Jailhouse Rock (1957) User Reviews

quite possibly Presley's best film

[didi-5 · 8/10 · 15 January 2009]

Great songs, a fine leading actor and actress (Elvis, not the world's greatest actor but doing his Method bit here; and the ill-fated Judy Tyler), and an engrossing story make 'Jailhouse Rock' a great rock 'n' roll musical, and by far one of the best movies made by The King at the peak of his powers.

Yes, there are some cringeworthy bits ('it's only the beast in me'), but in the main this is a rags to riches tale which showcases some raw Presley performances, especially the title track and the quieter 'Young and Beautiful' alongside a contemporary tale of fights, attitude, and the county jail.

The great surprise is that this film still looks and feels fresh after more than fifty years. The pity is that Elvis would only have a handful of decent performances before the rot set in with 'Kissin Cousins', 'Tickle Me', and the like.

"Dancing To The Jail House Rock"

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 10 January 2009]

For his third feature film Colonel Tom Parker over to MGM where they assigned a couple of very experienced hands behind the camera, producer Pandro S. Berman who among other folks he produced for was Fred Astaire and director Richard Thorpe. He was one of MGM's busiest craftsmen, who directed just about every MGM star during that studio's golden years. As he always did, Colonel Parker made sure that his star got the best possible support and he didn't fail him in Jailhouse Rock.

In Jailhouse Rock, Elvis plays a rather surly, ill tempered youth whose quick with his fists. A brawl in a bar and Elvis kills a guy with his fists. Granted the deceased was a lout, still the state does frown on that and Elvis got a term for manslaughter. While there, he shares a cell with old time country singer Mickey Shaughnessy.

Mickey helps Elvis survive prison and discovers he's got a voice. When he's released before Shaughnessy, Elvis goes out in search of a career and determined to let nothing stand in his way. He discovers the music business is a cutthroat one and he responds in kind. He gets his success, but it costs him the love and respect of all around him, including young record promoter Judy Tyler who develops a thing for the king.

Elvis has some good songs to sing with the title song being the biggest hit from this film. Jailhouse Rock is given a good MGM style production, worthy of anything you might have seen MGM give one of Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly's musicals. And the record of course is still selling good.

Mickey Shaughnessy appeared in a lot of good films in the Fifties, but usually playing cheerful oafs. This was one of the few times he had a serious part and he carries it off well.

I was disappointed that Judy Tyler did not get to display her musical talents. Elvis's is not the only tragic story from the cast of Jailhouse Rock. Young Judy Tyler with a brilliant career in front of her was killed shortly after completing this film with her husband in an automobile accident. I remember it well because she had been Princess SummerFallWinterSpring on the Howdy Doody Show a few years earlier. After leaving that she got good notices on Broadway in one of Rodgers&Hammerstein's lesser shows, Pipe Dream.

My guess is that Colonel Tom did not want anyone sharing musical time with Elvis so early in his career. Otherwise she might have gotten a number on her own and a duet with the king. Her musical talent would have been preserved in a hit film, but who could have known? Elvis would have to wait until Viva Las Vegas and Ann-Margret before he got a leading lady who could sing and dance to match him.

The plot of the film is similar to The Carpetbaggers so if you've seen that you know how this one comes out. Elvis does a fine acting job and singing, well he is the king.

Elvis's best film

[wjfickling · 7/10 · 8 January 2005]

I saw this film when it came out. I was a sophomore in high school, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I just saw it again on TCM, and guess what? I still enjoy it! This is by no means a work of art; it's plain old fashioned entertainment. Some of the actors in the supporting parts are stilted, and Elvis himself will never be confused with Brando or Dean. But Elvis was a singer, to this day the greatest in rock and roll history, and the musical numbers are first rate. Mickey Shaughnessy, who I can't recall seeing anywhere else, is perfect for the part of Elvis's hillbilly cell mate, and the tragic Judy Tyler shines as the leading lady. (For trivia buffs, she was Princess Summerfallwinterspring on the Howdy Doody Show.) And for those too young to remember the 50s, which probably includes the majority of this website's users, this will provide a good sample of popular entertainment in that era. 7/10

