My Favorite Christmas Songs: Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley

What would Christmas be without the king of rock and roll? Being an Elvis Presley fan, you knew I had to have him in on one of my favorites.

 

 

 

 

 



Flaming Star / Blue Hawaii DVD Review

FLAMING STAR

Elvis stars as a half breed in this tale of cowboys versus indians. One of his few Westerns, Sam Burton's second wife Neddy is Indian, their son Pacer (Elvis) a half-breed. A struggle starts between the whites and the Kiowas, the Burton family is split between loyalties. Neddy and Sam are killed; Pacer sides with the Indians, his half-brother Clint with the whites.

Released in 1960.

In the years after the civil war, Western Texas is an un-easy meeting ground of two cultures: one white, the other Native-American. Elvis stars as Pacer Burton, the son of a rancher and his beautiful Kiowa wife. When fighting breaks out between the settlers and natives, Pacer is pulled into the deadly violence despite his peace-making efforts.

My review: Don't go looking for a ton of songs by the king in this one. While he does sing a couple, for the most part, it is another attempt of a serious acting role. The story is weak, the plot is weak, and for the most part, there is no big battle scene between the cowboys and indians. Thus, it comes up a little short on the entertaining side, unless you're like me and just love Elvis movies. But for those who haven't seen any Elvis films and want to try one, pass on this. While the acting is pretty good by all (including Elvis himself) the product as a whole will not excite you. On a side note: A very young Barbara Eden co-stars in this film and she is somewhat pleasant to look at. This is one of her earliest works. Most certainly before "I Dream Of Jeanie".

My rating: Even with Barbara Eden riding side saddle in this one with Elvis, I can only honestly give this film a 6 out of 10 stars. The effort is there, the result is not.

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BLUE HAWAII 

  This 1961 film was one of the king's biggest money makers. Chad Gates (Elvis) has just gotten out of the Army, and is happy to be back in Hawaii with his surf-board, his beach buddies, and his girlfriend. His father wants him to go to work at the Great Southern Hawaiian Fruit Company, but Chad is reluctant. So Chad goes to work as a tour guide at his girlfriend's agency. Chad would rather wear an aloha shirt than a white collar. He wants to make it on his own merit, not have everything handed to him by his wealthy father.

My review: This movie starts out too slow for my taste. The only thing that keeps me in it for the first 30 minutes are the multitude of songs he wails out, seemingly one right after the other before the story starts to kick in. But once it does kick in, it's pretty good. One thing is for certain, there are an abundance of good songs in this one, and after all, isn't that what we expect from the king?

My rating: Despite the slow start to the story, the songs really make this whole thing click. This is the movie where he sings one of his biggest hits, "Can't Help Falling In Love". Still, all that aside, I will give this a solid 7 1/2 stars out of 10. On a positive note, Elvis is in his prime in this one. I think it would have been better if he had a major co-star with him though to help carry the movie. Granted, Angela Lansbury is in it, but she plays his mother so ..... 

G.I. Blues / Follow That Dream DVD Review

G.I. Blues

"I got the occupation G.I. Blues."

In Frankfurt, the G.I. Tulsa McLean bets all the money his friends Cookie and Rick and he are saving to buy a night-club of their own in USA that his mate Dynamite will seduce and spend a night with the untouchable cabaret dancer Lili. When Dynamite is transferred to Alaska, Tulsa has to replace him in the bet, but he falls for Lili and tries to call off the game. (Co-starring, Juliet Prowse)

One of my favorite Elvis films. This is the first film he did after returning from hsi service in the military. (If i am not mistaken) Here is a little tidbit about the king you may or may not have known - but Elvis never had any formal acting training. (true story)

My rating .... a solid 7 stars.

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Follow That Dream

When the Kwimper family car runs out of gas on a new Florida highway and an officous state supervisor tries to run them off, Pop Kwimper digs in his heels and decides to do a little homesteading. He and his son Toby and their "adopted" children - Holly, Ariadne and the twins - start their own little community along a strip of the roadside. The fishing is good and the living is easy until the mob sets up a gambling operation and the state supervisor sics a sexy social worker on the Kwimpers in an effort to take away Ariadne and the twins.

I am saying it here and now, Elvis doesn't nearly get the credit he deserves for his acting. Or for being funny. His is great at both in this one. It really is a hoot and Elvis does a fantastic job with comedy in this one.

