Early Elvis that, probably due to distribution problems, is his most obscure. A decent if unexceptional film that contains one of his more popular songs "Teddy Bear" as well as the title tune. It tells a simple tale of a country bumpkin looking for a place in the world and incidentally having a great voice and star power to burn. While most Elvis films except for his worse usually have at least one quality performer, Barbara Stanwyck in Roustabout, Gig Young in Kid Galahad, Angela Lansbury in Blue Hawaii etc., this one has one of the better casts with Lizabeth Scott, Wendell Corey and in the first film of her brief pre-convent career Dolores Hart. A pleasant entertainment.
40 Reviews
A singing idol a whole lot like Elvis
bkoganbing4 March 2013
For his second film Elvis Presley plays a young man who is discovered and becomes a singing idol much like Elvis Presley. His discoverers are publicist Lizabeth Scott and has been country performer Wendell Corey. Elvis's success and his issues as a troubled youth cause a lot of issues between Scott and Corey.
Loving You boasts a couple of big mega hits for Presley, the title song and Teddy Bear. It also introduces Dolores Hart who is a country girl like Presley is a country boy and it takes the whole film to find out they're really suited for each other.
As for Presley's issues he has a fine scene with Scott as he tells her of his orphan background and how he came to take the name of Deke Rivers. The scene was delivered with a whole of feeling and indicated an acting talent in Presley that later on was never taken advantage of.
For Presley fans, Loving You is an absolute must.
Loving You boasts a couple of big mega hits for Presley, the title song and Teddy Bear. It also introduces Dolores Hart who is a country girl like Presley is a country boy and it takes the whole film to find out they're really suited for each other.
As for Presley's issues he has a fine scene with Scott as he tells her of his orphan background and how he came to take the name of Deke Rivers. The scene was delivered with a whole of feeling and indicated an acting talent in Presley that later on was never taken advantage of.
For Presley fans, Loving You is an absolute must.
Loving You (1957) ***
JoeKarlosi21 January 2007
This was Elvis Presley's second film, and the first to be filmed in gorgeous Technicolor. Elvis plays a delivery boy called Deke Rivers, and when a very persistent press agent (Lizabeth Scott) hears him singing, she convinces him to join her ex-husband's small traveling musical entourage, gradually promoting him into a huge sensation. First playing small town gigs and then advancing onward into bigger city shows, Rivers eventually becomes the lead act of the modest group and a popular star in his own right. This movie feels close in spirit to the true story of Presley's own career beginnings, and he gives a pretty decent performance which includes a terrific down and dirty fight scene. The songs are all well chosen and incorporated into the story this time out, beginning with the title ballad and then the hit song "Teddy Bear". The soundtrack benefits too from some heavier rockers like "Mean Woman Blues", "Got a Lot O' Livin To Do", "Hot Dog", and "Party". Truthfully, I can't usually take much of Lizabeth Scott in general, but she's well cast here as the older and very tactical manager, and there's an interestingly offbeat side relationship between Scott and her ex (Wendell Corey). Not a great film, and I do think it could have worked even better if about 15 minutes were clipped, but this is still good, solid, early vintage Elvis before the same tired movie formula became a little too routine. *** out of ****
Autobiographical take on Elvis Presley's pop ascendancy
pooch-86 August 1999
Elvis Presley's second feature capitalized on the King's meteoric rise to superstardom by autobiographically depicting his real-life experiences with some embellishment. Loving You, therefore, provides fans with a sort of auxiliary examination of a working class kid's practically supernatural odyssey from gas station to recording studio -- shedding light on a few of the darker aspects of being famous (such as rabid fans that rob E of his privacy and, even more telling, the tenuous relationship with a manipulative manager who guides his career with iron will). Loving You boasts beautiful color photography, excellent costuming, and a few of the King's outstanding performances -- particularly "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear."