Presley's best movie

[RIO-15 · 7/10 · 17 November 1999]

Perhaps Presley's best movie. It casts him as a young hothead serving a jail sentence for manslaughter.Released from jail he makes it big in the music-business.The sudden success goes to his head and alienates his best friends. Elvis delivers a very magnetic performance with the aid of director Thorpe's skilled handling.Judy Tyler's performance is also very good.The movie's sour tone makes it stand out in comparison with the later Presley vehicles.The famous production number of the title tune is a smash. Rating: ***1/2 of *****

A pop culture time capsule from the late 1950's decade

[marxsarx · 7/10 · 29 March 2003]

"Jailhouse Rock" is an entertaining film which Elvis Presley, its star, carries all the way. Judy Tyler is gorgeous as a love interest and Mickey Shaughnessy is tough but goodhearted as his jailhouse buddy. They provide good support. This is an early film for Elvis, maybe only his second film after his debut in "Love Me Tender." This movie felt like a pop culture time capsule from the late fifties era with the clothes, the music and the cars. It is a forerunner of many Elvis films of the same type where Elvis sings, overcomes obstacles and gets the girl, and yet it has the charm and innocence often typical in this era. The concept is still fresh in 1957, and it shows in Elvis's performance which is good. The plot is a bit weak in places but passable. "Jailhouse Rock" features roughly half a dozen performances by Elvis and they all add to the fun. There are also one or two numbers by costar Mickey Shaughnessy and they also enhance the film. This is one of the more substantial Elvis Films and a good one to watch to introduce you to the phenomenon of Elvis Presley. Sadly, Elvis's lovely costar Judy Tyler was killed in an automobile accident before the film was released in theaters. It has been said that Elvis refused to watch "Jailhouse Rock" ever again after Judy's death. I give this movie an 82/100 points.

Reactions to one of Elvis' best flicks

[funkyfry · 7/10 · 15 October 2002]

I heard a young woman who hadn't seen "Jailhouse Rock" before leaving the Parkway Theater here in Oakland say "I didn't expect it to be so sad." And yes, it's a pretty dark version of Elvis' own early life. To add to the dark shadow over this film, Elvis' lovely and tolented young co-star, Judy Tyler, died before this film was released (I believe it was a car accident, but I could be wrong). Elvis was pretty broke up about it, and so am I. Well, enough said, it's got the classic "Jailhouse Rock" number (often excerpted and included in TV retrospectives on Elvis), with some pretty smooth dance moves revealed by the often immobile Elvis. E really shines in this one; one of his best films.

Not bad

[preppy-3 · 7/10 · 7 May 2005]

Vince (Elvis Presley) is a backwoods boy with a HUGE temper problem. One day he beats a guy to death in a fight and is sent to prison. While there he's cell mates with Hunk (Mickey Shaughnessy) who gets him interested in playing the guitar and singing. When released Vince makes it big with the help of Peggy (Judy Taylor)...but becomes an obnoxious jerk. He treats Hunk and Peggy like dirt. Will he come around and treat them better? What do you think?

I tuned into this just to watch the "Jailhouse Rock" number. I'm not a fan of Presley but I heard this was good. I was surprised at how much I liked it. All the songs are good and the "Jailhouse Rock" number is just stunning--easily one of the best choreographed musical numbers ever caught on screen. Taylor is pretty and just charming in her role (sadly she died right after completing this) and Shaughnessy offers strong support. Also it's well-directed in Cinemascope.

The only debits are the overly familiar story and Presley's acting. He was a great singer but no actor--sometimes it was almost embarrassing to watch how badly he played scenes. But it's still worth watching for the songs and the other performances. I give this a 7.

One of Elvis' greatest: 8/10

[aidosh94 · 8/10 · 7 March 2009]

"It ain't tactics, honey. It's just the beast in me." Elvis is smoldering in this classic flick, and he delivers a great performance as Vince Everett; a youngster who is thrown in jail on the charges of manslaughter, and then becomes a rock star when released. Judy Tyler is wonderful, and it's a shame we lost her at such a young age. Mickey Shaughnessy gives a solid performance as Hunk Houghton, the jealous former cell mate and business partner. The soundtrack is amazing, featuring songs as Jailhouse Rock, Young And Beautiful, One More Day, Don't Leave Me Now, and my favorite, I Want To Be Free. You can't help but wonder how many other great movies like this Elvis could've made if his manager Col. Tom Parker didn't screw things up for him. Ah well, see this great movie and enjoy, because it's a one of a kind.