My rating ... I give this one a solid 8 stars. For its time, I thought it was pretty darn good. You will too. 

 

 

 

Fun In Acapulco / Live A Little, Love A Little

Fun In Acapulco

This must have been filmed before the drug cartels. LOL Actually, Elvis never left America for any film or concert because his manager didn't have, nor couldn't get a traveling visa. (He could never leave the country) And he always went where Elvis went thus, Elvis could never go outside the U.S.

Anyhow, Mike (Elvis) works on a boat in Acapulco. When the bratty daughter of the boat owner gets him fired, Mike must find new work. Little boy Rauol helps him get a job as a lifeguard and singer at a local hotel. Clashes abound when Mike runs into the rival lifeguard, who is the champion diver of Mexico. He is angry at Mike for taking some of his hours, and stealing his woman.

This is a middle of the road Elvis film for me. It's good, but not quite good enough to crack my top ten. There are some parts that are boring and the songs, well, not exactly the best although, he does sing "Bosa Nova" in this film, so that's good. And famed actress Terri Garr made her debut in this film as an extra. And it does co-star the beautiful Ursula Andress.

My rating ... I give it a good 6 stars. I think you would enjoy it despite being a film made in 1963. It wasn't that bad of a year. Dinosaurs were fairly tamed back then. 

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Live A Little, Love A Little

Greg Nolan (Elvis) meets Bernice, and loses both his job and his apartment. However, Bernice manages to get him a new apartment, but it is so expensive that he has to get two full-time jobs. Nolan has trouble finding time to do both jobs.

I don't care what anybody says, I like this one. I don't know why. I just do. There are some really good songs in this one and the dream sequence where he performs "Edge Of Reality" is really cool. Not bad for 1968 and not bad for an Elvis flick. Check it out if you get the chance.

Oh, I almost forgot, it has Dick Seargent in it too. You remember him, right? He was part of the Dick York - Dick Seargent switcharoo on the beloved sitcom, "Bewitched". 

My rating .... 7 stars. And I am sticking by it. 

 

 

 

Charro / Change of Habit DVD Review

CHARRO

It's Elvis playing a cowboy. And not very well, I'm afraid. Even though this movie co-stars Victor French and Ina Balin, it's still a kerplunk for and Elvis flick. I know he tried hard in this one, meaning he doesn't break out and start singing, but the script is flat, the props are flat, the acting? ... Flat!

Jess Wade (Elvis) is innocently accused of having stolen a cannon from the Mexican revolutionary forces. He tries to find the real culprits, a gang of criminals.

If you haven't seen an Elvis flick yet, do not, I repeat, do not make this your first one. You'll be turned off. This is for the die-hard fans like myself.

My rating? ... 3 stars at the very, very, very best. (But I like it because I am a die-hard fan)

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CHANGE OF HABIT 

 Like Charro, this is a 1969 release. Unlike Charro, it's pretty good. (To a point) Teaming up with the young and very beautiful, Mary Tyler-Moore, this is about as "ghetto" as you will ever see Elvis. Sure, he sings a song or two, but they are well placed. Obviously, this was the last movie Elvis ever did. It almost wasn't. He was offered the lead male role in the movie "A Star Is Born" with Barbara Striesand however, his manager turned it down because he wanted Elvis to get top billing. As for Elvis, he didn't care about that, he really wanted that part. (Which ended up going to Kris Kristofferson)

Only a few songs as Elvis plays it straight as Dr John Carpenter. Mary Tyler Moore stars opposite as an incognito nun with a mission to help Dr Elvis clean up the ghetto he lives in. Can the King compete against God for Mary's heart? He can if anyone can.

This would make a good first time Elvis movie to watch. If you haven't seen an Elvis film yet. You have seen one, right? You haven't? Really? What the freak?

My rating ... let's go and give this one a cool 8 stars. Better yet, make it 8 and a half stars because of Mary Tyler-Moore. 

 

 

 

Clambake / Kissing Cousins DVD Review

CLAMBAKE

Clambake, gonna have a clambake! It's Elvis Presley on the beach, under the sun and having fun. Girls, parties and ... boats?

