Elvis(now with dyed jet black hair) in his second feature is wonderful and this film is very much a testament to his early acting ability and the raucous sound that was Rock 'n' Roll.
Whether it was the title ballad or 'Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do' or 'Party' or 'Teddy Bear'-they were all golden hits in their own right. It's fantastic to see Elvis perform these numbers in this film, and one might say heartbreaking to watch as we witness that innocence of youth that was at the start of a roller-coaster ride of centuries worth of adulation and respect(at last).
Unlike, his previous debut film, 'Love Me Tender', the 'Loving You' story isn't too demanding as we are treated to a semi-autobiography about a working class boy who hits the big time with those good looks, golden voice and shaky leg. The young Elvis handles the dramatic scenes very well as he did in 'Love Me Tender', he's no James Dean but the makings are there. Wendell Corey is great as the band leader and future Nun, Dolores Hart plays it nice in her film debut.
Another aspect of this movie falls into place in the form of Lizabeth Scott's character who wheels and deals the fate of the travelling show band and gives us an insight into the canny manipulation of publicity that is forever part of an unpredictable business. Did she take lessons from Tom Parker for this one?
This is truly a great Rock 'n' Roll movie that was beautifully filmed and well-directed, and for any fan of that era has got to be amongst their favourites. On the other hand, if you're not a fan of Elvis or that kind of music, just sit back and enjoy the ride because it's such a feel-good kind of thing, especially watching 'The King' portray a young man very similar in character to himself and goes by the name of an equally distinguished name-Deke Rivers.
Whether it was the title ballad or 'Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do' or 'Party' or 'Teddy Bear'-they were all golden hits in their own right. It's fantastic to see Elvis perform these numbers in this film, and one might say heartbreaking to watch as we witness that innocence of youth that was at the start of a roller-coaster ride of centuries worth of adulation and respect(at last).
Unlike, his previous debut film, 'Love Me Tender', the 'Loving You' story isn't too demanding as we are treated to a semi-autobiography about a working class boy who hits the big time with those good looks, golden voice and shaky leg. The young Elvis handles the dramatic scenes very well as he did in 'Love Me Tender', he's no James Dean but the makings are there. Wendell Corey is great as the band leader and future Nun, Dolores Hart plays it nice in her film debut.
Another aspect of this movie falls into place in the form of Lizabeth Scott's character who wheels and deals the fate of the travelling show band and gives us an insight into the canny manipulation of publicity that is forever part of an unpredictable business. Did she take lessons from Tom Parker for this one?
This is truly a great Rock 'n' Roll movie that was beautifully filmed and well-directed, and for any fan of that era has got to be amongst their favourites. On the other hand, if you're not a fan of Elvis or that kind of music, just sit back and enjoy the ride because it's such a feel-good kind of thing, especially watching 'The King' portray a young man very similar in character to himself and goes by the name of an equally distinguished name-Deke Rivers.