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Rating:  - Forget Jailhouse Rock
This movie is a lot more fun than Jailhouse Rock and Viva Las Vegas. I could almost say it's better than Wild in the Country. They're definitely in competition.
This was before Wild in the Country and he's a better actor in this. Sad Wild came later. Elvis wasn't that good of an actor but he was an entertainer and he succeeds on that level in this movie.
Unlike Wild, this movie moves at a good pace. It is loaded with songs, lipsynced but it's still fun to watch them. Elvis plays a troubled country boy whose talent is discovered by Lizabeth Scott. Even in 1957, Lizabeth was still beautiful. She plays a half villian type role. The noir movies in the 40's were more suited for her but she pulls this off okay. Dolores Hart, who later was cast in "Where the Boys Are", gives a nice performance also as a pretty innocent country girl.
Wild in the Country is unintentionally funny all the way. But if you want a movie more closer to the definition of good I would go for this one. The last ten minutes are quite silly though.
Rating:  - Small town girl, big star boy!
"Loving You" is based on a story written by Mary Agnes Thompson from the magazine Good Housekeeping. At the time she wrote the story, the young Oklahoma girl had no idea it would be transformed into the wonderful big screen sensation starring one of the biggest stars in the world. Even though the story seems biographical regarding Elvis, Mary Agnes Thompson knew nothing about him aside from hearing a couple of his songs on the radio. This movie is a must see for all, not only Elvis fans. If you're lucky enough to find a copy of the story, it is worth the read.
Rating: - ELV1S IS SHOWN ROCKING
This very pleasant film is very enjoyable to watch. It is almost an early biographical film showing "how " ELV1S was discovered and then marketed. The only difference is in real life after ELV1S was discovered he was taken advantage of by his real manager who took 50% of the earinings , an unheard amount which ended up in court after the death of the "King". But back to the film, the most enjoyable part of the film is seeing ELV1S on stage rocking with several great numbers, however one of my favorite songs of all time is the beautiful ballad called "Loving You" a simple ballad song with feeling and a wonderful voice that many dont remember ELV1S for. This film shows ELV1S can rock as well as sing some of the most beautiful ballads in the world. The song "Loving You" is worth the price as it is sung in a couple different settings and sung at 2 different tempos,( I prefer the slow one) . ELV1S wasnt just the "king of rock and roll" but one of the best ballad singers in history.One enjoyable bit of trivia, is to watch and see the real parents of ELV1S in the crowd as ELV1S sings a rocking song and goes down into the cheering crowd. Keep your eyes open and you will see his dad and the mother that he adored and cherished.
Rating: - Elvis' best musical and portrayed like his early career.
"Loving You" could have almost been called "The Elvis Presley Story" since it revolves around a young truck driver who reluctantly gets his start in the music business by just singing for the locals at a picnic in a small Texas town. He reluctantly gets started and tours with a country/western band through every town in Texas and becomes a rock'n'roll superstar. It's the story of Elvis all over! The film doesn't get any better and very enjoyable. Look for Elvis' mother and father, Gladys and Vernon as cameo parts in the televised concert finale. Gladys can be clearlty seen on the right when Elvis dances in the aisle. Years after Gladys died, Elvis never wanted to see this picture again, even though that was the only appearance she was in. A good visual aid to the person who is just discovering Elvis. This is what he is REALLY like. "Loving You" comes so close to the beginning of the true story of Elvis Presley.
Rating: - Sublime Elvis
I suppose some folks feel that " Jailhouse Rock" was Elvis, best film. Other prefer "King Creole" ( A Stone for Danny Fisher) , myself I prefer this 1957 entry because it was his first color film..and much more.
We are aware that Elvis, mom was in the audience during the filming in that theater scene. I suppose this was one reason why Elvis didnt watch this film much after the passing of his mom.
There is nothing special abut the story ( its really his). The cast of Wendell Corey and Lizabeth Scott make it happen and adds some real character to the plot line. The songs , I think are Elvis, best. That includes the bridge " Hot Dog" and " Cowboy"
Finally, this film has one of the few performances of Dolores Hart. Even the sweet Judy Tyler couldnt match Ms. Hart,s sincerity in performance. The original sound track on vinyl is worth big dollars. This is the way I like to remember Elvis.!!
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