Scott Heyward (Elvis Presley) rebels against the plans and expectations of his father, extremely rich oilman Dusty Heyward (James Gregory). He drives off (in a Chevrolet Corvette) to find himself. When he stops for some food, he runs into Tom Wilson (Will Hutchins), on his way to take a job as a water-skiing instructor at a Miami hotel. A chance remark by Tom gives Scott an idea: he switches identities with Tom so he can find out how people react to him rather than his money. Tom has fun staying at the same hotel and pretending he is rich.

The old switcharoo. The classic "I want people to like me for me and not for my money." Nobody plays that role better than the king. Also starring Shelley Fabares, Bill Bixby (The Incredible Hulk's Dr. David Banner)and Gary Merrill.

One of my favorites. I don't know why. Maybe because it has Shelley Fabares in it and she is easy on the eyes. Maybe because it's just a fun movie to watch. Elvis actually looks like he still enjoys making these movies.

My rating ... lets's go with 8 and a half stars!

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Kissing Cousins

 Twice the Elvis! Twice the fun!

Elvis Presley plays a double role in Kissin' Cousins. When the U.S. government wants land owned by the hillbilly clan headed by Pappy Tatum (Arthur O'Connell), they send Air Force Lieutenant Josh Morgan (Presley), a cousin of the Tatum's, to try and secure the land for a proposed missile base. Josh comes face-to-face with Jody Tatum, his blonde-haired look-alike. Glenda Farrell plays Ma Tatum, and distaff interest for Elvis is provided by Cynthia Pepper, Yvonne Craig, a busty Beverly Powers, and Hortense Petra. Watch for Maureen Reagan as one of the Kittyhawks, a group of desperate, man-hungry females out to get some love.

It's a hillbilly of hooting time.

My rating ... I give it 7 stars. Not bad for an Elvis flick. 

 

 

 

Love Me Tender / Viva Las Vegas DVD Review

LOVE ME TENDER

The first movie Elvis did. Released in 1956 in black and white, and directed by Robert D. Webb, this film also starred Richard Egan and Debra Paget. A Western drama with musical numbers, this film was originally called The Reno Brothers, but when advanced sales of Presley's "Love Me Tender" single passed one million - a first for a single - the film title was changed to match.
Synopsis:

Presley plays Clint Reno, the youngest of the four Reno brothers who stays home to take care of his mother and the family farm as older brothers Vance, Brett and Ray fight in the American Civil War for the Confederate Army. The family is mistakenly informed that eldest brother Vance has been killed on the battlefield. After four years of war, the brothers return home and find that Vance's girlfriend Cathy has married Clint. Although Vance accepts this wholeheartedly ("We always wanted Cathy in the family"), the family has to struggle to reach stability with this issue. The subplot of unresolved passion carries the film; it is clear from the outset upon the Reno brothers return home that Cathy still loves Vance, although she is true to the younger Clint. Honor prevails for Vance, but jealousy turns Clint into an irrationally thinking rival for the love of the heroine. In the film's opening scenes, the main plot is presented; the three Reno brothers, serving as Confederate cavalrymen, attack a Union train carrying Federal payroll of $12,000. They do not know that the war ended only a day before. The Confederates come to a decision to keep the money as spoils of war, an issue that will come back into the plot after the Reno brothers return home. A conflict of interest ensues when Vance tries to return the money against the wishes of some of his fellow Confederates, all of whom are being sought by the U.S. Government for robbery. The film reaches its tragic conclusion with a gunfight between Clint and Vance, ironically ending with Clint's death during a final shootout. In the end, the money is returned, the Reno brother's are acquitted, and the other three ex-Confederates are arrested for Clint's death. The youngest Reno brother is laid to rest at the family farm.

My rating: While you have to keep in mind how long ago this film was made, I still found it very entertaining. There are only a few musical numbers in the film but well placed. You also have to understand that all of Elvis Presley’s movies are basically classified as musicals. Maybe you have to be a fan of Elvis to appreciate his films, I don’t know, however, I am a fan so …. I give this a solid 7 Stars. 

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VIVA LAS VEGAS

This is a 1964 American romantic musical movie that co-stars Ann Margret. By this time in his career, Elvis was already established as the king of the musicals and was doing two movies a year at about half a million dollars each at the time. (Which back then, was a lot of money) This movie is regarded by many fans of these actors and by film critics as one of Presley's best movies, and it is noted for the apparent on-screen chemistry between Presley and Ann-Margret. It also presents a strong set of ten musical song-and-dance scenes choreographed by David Winters, and featuring his dancers, and a reasonably interesting story. This film was a hit at movie theaters, becoming the number 11 movie in the list of the Top 20 Movie Box Office hits of 1964.