The Elvis Show

[grantss · 6/10 · 27 December 2019]

So-so story, and really just a platform for Elvis Presley's vocal and musical talents. But what talents they are! The music is great and Elvis puts in a convincing performance. Good support from Judy Tyler (especially) and Mickey Shaughnessy.

If Only All Inmates Were Like This

[ccthemovieman-1 · 5/10 · 10 July 2006]

Elvis Presley was a great singer and, of course, one of the real legends in the history of show business.....but his films? Well, I guess some people liked them. They were too sappy for me, sort of like those Frankie Avalon-Annette Funicello Bikini Beach movies of that era.

I did check this one out, hoping there would be a number of fast songs in here, such as the great title tune "Jailhouse Rock." To my disappointment, almost all the songs were ballads.....hardly something to get pumped over.

The inmates in this prison were most clean-cut, nicest and most polite "jailbirds" you ever did see. This wasn't a jail; it was the Young Republicans Club. The only nasty person was the warden. Well, they set a trend there as wardens have been nasty in the movies ever since. As for Elvis, let's just say I preferred his records to his movies.

The King of Rock and Roll rocks it in jail

[TheLittleSongbird · 8/10 · 25 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.

Personally am of the opinion that some of his early stuff is actually pretty good (a few even more so than that), the writing and stories weren't always a strong suit but they had good supporting performances, great soundtracks with some iconic songs, they didn't look like they were made on the cheap and Elvis actually showed himself to be a decent enough actor when the songs and material allowed it. The later films when Elvis was past prime not only had those story and script problems but did have problems with production values, less good supporting cast and Elvis being past prime and didn't even have the benefit of having good soundtracks.

'Jailhouse Rock' is often considered Elvis' best film, a consensus agreed with by me. It may not be a masterpiece of film and it's not perfect, but for an Elvis film it's very good, proving that not every Elvis film is deserving of scorn regardless of initial reputations (though actually for an Elvis film "mixed reviews" shows that it was still better received than most of them). The dialogue once again is not a strength in 'Jailhouse Rock', too many times making one cringe in its corniness and soapiness. A few of the situations are a touch on the hackneyed side too.

However, 'Jailhouse Rock' is well shot and is hardly a film that while not looking expensive not looking cheap. Richard Thorpe always struck me as a very capable director but tended to be somewhat of an undistinguished one, he does well here and does nothing to undermine Elvis' star power or the emotional impact of the story.

The soundtrack is magnificent and one of the best for an Elvis film, while the iconic title song (have always had great fun singing and dancing along to this song) is stunningly choreographed and iconic for good reason making just as big an impact are a tender "Young and Beautiful" and a soul-blistering and blood-stirring "Baby I Don't Care".

While the story is unexceptional structurally, it is one of the better stories in an Elvis film, it is unusually dark and very moving often with a personal edge that makes it even sadder to watch. Elvis' performance here is one of his most natural (very little stiffness here) and while he is not in the same ball-park as his influences Marlon Brando and James Dean this is the closest he ever came in his film career to be as good as Dean, he's charming, tormented, charismatic in an easy-going sense and there is once again like in his previous two films a genuine emotional honesty. He sings sublimely and distinctively.

Judy Tyler is endearing (tragic what happened to hear) and Mickey Shaughnessy excels in a serious role.

Overall, a very strong contender for Elvis' best (gets my personal vote for that distinction) and Elvis himself rocks it. 8/10 Bethany Cox

For an Elvis film, this film actually had a somewhat dark story line.

[AlsExGal · 7/10 · 10 June 2017]

Sure, Elvis isn't the best actor in the world, but his persona works well here.