Elvis' Second Film and My Personal Favorite
Isaac58558 February 2008
LOVING YOU was Elvis Presley's second film that displayed him at the zenith of his hip-swiveling,nostril-flaring appeal in addition to introducing some of his best songs( including "Teddy Bear"). Elvis plays Deke Rivers, a young delivery boy who is discovered by a publicist (Lizabeth Scott)who decides to make Deke a star. The paper-thin plot is basically a showcase for Elvis to show what all the fuss was about...Elvis really hadn't learned anything about acting at this point, but no one really cared. Scott adds a touch of class to the proceedings as Glenda the publicist and Wendell Corey has one of his better roles as Glenda's beau, who resents the attention Glenda is showering on Deke. Pretty Dolores Hart also has one of her earliest roles as a back up singer in Deke's band who he falls for, much to Glenda's outrage. A must for Elvis fans and fans of classic cinema who can revel in the presence of Lizabeth Scott and Wendell Corey, who make the most of the sparse material they are provided.
Don't miss the last 5 minutes!
John von K20 August 2002
Yes it's a middle of the road "Let's love Elvis" homage, but with good good sprinkling of songs. Basically a sentimental semi biog. with a nice performance from Wendell Corey (The man with Steve McQueen's eyes) If your abiding image of Elvis is Overweight Jumpsuit don't miss the last five minutes, the young King's rendition of 'Lot of Livin' to do'with make you sweat-energy, youth and joy. It is one the sexiest two minutes of 1950's hollywood celluloid. WOW!
Loving You uncovers a lot of Elvis Presley's charm in only his second movie
tavm14 August 2007
In honor of The King of Rock 'n' Roll's untimely death nearly 30 years ago, I've decided to check out some of his movies like this second one he made called Loving You. In this one, he plays Deke Rivers who was just making some deliveries when a woman (Lizabeth Scott) inquires if there's a singer around. Guess who gets picked! Along the way, Deke meets her bandleader ex-husband (Wendell Corey) and the female vocalist (Dolores Hart). The movie follows the road tours that lead to some big breaks despite some troubles with some teenage girls and their jealous boyfriends looking for a fight. Elvis shows great charisma throughout and has smoldering chemistry with Ms. Scott and a charmingly sincere one with Ms. Hart. It threatens to get corny at the end with a happy ending for all but it plays very believably for the more innocent time that it was filmed in. Certainly Loving You is more preferable to some of the more sillier movies he made in the 60s. Great songs like the title one and "Teddy Bear" abound. Look for Presley's parents, Gladys and Vernon, in the finale.
LOVING YOU (Hal Kanter, 1957) ***
Bunuel197618 August 2007
Elvis Presley’s second film and his first in color has, on the surface of it, a standard ‘road-to-stardom’ plot which probably mirrored The King’s own rise to fame, though obviously given the Hollywood treatment with an older female press agent falling for him, the singer almost giving up his career at the moment of triumph, etc. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that this occasionally plays like a lighter version of Elia Kazan’s A FACE IN THE CROWD which was actually released a few days before the Elvis movie…although the success story turning sour bit was more thoroughly dealt with in Elvis’ next outing, JAILHOUSE ROCK (1957)!
Of the four new vehicles of his that I’ve watched so far, this is clearly the most satisfactory what with the pleasant Technicolor, the professional Hollywood handling and a solid supporting cast (Lizabeth Scott, Wendell Corey, James Gleason), etc. The underrated Corey excels in his portrayal of a has-been entertainer reduced to headlining a modest traveling rockabilly act until Elvis joins the troupe that is and, unsurprisingly, steals his thunder; Lizabeth Scott takes some time getting used to here as the scheming press agent but she acquits herself fairly well in the long run and lovely Dolores Hart is the singer whom the public merely “tolerates” but whose charm and modesty win over the troubled Elvis.