Synopsis:

Lucky Jackson (Elvis Presley) goes to Las Vegas, Nevada, to participate in the city's first annual Grand Prix Race. However, his race car, an Elva Mk. VI, is in need of a new engine in order to compete in the event. Lucky raises the necessary money in Las Vegas, but he mislays it when he is distracted by a nubile local swimming instructor, Ms. Rusty Martin (Ann-Margret). Soon, Lucky's main competition arrives in the form of "Count Elmo Mancini", (played by Cesar Danova, who attempts to steal both the auto race and the affections of Rusty. (Famous actress, Terri Garr also makes an appearance in this film before she was famous, playing a Vegas showgirl.)

My rating: I also like this movie. I think it is one of his better ones. I like the songs and the dance numbers and Ann Margret. I also like Las Vegas itself so … I give it 7 ½ stars. 

Kid Galahad / It Happened At The Worlds Fair

KID GALAHAD

When he completes his military service Walter Gulick (Elvis) returns to his birthplace, Cream Valley, New York. He was orphaned as an infant and grew up elsewhere but always wanted to return to where he was from. He hopes to be a mechanic but soon after his arrival finds himself working as a sparring partner at a boxing camp. Having lost all of his money in a crap game, Walter is happy to take any kind of work but a devastating right hook sends him down a different path. Willy Grogan (Gig Young) thinks he has a winner in Walter who, after helping a lady out, is dubbed Kid Galahad. Willy (Charles Bronson) is a likable man but gambles too much and may have been a witness to a mobster's conversation that would best be forgotten. As Walter gains more success, and falls in love with Willy's sister Rose, Willy Grogan finds himself coming under pressure from mobsters to make Walter takes a dive at his next big fight.

My Take: I like this one. Sure, it helps that Charles Bronson is in it, but he's not exactly playing a tough guy that he would later get the reputation of being in his "Death Wish" franchise. And yes, Gig Young is in it too.  Still, this is Elvis all the way. It's not half bad and has it moments. While E gets to sing and strut his stuff, it's not as much in your face as in many other of his films. My favorite song in this one is probably "I Got Lucky". 

I give this film an 8 out of ten stars. For an Elvis flick, it's in my top ten. I think you'll enjoy it too, provided of course you could ever imagine Elvis being a heavyweight champion of the world in boxing. LOL I know, it's a stretch, but hey, it's still Elvis. . 

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IT HAPPENED AT THE WORLDS FAIR

Mike (Elvis) and Danny fly a crop duster, but because of Danny's gambling debts, a local sheriff seizes it. Trying to earn money, they hitch-hike to the World's Fair in Seattle, Washington. While Danny tries to earn money playing poker, Mike takes care of a small girl, Sue-Lin, whose Uncle Walter has disappeared. Being a ladies' man, he also finds the time to court a young nurse, Diane.

My Take: This was one of the films by Elvis I never got to see until about a couple years ago when I finally found the DVD. Many of his films I saw on Turner Classic Movies, then got to watch them on DVD. Most of which are easily available. However, I searched and searched for this one for the longest time. Once I finally found it, I couldn't wait to finally watch it. I think I hyped myself up a little too much. While it was good, it just didn't meet my lofty expectations. I still give it a 7 stars.

 

 

 

 

 

Girls, Girls, Girls / Girl Happy DVD Review

GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS

One of Elvis Presley's biggest moneymakers, Girls Girls Girls casts ol' swivel-hips as a tuna-boat fisherman working out of Hawaii. Elvis chases after all the wrong girls, while ignoring the girls who genuinely care for him. Here, as Ross Carpenter, Presley has two main love interests: sexy vocalist Robin (Stella Stevens and heiress Laurel (Laurel Goodwin), who pretends to be poor so as not to wound Ross's pride. When rude 'n' crude Wesley Johnson (Jeremy Slate), who owns Ross's boat, makes a play for Laurel, Ross punches him out. He loses his boat, but it hardly matters since he and Laurel have found true love. Songs crucial to the action are the title tune, "Return to Sender," and "Song of the Shrimp."

