Starring Elvis Presley, Ann-Margaret, William Demarest, and Ceasare Danova
Directed by George Sidney
Music and Lyrics by various
Normally, I'm not the biggest fan of Elvis or his films. I do like some of his songs, but he often came off as smarmy onscreen, or the movies were too bland or silly and not worthy of his talents. This week, I'm going to give the King of Rock a re-evaluation with two of his best-known musicals. The King was still on top in the mid-60's, with this one actually outperforming the Beatles' Hard Day's Night at the US box office and Elvis shattering records with his performances at the real Vegas. Does it still deserve the adulation nowadays? Let's head to the Flamingo Hotel in Vegas as the drivers of the Grand Prix and find out...
The Story: Lucky Jackson (Presley) needs a new engine for his beloved custom race car. He does manage to get the money working as a waiter, then loses it when Rusty Martin (Ann-Margaret), the pretty swimming teacher he has his eye on, shoves him in the pool. He does strike up a romance with her, but that dissolves when it turns out she wants marriage and he's more interested in his car. He first joins a talent contest to get the money...but she does, too. Doesn't help that his racing rival, Count Elmo Mancini (Danova), is also interested in Rusty. In the end, Rusty comes to realize how much racing means to Lucky...and he gets a new appreciation of her, too.
The Song and Dance: This is one of the only Elvis movies I ever really liked. Most of the leading ladies in his films tend to pale besides him. Ann-Margaret more than matches his charisma and cool, to the point where they dated for a while during filming. It's also one of his only movies to feel like it could be an MGM musical of a decade before. Having musical-veteran Sidney at the helm may have caused some headaches with the budget, but it also did wonders for the film's tone. There's some fabulous numbers here, including the hit title song that continues to be associated with Vegas and Elvis to this day, and gorgeous widescreen cinematography showing off neon-lit Vegas and the Nevada desert. Look for William Demerest getting some hilarious lines in as Rusty's crusty father.
Favorite Number: Elvis leads a group of cowboys in a bar where he's looking for Rusty through the Lone Star State standards "The Yellow Rose of Texas" and "The Eyes of Texas," managing to get them out for a grateful manager. "The Lady Loves Me" says Lucky with his guitar...but Rusty doesn't agree in this hilarious duel of wits performed around the Flamingo's pool. Surrounded by loving couples in the Flamingo's bar after Rusty gets angry and walks out, Lucky finally admits in a shadowy number that "I Need Someone to Lean On." Rusty gets a red-hot stripper number under a white mink coat in the hope that someone will show "Appreciation" at the talent show, while Elvis joins a line of Vegas feathered chorus girls for the catchy title song. Rusty, fed up with playing second fiddle to an automobile while making a picnic lunch for her and Lucky, sings about how "My Rival" is a curvy, shiny car.
What I Don't Like: Some aspects of the story haven't dated well. I wish Rusty hadn't caved in so quickly to Lucky's charms. That "Lady Loves Me" number is just so funny, and sets up Rusty as a far tougher character than she proves to be later. Her obsession with marriage was still considered typical for most women then, but may seem a little too hasty or needy to some folks nowadays. There's also the fact that, while not as fluffy as some other Elvis vehicles, this isn't the strongest story in the world. The second half in particular loses slight momentum once Rusty changes dates and Lucky starts focusing on getting that engine.
The Big Finale: If you want to see an Elvis movie, this or Jailhouse Rock are probably the best places to start. A top cast, terrific production, and great music makes it one of, if not the best of his movies. Highly recommended.
Home Media: As one of the most popular Elvis films, it's easily available in all formats.
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