Presley himself is here still full of the raw magnetism which made him a sensation at the time as he belts out one electrifying hit tune after another, from “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” and “Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do” to “(Let’s Have A) Party” and the title ballad, of course. Actually, it was while leafing through the first edition of Guinness’ “All-Time Top 1000 Albums” of 1994 that I became interested more than ever before in Elvis’ musical heritage since he had an impressive 8 entries in that list, including this film’s soundtrack album and the subsequent one for KING CREOLE (1958).
Of the four new vehicles of his that I’ve watched so far, this is clearly the most satisfactory what with the pleasant Technicolor, the professional Hollywood handling and a solid supporting cast (Lizabeth Scott, Wendell Corey, James Gleason), etc. The underrated Corey excels in his portrayal of a has-been entertainer reduced to headlining a modest traveling rockabilly act until Elvis joins the troupe that is and, unsurprisingly, steals his thunder; Lizabeth Scott takes some time getting used to here as the scheming press agent but she acquits herself fairly well in the long run and lovely Dolores Hart is the singer whom the public merely “tolerates” but whose charm and modesty win over the troubled Elvis.
Presley himself is here still full of the raw magnetism which made him a sensation at the time as he belts out one electrifying hit tune after another, from “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear” and “Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do” to “(Let’s Have A) Party” and the title ballad, of course. Actually, it was while leafing through the first edition of Guinness’ “All-Time Top 1000 Albums” of 1994 that I became interested more than ever before in Elvis’ musical heritage since he had an impressive 8 entries in that list, including this film’s soundtrack album and the subsequent one for KING CREOLE (1958).
One of The King of Rock and Roll's best
TheLittleSongbird24 February 2017
Elvis Presley was a hugely influential performer with one of the most distinctive singing voices of anybody. He embarked on a film career consisting of 33 films from 1956 to 1969, films that did well at the box-office but mostly panned critically (especially his later films) and while he was a highly charismatic performer he was never considered a great actor.
'Loving You' however is one of his best films, regardless of its corny scripting, paper-thin (at times) story and cop-out ending. It also boasts one of Elvis' better acting performances, it is one of his most natural-looking ones where he is not as stiff as he could be and like in his film debut 'Love Me Tender' there is a charm, easy-going charisma and genuine emotional honesty. He also has one of his best supporting casts, with the likes of Lizabeth Scott, Wendell Corey, James Gleason and Delores Hart.
As to be expected, the music is great, especially the title song, "Teddy Bear" (a highlight scene), "Lonesome Cowboy" and "Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do". Elvis sings sublimely with his usual distinctive timbre and the way he sings and performs in 'Loving You' is quintessential prime Elvis Presley.
Throughout there is a lot of charm, and as an re-enactment of Elvis' rise to stardom the film boasts some genuinely moving and sincere moments. The direction is solid.
Production values are top-class too, 'Loving You' was the first of Elvis' films to be shot in colour and it looks fabulous.
In conclusion, one of Elvis' best films, not perfect but not one to be scorned at. 8/10 Bethany Cox
'Loving You' however is one of his best films, regardless of its corny scripting, paper-thin (at times) story and cop-out ending. It also boasts one of Elvis' better acting performances, it is one of his most natural-looking ones where he is not as stiff as he could be and like in his film debut 'Love Me Tender' there is a charm, easy-going charisma and genuine emotional honesty. He also has one of his best supporting casts, with the likes of Lizabeth Scott, Wendell Corey, James Gleason and Delores Hart.
As to be expected, the music is great, especially the title song, "Teddy Bear" (a highlight scene), "Lonesome Cowboy" and "Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do". Elvis sings sublimely with his usual distinctive timbre and the way he sings and performs in 'Loving You' is quintessential prime Elvis Presley.
Throughout there is a lot of charm, and as an re-enactment of Elvis' rise to stardom the film boasts some genuinely moving and sincere moments. The direction is solid.
Production values are top-class too, 'Loving You' was the first of Elvis' films to be shot in colour and it looks fabulous.