This is one that I watch about three times a year. One of my top Elvis movies. It's fun, some really good songs and Elvis at the top of his game.

I give it a good 7 and a half stars. Okay, maybe an 8. 

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GIRL HAPPY

A Chicago mobster hires a rock and roll singer and his band to keep an eye on his daughter during Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

It's Elvis on Spring Break. I find this one somewhat comical and very entertaining. However, there are parts in this movie that seem to drag. While I do like this one a lot, just not in my top ten of Elvis flicks.

I still give it a solid 6 stars.

 

 

 

King Creole / Wild In The Country DVD Review

KING CREOLE

King Creole is a 1958 American film directed by Michael Curtiz and produced by Hal B. Wallis. The story was adapted from the Harold Robbins novel, “A Stone For Danny Fisher”. It also stars Walter Matthau and Carolyn Jones.

The story centers around young Danny Fisher and his troubled life in the heart of New Orleans. He gets mixed up with the wrong crowd and a gangsters lady.

One of the better Elvis movies. He was young, about to enter the U.S. Army, he was raw as far as his acting was concerned, but dynamic all the same. It helps that he has a solid cast around him as I may have mentioned before, Elvis always did better when the talent around him pushed him.

As for the song selection in this film, love it! And with that being said, I give it a solid 8 stars. One of my favorites in my collection. I watch it about twice a year. 

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WILD IN THE COUNTRY

 Also starring Tuesday Weld, Millie Perkins, and Hope Lange.

Elvis stars as Glenn Talbot, a country boy with a problem temper and a yen for literary greatness in this typical Presley vehicle directed by Philip Dunne. After Glenn is sent packing by his father for mixing it up one too many times with his brother, the court makes him a ward of his uncle. His inner turmoil leads him into therapy with the older and very attractive Irene (Hope Lange), a patient-doctor relationship that is misconstrued by their small town. The two spend a platonic night in the same room in a motel, but no one is believing it was innocent. Glenn's romantic interests include Noreen (Tuesday Weld), with whom he shares a drink or two or more, and a song, and Betty Lee (Millie Perkins). Between the singing and carousing and fist fights, it still looks like a happy resolution looms large on the horizon.

If you were going to try just one Elvis movie, this would be a good one to go with. I give it 8 stars. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jailhouse Rock / Roustabout DVD Review

JAILHOUSE ROCK

After serving time for manslaughter, young Vince Everett becomes a teenage rock star.

It's Elvis at his absolute best! Not only are the songs in this movie awesome, but the dance scene to the song of the same title, Jailhouse Rock, showcases just how well Elvis could dance with choreography. I think this film also better demonstrates the acting potential that Elvis had, but was never reached because of the films his manager got for him. It is no secret that Elvis wanted to be taken seriously as an actor. He was even devastated when Kris Kristofferson got the part in the Barbara Streisand movie, "A Star Is Born". Elvis wanted that part so much. It may have been what helped to lead him to his death. Depression is a killer. 

Still, if you haven't seen an Elvis movie and you want to give one a try, go with this one first. You will love it, I promise. And with that, I give it a solid 9 stars. Perhaps the best Elvis performance of all his films. 

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ROUSTABOUT

Charlie Rogers (Elvis Presley) is a coffeehouse singer who joins a financially troubled carnival in Roustabout. He is hired by owner Maggie Morgan (Barbara Stanwyck) and soon catches the eye of his pretty female co-worker Cathy Lean (Joan Freeman). Cathy's irate father Joe (Leif Erickson) clashes with Charlie when he tries to romance his daughter, but Charlie's singing helps bring in the much-needed money for the failing carnival and keeps the wolves from the big tent show. A disagreement has Charlie joining another carnival before things are smoothed out. Watch for Raquel Welch and Terry Garr in bit parts. Presley delivers 11 songs, the highlight being the Mike Leiber/Jerry Stoller tune"Little Egypt".

I love this one most in part because of Barbara Stanwyck, a legendary actress in her own right. Also known in her later years as Miss Victoria Barkley on the hit 60's Western, "The Big Valley".

I also like all the songs in this one too. Not his best acting performance but I just like the vibe of it or something. It's a fun flick to watch.

I give it a solid 6 and a half stars. I watch this movie about two or three times a year. 

 

 

 

Tribute To Elvis Presley

This is a video I put together as a tribute to Elvis Presley on my Youtube channel.