The plot involves Elvis, a young man who fights a drunk man in a bar and inadvertently kills him. The man had been accosting a young woman in the bar and Elvis didn't like it and punched him, which led to the brawl. Anyway, Elvis ends up being convicted of manslaughter and is sentenced to 1-10 years in jail. While in jail, he meets Mickey Shaughnessy, a has-been country singer who seems to have been in the clink for a while. Shaughnessy hears Elvis sing and promises to teach him how to play the guitar. He later convinces Elvis to perform in an upcoming inmate variety show which is also televised. After the appearance, Elvis receives gobs of fan letters. Jealous, Shaughnessy arranges to make sure Elvis doesn't receive his fan letters. He then convinces Elvis to sign a "contract" promising to cut him in for 50% of the profits if Elvis becomes a star.

After almost two years, Elvis is released from jail, he gets a job at a nightclub where he meets a beautiful young woman, Judy Tyler. Tyler's story is tragic. Just days after completing production on this film, her first big role, she and her husband were killed in a gruesome car accident. She was only 24. I really liked her in this film. She also had a beautiful speaking voice. I think she would have made something of herself in the movie business had fate not intervened. Anyway, after hearing Elvis sing onstage (during an impromptu performance), she convinces him to record a demo for a local record studio. Elvis' song ends up being stolen by another artist and he and Tyler form their own record label to produce his music. Elvis' career takes off and so does his ego.

Elvis' character seems to be a bit quick tempered as he hits people frequently throughout the film. I thought that Tyler's character somewhat evened out Elvis' character. If he had a tendency toward being impulsive, she was more level headed and rational. Shaughnessy's character was also interesting as he was a bit of a sleaze but you also felt bad for him as well.

The songs in the film were good too, my favorite though being "Jailhouse Rock", which is part of a prison-themed performance planned for the television special that Elvis is to appear in and shows Elvis in all of his glory.

Certainly less formulaic than the 60's Elvis films, I really enjoyed this one.

Disappointing!

[hemisphere65-1 · 4/10 · 17 August 2021]

Only a couple of the songs are memorable (Jailhouse Rock & You're So Square) and the acting is abysmal, but at least there's an actual plot.

Elvis seemed to be trying, but he really couldn't act at all in 1957. It was painful/hilarious watching his attempts at drama or anger or comedy.

Watch the movie for a couple of numbers; don't expect any more.

Cashing in on Elvis' great popularity.

[TxMike · 16 August 2020]

As soon as Elvis became an international sensation in 1956 he started making movies, built around him as a singer. This was the third of a long list and it was shot over a 2 month time period in the studio in 1957. But what amazes me even more is that he was a credible, natural actor from the very beginning. This young guy from rural Mississippi.

In "Jailhouse Rock" he had spent a short time in prison before plying his trade as a singer with a guitar. After some early shenanigans by record labels he decided to form his own company, with his partner, Judy Tyler as Peggy Van Alden. In real life young Elvis was apparently smitten with the 24-year-old beauty. Tragically she died in an automobile accident only a few weeks after shooting wrapped up for this movie.

None of the Elvis movies are great movies but they all entertain, including this one.

Not too bad

[stevenfallonnyc · 6/10 · 18 April 2004]

I'm not the biggest Elvis fan (I choose The Beatles over him anytime), but I do like him a lot (I even recorded an Elvis cover for a CD). So I finally gave "Jailhouse Rock" a viewing, considering it's a nice young Elvis and this is supposed to be his best, or one of his best, of his 30+ movies.

Well truthfully if "JR" is among his best films, I'd really hate to see the worst! Elvis himself was fine, but the movie itself was just kind of weak. It was surprising to see The Elvis character act the way he does - in pretty much the whole film, he's something of a jerk and not really too likable. That's why it is odd to see him do things like defend the "tramp" in the bar, and take a stand against crookedness in the music business, against the way he acts in other parts of the movie, because really, Elvis' character is a jerk.

But he looks good and sings well, and that's what the fans wanna see, and Elvis definitely delivers the goods there. The girls are pretty and it is funny to see Elvis getting into fights and threatening people. All in all, watching a corny old Elvis movie like this is not a bad way to spend 90 movie-viewing minutes, although you aren't going to sit through it again unless you are a huge Elvis fan. Thank you very much!