In conclusion, one of Elvis' best films, not perfect but not one to be scorned at. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Art Imitating Life...
Xstal10 January 2024
Now here's a story that will take some believing, as an unknown singer shakes his hips (amongst other things) and starts heaving, as he grabs a guitar, that boy will go far, albeit with a manager that has greed and misleading. He starts as a sidekick to a fella named Tex, to the girls in the crowd he has direct effects, they scream and they wail, they adore this young male, this guy's going to sell, many records for decks. But there are those who repose with an eye in the past, they just don't like things that can leave them aghast, expressions of lust, leaves them with disgust, thank goodness today, we don't live in the past!
"Another chorus and they would've started throwing things." ... "Yeah, their door keys!"
moonspinner5516 January 2016
Threadbare plot pumped up with Elvis Presley and his rockabilly music, worth sitting through for that reason alone. Delivery boy in a small town is brought on-stage at a community rally to sing by an ambitious female press agent for a country-western band; he's an instant hit, so the gambit is repeated in town after town until the kid becomes a star. The screenplay from Herbert Baker and Hal Kanter, inspired by the magazine story "A Call From Mitch Miller"--as well as Elvis' penchant for shaking up live audiences--doesn't allow for characters; it's just a star-vehicle. Presley's Deke Rivers is haphazardly written: he's a rube, he's polite, he does what he's told, but then it's revealed he has a dark past (and a terrible temper, which flares up unexpectedly). The idea seems to have been to show all sides of Presley's personality (a live-wire on-stage, but modest and trusting in life--until he's pushed too far). Perhaps Deke's personality--a scrubbed-clean boy who doesn't understand the level of excitement in his own performances--but was based on Presley's image, but here it doesn't ring true, especially not with such unsure dialogue and acting. But then, this is nothing more than a fantasy for bobby soxers--a way to utilize Elvis, his moves and his music, that television at the time couldn't do. ** from ****
A young singer on his way to fame.
michaelRokeefe20 October 1999
This film is such a contrast from Elvis' debut movie. Hair dyed black and allowed to show the raw talent that is parallel to his own meteoric rise to stardom in the music business. Elvis shows his acting potential and provides classic music like "Teddy Bear", "Mean Woman Blues", "Party", the rousing "Got A Lot Of Livin' To Do" and the title song. Veteran Lizabeth Scott and the adorable newcomer Dolores Hart play their rolls well and are not hard on the eyes. Scott sees dollar signs in managing the young singer. And also a way to make her long time boyfriend and companion Wendell Corey jealous. Hart is the girl-next-door type that seems ready to shed her innocence with the bump and grinding singer. This movie fills the bill presenting the raw, rough and ready Elvis Presley.
Elvis' first starring role where he plays a rising 50's rock star
Wuchakk18 October 2021
A delivery man with musical talent (Presley) is discovered by a publicist (Lizabeth Scott) at a small town festival and joins a traveling band where he increasingly "steals the thunder" of the main guy (Wendell Corey).
"Loving You" (1957) was Elvis' second of 31 movies, but it was his debut in the starring role and his first film to establish the 'Elvis formula.' Most of the rest of his movies would use this cinematic recipe with Presley's character being in different occupations, which of course changed the setting and dynamics. For instance, in "Wild in the Country" (1961) he's a troubled rural youth on probation, in "Blue Hawaii" (1961) he's a tour guide, in "Kid Galahad" (1962) he's a boxer, in "Viva Las Vegas" (1964) he's a race car driver and in "Roustabout" (1964) he's a carnival worker.
This one was the blueprint for all of those and works well because it's basically a retelling of Elvis' own rags-to-riches story and so he's comfortable playing a rising music star with the challenges thereof.
Everything works except the melodramatic last act, which somewhat lost my interest. Plus the girlfriend (Dolores Hart) is deemphasized and so her relationship with the Presley character isn't compelling. On the positive side, when he's frolicking on the farm with her and feeding a horse a sugar cube and singing, there's a wholesomeness and innocence to treasure. Plus Elvis never looked better, being young and lean.
