable are lengthy sequences where we watch circus acts. Even a totally bizarre musical number fills a bit of the runtime. But it's a reminder that though a killer lurks in Berserk, the show must go on. The acts must go on performing their whimsical, death-defying routines. This serves to both heighten tension and provide enough comic relief that the film isn't overly serious.
Though Crawford's forays into camp rarely resulted in brilliant movies, this and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? are clear exceptions. In both instances, there are few movies that are more delightful.
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