Jailhouse Rock (1957) **1/2

[JoeKarlosi · 6/10 · 18 January 2007]

Fairly decent vehicle for Elvis Presley casts him as a young construction worker who gets thrown in jail after accidentally killing a man in a bar room brawl. While in prison he befriends an older convict who used to be a country singer (Mickey Shaugnessy), and Elvis learns to play the guitar and sing. Once Presley's rather short jail term has been carried out he returns to society with a dream of continuing his singing career and becoming a rich and famous star. He has the good fortune of teaming up with a spunky female record promoter (23-year-old Judy Tyler, who tragically died in an auto accident only days after completing this film) but success turns him into a snob as he steps on people's toes while climbing the ladder of success. Presley is in his absolute prime here and isn't bad in this film, though his character turns out to be a confounding mixture of likable country boy and despicable arrogant jerk. Elvis does get to perform the raunchy "(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care," but most of the songs here are pleasant but rather lightweight. This unfortunately extends to the rather watered-down version of the normally bouncy "Treat Me Nice" single and even tarnishes the classic title powerhouse, "Jailhouse Rock". When the latter hit is performed during an entertaining and well-choreographed dance sequence, the movie version of the song contains backup singers adding embarrassing lines like: "go-go-go!" and "lay it on me, Daddy-O!". **1/2 out of ****

I Can See Where Elvis Fans Come From

[gavin6942 · 6/10 · 17 February 2016]

After serving time for manslaughter, young Vince Everett (Elvis Presley) becomes a teenage rock star.

I was never a big Elvis fan. I liked some of his songs, had not seen any of his movies, and never really understood the obsession some people had with him. While the "obsession" still confuses me, after seeing a few of his movies I can really begin to understand the appeal. This one in particular is quite good.

Who knew Elvis was not just a lover but a fighter? He is cast as a kid with a short tempter and even kills a man in the first few minutes. I never expected to see that, especially after the silliness of things like "Blue Hawaii". This is not edgy filmmaking like that of Sam Fuller, but i guess I need to give Elvis more credit.

Elvis Rocks

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 8 January 2013]

Unlike many of the Elvis films that came later, Jailhouse Rock displays the raw energy that made him a star. He had some good songs to work with and a script that, unlike some others, feels like it was not just constructed around Elvis.

I loved the black and white cinematography. The costuming is fun to watch. And best of all is Judy Tyler. After watching this film, I wondered why she did not become a huge star. I was sad to find out that she died shortly after filming.

In some of Elvis' later films, he seems to be sleepwalking through the story. In Jailhouse Rock, he seems engaged and the director pulled a strong performance from the young star.

A wonderful movie that vindicates Elvis' acting career (to a point)

[j_kro · 8/10 · 4 August 2008]

I'll be fair, I'm a huge fan of Elvis' music. But I have been very harsh on his movies. I've watched "Stay Away Joe" and "Paradise, Hawaiin Style" and hated them both. This movie is miles better then both of those, and is neither silly nor trite.

What it is is a compelling story with developed characters, a plausible storyline, and the right kind of pace.

The musical numbers are all top notch, of course, but the real luster of this gem is in Elvis' acting performance. Elvis was clearly having a good time playing a rebel, and he fit the part perfectly. This movie is much more then just a vehicle to get Elvis' music on screen.

As many others have said, its a shame that Elvis did not get a chance to pursue more roles of this kind.

A Singing Jailbird Set Free

[Uriah43 · 6/10 · 14 August 2022]