The film runs 1 hour, 41 minutes, and was shot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood and the Ivar Theatre.
GRADE: B-
"Loving You" (1957) was Elvis' second of 31 movies, but it was his debut in the starring role and his first film to establish the 'Elvis formula.' Most of the rest of his movies would use this cinematic recipe with Presley's character being in different occupations, which of course changed the setting and dynamics. For instance, in "Wild in the Country" (1961) he's a troubled rural youth on probation, in "Blue Hawaii" (1961) he's a tour guide, in "Kid Galahad" (1962) he's a boxer, in "Viva Las Vegas" (1964) he's a race car driver and in "Roustabout" (1964) he's a carnival worker.
This one was the blueprint for all of those and works well because it's basically a retelling of Elvis' own rags-to-riches story and so he's comfortable playing a rising music star with the challenges thereof.
Everything works except the melodramatic last act, which somewhat lost my interest. Plus the girlfriend (Dolores Hart) is deemphasized and so her relationship with the Presley character isn't compelling. On the positive side, when he's frolicking on the farm with her and feeding a horse a sugar cube and singing, there's a wholesomeness and innocence to treasure. Plus Elvis never looked better, being young and lean.
The film runs 1 hour, 41 minutes, and was shot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood and the Ivar Theatre.
GRADE: B-
Not as good as Love Me Tender
LittleStorpingInTheSwuff14 August 2018
Elvis was never destined to be a top notch actor, that was clear enough back then. Nor did the movers and shakers in the movie industry even dared think he would be. He sold movie tickets on his singing career and his name, which the intent anyway. But in my opinion, in this his second movie he fell even short of his 'Love Me Tender' debut. True, he had a bigger role than in LMT, but he obviously didn't improve his acting skills. He would improve his acting skills in time, to some degree, but it would still be his music and his name that would make him a box office draw.
The film has a sort of biographical theme (as other have mentioned) with only two recognizable (at the time) names as his co-stars, and an uninspired plot. A fun movie if you are an Elvis fan, but that's about it.
The film has a sort of biographical theme (as other have mentioned) with only two recognizable (at the time) names as his co-stars, and an uninspired plot. A fun movie if you are an Elvis fan, but that's about it.
the best of the Elvis musical dramas
didi-57 December 2003
"Loving You", the King's second movie, succeeds by using his own raw personality and talent and a version of his real-life rise to fame as a backdrop; the songs, too, are far better than many of the musical films he would churn out in the 1960s. Elvis himself makes use of his young rebel status as Deke Rivers, a driver who joins a country music outfit and causes havoc with his wild rock 'n roll style. His own band appear (Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana, Bill Black) and there is even a glimpse of Elvis' mum Gladys in one of the audiences.
In the cast alongside Elvis are Lizabeth Scott as the predatory Glenda, Wendell Corey as her on-off boyfriend and bandleader Tex, and pretty Doleres Hart as the love interest for Deke. The film also benefits from carefully planned Technicolor and some imaginative costumes for Presley to kick start his movie image. Enjoyable and very watchable, and somewhat ahead of its time.
In the cast alongside Elvis are Lizabeth Scott as the predatory Glenda, Wendell Corey as her on-off boyfriend and bandleader Tex, and pretty Doleres Hart as the love interest for Deke. The film also benefits from carefully planned Technicolor and some imaginative costumes for Presley to kick start his movie image. Enjoyable and very watchable, and somewhat ahead of its time.
