Elvis as an 18 year old hustler and singer, dropping out of school and getting involved with organised crime in the French Quarter. This film is dark and gritty, and Elvis plays the lead role well. The songs are mostly appropriate and the supporting cast is impressive. The two co-leading ladies were beautiful and famous actresses. The location shooting in New Orleans gives the film historic and cultural relevance, as well. There is a lot to like in this film.
If this had been Elvis Presley's only film, then history would have a very different opinion of his acting abilities and potential. And, if Elvis's other 30 motion pictures would have had as high quality of scripts, songs, and casts as 'King Creole' (1958), then the histories of musicals and of 1960's film would have been very different.
You don't need to be an Elvis fan to enjoy this movie - fans of 'film noir' will appreciate the tone and the directing, and fans of classic film and television will love the supporting cast. Regardless of your opinion of old movies or Elvis Presley's music, quality is quality, and this is a really good film.
RealReview Posting Scoring Criteria:
Acting: 1/1;
Casting: 1/1;
Directing: 1/1;
Story: 1/1;
Writing/Screenplay: 1/1;
Total Base Score = 5
Modifiers (+ or -):
Authentic Location Shooting: +1 ( 1950's New Orleans is a rare site in film.);
Standout Performances: +1 ( Elvis Presley . Not only is this his best work, but it is very good acting. Although the supporting cast are Hollywood stars, Elvis carries this film.);
Music Score/Soundtrack: +0.5 (They should have cut the school anthem, and they should have replaced the song from the shoplifting scene with one from later in the film. However, because the script was re-written for a singer, the majority of the soundtrack adds to the film. Also, it's good music.);
Ensemble Cast: +0.5 (This is an impressive cast - even without Elvis.);
Editing-Too Long: -1 (Cutting those 2 aforementioned songs (and the accompanying scene for the later) would have saved 8-9 minutes. Trimming a little here and a little there would have helped improve the pacing.);
Total RealReview Rating: 7.
If this had been Elvis Presley's only film, then history would have a very different opinion of his acting abilities and potential. And, if Elvis's other 30 motion pictures would have had as high quality of scripts, songs, and casts as 'King Creole' (1958), then the histories of musicals and of 1960's film would have been very different.
You don't need to be an Elvis fan to enjoy this movie - fans of 'film noir' will appreciate the tone and the directing, and fans of classic film and television will love the supporting cast. Regardless of your opinion of old movies or Elvis Presley's music, quality is quality, and this is a really good film.
RealReview Posting Scoring Criteria:
Acting: 1/1;
Casting: 1/1;
Directing: 1/1;
Story: 1/1;
Writing/Screenplay: 1/1;
Total Base Score = 5
Modifiers (+ or -):
Authentic Location Shooting: +1 ( 1950's New Orleans is a rare site in film.);
Standout Performances: +1 ( Elvis Presley . Not only is this his best work, but it is very good acting. Although the supporting cast are Hollywood stars, Elvis carries this film.);
Music Score/Soundtrack: +0.5 (They should have cut the school anthem, and they should have replaced the song from the shoplifting scene with one from later in the film. However, because the script was re-written for a singer, the majority of the soundtrack adds to the film. Also, it's good music.);
Ensemble Cast: +0.5 (This is an impressive cast - even without Elvis.);
Editing-Too Long: -1 (Cutting those 2 aforementioned songs (and the accompanying scene for the later) would have saved 8-9 minutes. Trimming a little here and a little there would have helped improve the pacing.);
Total RealReview Rating: 7.