This film essentially begins with a construction worker by the name of "Vince Everett" (Elvis Presley) going to a local bar after a hard day to unwind. While there he is confronted by an angry man who mistakenly believes he is flirting with his girlfriend. A fight soon erupts in which Vince accidentally kills his antagonist. Not long afterward, Vince is convicted of manslaughter and sent to the penitentiary for about a year at which time his cellmate "Hunk Houghton" (Mickey Shaughnessy) teaches him how to play a guitar. To that effect, since Vince already has a good voice, his new skill soon lands him on a televised show from prison that gathers favorable fanfare. Somewhat jealous that Vince stole the show that Hunk had hoped would relaunch his own singing career, he hides all of Vince's fan mail and quickly makes a deal with him to become partners in the musical business once the two of them are released from prison. Vince agrees and, since he is released first, starts his new career with the help of a beautiful talent scout named "Peggy Van Alden" (Judy Tyler). However, things become much more complicated once Hunk is released from prison and it becomes all too apparent that he isn't even remotely in the same league as Vince. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that I was somewhat taken aback by the rather mean character Elvis chose to play in this specific film as most of his other characters have him in a more favorable light. To be sure, that's not to say that he performed badly by any means, it's just that I wasn't quite expecting this particular role reversal and it left me somewhat disappointed overall. Be that as it may, I still thought it was a fairly good film, all things considered, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

Great hair, crap movie

[dcshanno · 4/10 · 29 October 2004]

I'm absolutely blown away by the people who have praised this movie and call this Elvis' 'best' picture. I don't usually do this, but let me recap 'Jailhouse Rock' just to remind those who have seen it and warn those who haven't exactly what happens in this thing (WARNING! SPOILERS!):

Elvis plays a construction worker who, in the second scene in the film, beats a man to death in a bar after the man starts to rough up a woman he believes was flirting with Elvis. Elvis goes to the State Pen and bunks with an old country music star who, seeing the kid's raw talent, teaches him how to play guitar. Elvis becomes an overnight success when he's seen performing in the prison talent show, which is, for some reason, being broadcast on live television. The months go by and Elvis receives an early release. Elvis inexplicably emerges from the Big House surly, arrogant, sexually aggressive, combative, and, well, an a-hole. It's not that he's rebellious in a Marlon Brando/James Dean kind of way. He's just a jerk. I mean, a *really* unlikable, well, a-hole.

In a strip club, he meets a sexy, young music rep who, recognizing the kid's raw talent, agrees to manage him. She gets him to cut a couple of demos, and, after a few failed attempts, they decide to start their own label. Now, things really take off. The records start selling, and the money starts rolling in. There are appearances on NBC (the famed 'Jailhouse Rock' number) and movie deals in Hollywood. Hollywood is where the movie finally settles down. Now living in a mansion, surrounded by hanger-ons, Elvis is just as surly, arrogant, sexually aggressive, combative, and, well, as big an a-hole as ever. His old bunkmate returns looking for a piece of the action and is given a job as a sort of lackey assistant.

Things reach a boil when Elvis is offered the opportunity to sell his record label to a major, which results in some very hurt feelings from the sexy, young music rep who, naturally, is in love with him despite all his shortcomings. She leaves in tears, and the former bunkmate, brimming with resentment and bonded bourbon, decides to whup Elvis good to teach him a lesson. Elvis takes a punch in the larynx and ends up in the hospital with a tracheotomy. Will Elvis ever be able to sing again? After a few days of recovering at home, Elvis gives it a tentative shot. Fortunately, the sexy, young music rep was hoping this would happen and has Elvis' band mates stashed out the hall. The band comes in, Elvis discovers his voice hasn't been irreparably damaged, and the movie fades to black as the sexy, young music rep and the remorseful former bunkmate look on approvingly.

This movie is *terrible.* Who in their right mind thought that 'Jailhouse Rock' was good for Elvis or his fans? The direction is static and uninspired, the plot is unpleasant, and the star is unsympathetic nearly from the moment he shows up on the screen. It's a series of missteps heaped on one another from beginning to end. People, this a rock and roll movie narrated by a lawyer for crying out loud!

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a Beatles man. I do, however, appreciate Elvis and think his fame and place in history are well earned. His catalog, however, is mostly regrettable and only punctuated with occasional gems. I don't say this because I don't think he was talented-he absolutely was. His Sun Records recordings are proof of that. 'Jailhouse Rock,' though, should be considered exhibit A in what was a terribly mismanaged career.

"That ain't tactics honey, it's just the beast in me."