It's an early Elvis film...so I'm gonna watch it!
planktonrules11 August 2022
I used to think I didn't like Elvis Presley movies. I think this was because I'd only seen a few of his later films....and his earlier films are remarkably different. In the early movies, he usually had excellent supporting casts and Elvis took some risks with some of these roles. Later, the films simply became formulaic...with not much in the way of support because the movies were ALL about Elvis. In the later ones, he's like catnip to the women and the films offer him no chance to actually act...and he played essentially the same character in most of them. I chose to watch "Loving You" because it was only his second movie...and I have really enjoyed most of the movies he made in the 50s and very early 60s.
The story begins with some guy barnstorming Texas, as he's running for governor. On a lark, one of his assistants asks a local boy, Deke Rivers (Elvis), to sing before the man's speech. Well, Deke goes over so well that suddenly tons of young people being attending these rallies. They are so successful that soon Deke is touring on his own...and woman are going gaga over him. But things can't go perfectly...otherwise, it would be a very short film! So what is next? See the picture.
This film offers less of a stretch for Elvis than pictures like "Charro!" and "Flaming Star", but it is still a very enjoyable movie...with support from the likes of Lizabeth Scott, Wendell Corey and James Gleason. It also helps that Elvis sings some of his most iconic songs in the picture...such as "Teddy Bear" and "Mean Woman Blues". And finally, filming the movie in vivid color was a good choice. While many early Elvis flicks were black & white, this one snaps. Overall, a fun film...not his best but among his best.
The story begins with some guy barnstorming Texas, as he's running for governor. On a lark, one of his assistants asks a local boy, Deke Rivers (Elvis), to sing before the man's speech. Well, Deke goes over so well that suddenly tons of young people being attending these rallies. They are so successful that soon Deke is touring on his own...and woman are going gaga over him. But things can't go perfectly...otherwise, it would be a very short film! So what is next? See the picture.
This film offers less of a stretch for Elvis than pictures like "Charro!" and "Flaming Star", but it is still a very enjoyable movie...with support from the likes of Lizabeth Scott, Wendell Corey and James Gleason. It also helps that Elvis sings some of his most iconic songs in the picture...such as "Teddy Bear" and "Mean Woman Blues". And finally, filming the movie in vivid color was a good choice. While many early Elvis flicks were black & white, this one snaps. Overall, a fun film...not his best but among his best.
This is Rock 'n' Roll!
CosmicDwellings8 April 2001
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.
Fun early Elvis persona but not his best as an actor.
gullwing5920033 March 2013
This is a semi-autobiographical & documentary like account of the early Elvis phenomenon & what all the excitement was about when Elvis exploded onto the scene in 1956. It's all here with the controversial hip shaking gyrations. This movie is a showcase of the early Elvis persona on stage rather than his acting. He's not given much to work with since he's essentially playing himself so he doesn't need to do much acting. Aside from the fight scene he mainly shines as a singing entertainer.
Out of the 4 pre-army movies this is my least favorite because his acting is not very good & is overshadowed by the music & the other actors. Lizabeth Scott is the one that really carries the film, her character is very strong & commanding & the driving force that moves the story forward. It's not that Elvis can't act there's just no room to act when he's playing himself.
Elvis's acting was much better in his first movie "Love Me Tender" because he was a supporting player to Richard Egan & Debra Paget & he was stepping into a role. Elvis really started to shine as an actor in his next movie "Jailhouse Rock" & of course "King Creole". This early on Elvis' acting career still looked promising.
Out of the 4 pre-army movies this is my least favorite because his acting is not very good & is overshadowed by the music & the other actors. Lizabeth Scott is the one that really carries the film, her character is very strong & commanding & the driving force that moves the story forward. It's not that Elvis can't act there's just no room to act when he's playing himself.
Elvis's acting was much better in his first movie "Love Me Tender" because he was a supporting player to Richard Egan & Debra Paget & he was stepping into a role. Elvis really started to shine as an actor in his next movie "Jailhouse Rock" & of course "King Creole". This early on Elvis' acting career still looked promising.
