Elvis Presley, the American heartthrob and King of Rock’N’Roll, was also the King of the cinema during his movie career. Hollywood took advantage of the Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations during the school year, and canvased the streets with advertisements for movies starring Elvis. Knowing that love-struck teenagers would come in droves to the movie theatre during their school vacations, this was a stroke of marketing genius.
Here are 3 of my most favorite movies starring Elvis:
1. Love Me Tender – released by 20th Century Fox on November 21, 1956
Elvis plays “Clint Reno”, one of two brothers who stayed home while the other brother went off to fight in the Civil War for the Confederate Army. When his brother Vance returns home, he discovers that his girlfriend Cathy has married Clint. There is a lot of family drama intertwined, and Vance begins to seek-out trouble, becoming an accomplice in a train robbery.
2. Jailhouse Rock – released by Metro-Goldwyn Mayer on November 8, 1957
Falsely accused of manslaughter, Elvis’ character must fight for his honor, but that’s kind’ve hard to do behind bars. Never the less, no one can take his music away. To chase away his jailhouse blues, Elvis rocks out with his cellmate, and winds up down the path of stardom upon his release.
3. Blue Hawaii – released by Paramount on November 22, 1961
The Hawaiian island’s favorite playboy Chadwick Gates (Elvis Presley) returns home after being discharged from the U.S. Army. After several years of rigorous military life, Chad wants nothing more than to hang loose and surf all day long. However, his fun is threatened when his parents pressures him to work for the family pineapple business.
If you’re in an adventurous mood, take a trip back to the 50’s and 60’s to see a true star’s iconic movie performances. Enjoy!
HCXO,
Marisa