[hitchcockthelegend · 8/10 · 7 February 2010]

Elvis Presley plays "Vince Everett" who goes to jail after accidentally killing a man in a bar fight. While in the big house he is paired in his cell with Hunk Houghton (Mickey Shaughnessy), an ageing country singer whose best days are behind him. The pair strike up a friendship and Houghton teaches Everett to play the guitar, however, it's apparent that Everett is all about the voice. Recognising this fact, Houghton is quick to strike up a contract with Everett so that once both are on the outside they can make some money in the music industry. Paroled well early into his stretch, Everett meets Peggy Van Alden (Judy Tyler), a record company talent scout, who eventually gets won around by Everett and they record a song. Although there are initial problems with the industry, the song takes off after the pair set up their own record company. But with fame comes internal conflict and Houghton is now released and wanting to call in on his and Everett's prison contract.

Chances are that if you asked a group of film lovers to name an Elvis Presley motion picture, the majority would say Jailhouse Rock. Now that's not to say that is because it's the best film from The King because that would be King Creole or Flaming Star. Or that it's the most fun film of the 31 pictures he made, because that would be Viva Las Vegas. Its standing probably has more to do with the title song than the actual film itself. Which is actually a shame because although Jailhouse Rock is a weak film in many ways, it's also a film where Presley got to play a moody, rebel like character. The like of which we would not see again. This was Presley's third feature length film, and the first for MGM. Shot in black & white by Robert J. Bronner, it's directed by Richard Thorpe and penned by Guy Trosper out of a story by Nedrick Young.

The problems exist within the weak plot that has holes the size of Leavenworth Prison. Characters come and go without any purpose or meaning and Thorp uses shortcuts to keep the film's running time as trim as Presley's waist line was here. Yet to me these are forgivable issues as Presley embraces his rebel with a heart and gives it the full tilt lip snarling treatment. His Vince Everett is the guy that girls want to bed (lots of Elvis bare torso here girls) and the guy that guys want to be. And of course there is also a great set of songs and the choreography to lap up at every other turn. Along with the famous and quite brilliant title song we also get "Treat Me Nice," "Baby, I Don't Care," "I Want To Be Free," "Don't Leave Me Now" and the sublimely tender "Young & Beautiful". The latter of which stops this particular viewer in his tracks and instils a warmth that normally only Judy Garland gives me when warbling over the rainbow. Yes I love this film in spite of its obvious failings.

The sad footnote to the film concerns co-star Judy Tyler who along with her then husband, Greg Lafayette, was killed in an automobile accident a couple of weeks after filming had finished. Thus never even getting to see the film released. Elvis was shattered and is said to have never watched the film as it would have been too painful. So as Elvis sings "Young & Beautiful" it becomes, one feels, a fitting tribute to a young actress cut down in her prime. In 2007 a Deluxe edition of the film was released on DVD, remastered in sound and picture, it's a triumphant release that really does the film justice. For now, Elvis, Judy and those wonderful songs, have never looked or sounded so great as they do now. 8/10

Not All Bad

[skinnygaillard · 7/10 · 18 July 2022]

I've tried to watch Elvis' movies before, and have never got beyond ten minutes. I made it to the end of Jailhouse Rock.

Obviously, the film had a demographic it was targeting. For that purpose, it did very well. Elvis was handsome and charismatic as ever, and the music was fantastic. It was nice to see some respect woven into all this, too. The material was thin in places, but the story was competent. The movie wasn't bursting at the seams with too many songs; in fact, there was only a few.

Overall, Jailhouse Rock is good entertainment. It's not challenging, but we see a decent story, some good acting, and character growth. It's a shame Elvis never had a real moment to shine on the big screen. I think he certainly could have handled something complex.

Elvis (I mean Vince Everett) is a total tool.

[WaldoLydecker1 · 4/10 · 17 November 2020]

His poor acting certainly doesn't help, but making the main character such a jerkwad, dooms this relic of early hillbilly from the beginning of the movie. He's a self-absorbed, selfish, rude, conceited tool, who doesn't engender any empathy (or even sympathy) regarding his obstacles to fame, fortune, and happiness. Again, wooden acting by Elvis (except when he's singing or fighting) does nothing to help. Neither does the vapid acting by most of his supporting cast, particularly the women. If you watch it, just skim through to watch the musical numbers.