One of the best portrayals of the sounds and scenes of 1957.
dendep12 December 2004
First,I am a fan of early Elvis material(1955-59). I believe this movie more than any other shows Elvis at his best. I know that it is dated but that is what I like about it. I believe he could have become a very good actor if proper movie projects had been chosen. Loving You is a time capsule that we will never see again. All give good performances in this picture. Two of my favorites of the 1950's are in this picture. Dolores Hart is great in her good girl role. Also, bad girl Jana Lund is great in her small part. She has been overlooked for her great portrayals of 1950's JD bad girls. I believe Loving You more that any film of its era has the 1950's look and sound right on!! I should know, I was there. 8 of 10 stars.
More Teddy Bear than Tiger
JamesHitchcock15 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
"Loving You" was Elvis's second film and tells the semi-autobiographical story of how Deke Rivers, a poor country boy from Texas, rises to fame and fortune as a rock star, and how he is loved by two women, his older business manager Glenda and a sweet young singer named Susan. (No prizes for guessing which of them eventually wins out). This plot, of course, is little more than an excuse for Elvis to sing a number of his hit songs, and not only plot, but also dialogue and characterisation, take second place to the music. (There is some inadvertent social comment about the attitudes of the period- although the action is set in Texas, a state with a sizeable black population, just about every face we see is white).
One of the songs which Elvis sings in this film is "Teddy Bear", in which he declares that he would rather be his girlfriend's teddy bear than her lion or tiger. This put me in mind of what "Quinlan's Film Stars" said about him, speaking generally of his film career, namely that his films only rarely caught the electric arrogance that set audiences alight. On stage he may have been a lion or tiger, but in the movies he could be about as threatening as a teddy bear. This was particularly true of his later films from the sixties, bland family fare which probably seemed rather dated even when they came out.
"Loving You" comes form an earlier stage of his career when he, and rock-and-roll music in general, was frequently denounced by the moralists of the day as a menace to society and a threat to civilised values, and the script makes light-hearted reference to this controversy. The film is certainly livelier and better than some of the later entries in the Elvis canon, such as "Fun in Acapulco" or the particularly awful "Paradise Hawaiian Style", but even so it is still more teddy bear than tiger, with little in it to help us understand, two generations later, just why Elvis was so denounced- or, for that matter, why he was so adored by millions of fans. It makes for undemanding viewing, with some enjoyable music, but I suspect that it is unlikely to be loved today by anyone who is not already a die-hard Elvis fan. 5/10
One of the songs which Elvis sings in this film is "Teddy Bear", in which he declares that he would rather be his girlfriend's teddy bear than her lion or tiger. This put me in mind of what "Quinlan's Film Stars" said about him, speaking generally of his film career, namely that his films only rarely caught the electric arrogance that set audiences alight. On stage he may have been a lion or tiger, but in the movies he could be about as threatening as a teddy bear. This was particularly true of his later films from the sixties, bland family fare which probably seemed rather dated even when they came out.
"Loving You" comes form an earlier stage of his career when he, and rock-and-roll music in general, was frequently denounced by the moralists of the day as a menace to society and a threat to civilised values, and the script makes light-hearted reference to this controversy. The film is certainly livelier and better than some of the later entries in the Elvis canon, such as "Fun in Acapulco" or the particularly awful "Paradise Hawaiian Style", but even so it is still more teddy bear than tiger, with little in it to help us understand, two generations later, just why Elvis was so denounced- or, for that matter, why he was so adored by millions of fans. It makes for undemanding viewing, with some enjoyable music, but I suspect that it is unlikely to be loved today by anyone who is not already a die-hard Elvis fan. 5/10
"One of Presley's best."
jamesraeburn200325 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
A press agent called Glenda Markle (Lizabeth Scott) signs a young hillbilly singer, Deke Rivers (Elvis Presley), to her husband's band in order to boost their success. America's teenagers take to the young singer, but the controversy of rock n' roll music and his troubled past threaten to ruin his new found fame.
LOVING YOU was Presley's second feature film and his first in colour. It stands as one of his best as he gives a genuinely emotional performance and the tunes are great too. Especially PARTY, GOT A LOT OF LIVIN' TO DO, TEDDY BEAR and not forgetting the title song. The colour photography of Charles Lang is first class and watching the film makes one see that most of Presley's subsequent movies played the same storyline over and over again. Only many of these were becoming increasingly poor as were the tunes, by the time DOUBLE TROUBLE (1967) came out, he was reduced to singing OLD MACDONALD.
LOVING YOU was Presley's second feature film and his first in colour. It stands as one of his best as he gives a genuinely emotional performance and the tunes are great too. Especially PARTY, GOT A LOT OF LIVIN' TO DO, TEDDY BEAR and not forgetting the title song. The colour photography of Charles Lang is first class and watching the film makes one see that most of Presley's subsequent movies played the same storyline over and over again. Only many of these were becoming increasingly poor as were the tunes, by the time DOUBLE TROUBLE (1967) came out, he was reduced to singing OLD MACDONALD.
Good movie
kwbucsfan15 August 2001
I like this semi autobiographic movie. Not only is the plot strong, but once again Elvis has a strong supporting cast. I particularly liked the character the Delores Hart played. I especially thought that the controversy surrounding Elvis Presley's character mirrored the early part of his career. I give this movie 4 stars
Elvis sings "Teddy Bear"
RIO-153 November 1999
Elvis Presley's second movie gives him an undemanding role based on his own persona: A working-class kid who makes it to the top in the music business with the help of an iron-willed manager. The story is one show-biz cliche after another,with Elvis's performances of some of his greatest songs the only saving grace. Veterans Lizabeth Scott and Wendell Corey act below par,with Scott turning in quite an annoying performance. Newcomer Dolores Hart has a winning appearance,though she's not been given any demanding acting task. Rating: **1/2 of *****
Baby you knock me out!
ptb-826 February 2004
I know that title belongs to Dolores Gray in another 50s sensation ITS ALWAYS FAIR WEATHER but it could also be applied to the incomparable LIZABETH SCOTT in LOVING YOU....that is if you can tear your eyes from ELVIS in his first color film. Aged just 22 during production this is like CRY BABY for real.....and if only JOHNNY DEPP was as handsome (haha). LOVING YOU is a very good 50s color pop culture film and clearly shows how the early Elvis pix are the best (also like KING CREOLE or JAILHOUSE ROCK) The Technicolor print is stunning and the enjoyable 50s rockabilly tone is perfect. The TEDDY BEAR number is sheer perfection: Elvis+ 1957+ Technicolor +pop imagery + the music.
An Average Elvis Movie
Uriah4317 July 2022
This film essentially begins with a country singer by the name of "Walter 'Tex' Warner" (Wendell Corey) trying to mount a comeback after several years with little to show for it. It's during this time that, while he and his former wife "Glenda Markle" (Lizabeth Scott) are working for the Texas gubernatorial candidacy an uninspiring politician named "Jim Tallman" (Ralph Dumke) that she convinces him to abandon the campaign and relaunch his musical career. To that end, the first thing she does is sign a reluctant delivery man by the name of "Deke Rivers" (Elvis Presley) to a music contract. However, in order for her to get him to agree to tour with Tex, she first has him fired from his current job without him realizing who was behind it. She then has to convince Tex Warner to allow room for him to perform with his country band even though Tex prefers to be the star attraction. What none of them realize, however, is that Deke has a quality about him that will soon propel all of them to national recognition-provided that Glenda can keep both Tex and Deke under her control. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that I wasn't overly impressed with this movie due in large part to the rather predictable--and quite corny--plot. Likewise, although Elvis performed adequately enough, having seen a number of his other movies, I can definitely say that it's certainly not one of his better films. Even so, I suppose it was good enough for the time spent and I have rated it accordingly. Average.
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