King Creole (1958)

Elvis stars as a young man in New Orleans who, after failing out of high school, is working as a busboy in a nightclub to supplement his family income. He draws the attention of kept woman Carolyn Jones one night when he saves her from some drunken thugs, and this draws some unwelcome attention from the man who keeps her ... gangster Walter Matthau. His neck is saved when he demonstrates a talent for singing, and instead of killing him, Matthau offers him a job. Elvis turns Matthau down, instead taking a job at the KIng Creole, a nightclub run by nice guy Paul Stewart. Matthau enlists local thug Vic Morrow to change Elvis's mind. This is easily one of the best films Elvis appeared in. It's a fairly gritty street level crime film, shot in black and white by studio veteran Michael Curtiz and featuring a fantastic group of supporting actors. A lot happens in this film. I have left out his relationship with Dolores Hart, who he meets while robbing a five & dime with Morrow, and the struggles of his dad Dean Jagger at his demeaning job. This is a real film. The music Elvis performs is mostly a blend of light R&B and rock & roll and it suits him better than some of the pop fluff he sings in later films.

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.Both 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'King Creole' in particular are proof that some of Elvis' early films are pretty good or more and that he could give a good performance when his material allowed it. Can understand totally the indifference at best towards his later films though. 'King Creole' is (along with 'Jailhouse Rock') often considered Elvis' best film, and even more widely his performance is considered his best, Elvis even called 'King Creole' his personal favourite and it is more than easy to see why on all counts.Maybe 'King Creole' is a touch overlong, and the female characters are not as interestingly written as the male ones, somewhat lazy and it's the performances that stop them from being completely vapid. Otherwise there is very little to dislike. Have commented a couple of times on the writing and stories not being strong suits in Elvis' films, but 'King Creole' is a pleasant exception. The writing is surprisingly gritty and suspenseful, with few soap-operatic or corn elements, and the story is darker and meatier than the usual story for an Elvis film, thus one of the most absorbing.As for Presley, his role here shows a dark and vulnerable side and he does it with intensity, charisma, swagger, charm and emotional honesty and no stiffness. Of his performances, which largely varied dependent on his material, it is agreed that this is his best. He has one of his best supporting casts, particularly a terrifyingly reptilian (while also remarkably complex for a mobster heavy) Walther Matthau, a touching Carolyn Jones and perfectly weasel-like Vic Morrow.The songs are absolute knockouts, especially the title song, the sultry "Trouble" and the moving "As Long as I Have You". All performed by The King of Rock and Roll in his glorious and vocally distinctive prime. Michael Curtiz directs assuredly and with finesse, making one of the best-directed Elvis films, while 'King Creole's' film noir photography and atmosphere are strikingly done.In conclusion, very good, tied for Elvis' best film and the best Elvis had to offer. 8/10 Bethany Cox

This is Elvis Presley in 1958 at the peak of his movie career. King Creole is Elvis's greatest movie for good reasons. In addition to the great songs he performs he's also given a very demanding role of the tough rebel singer & fighter Danny Fisher. The superb excellent cast speak for themselves & it was also directed by none other than the great Michael Curtiz who's credentials include The Mystery Of The Wax Museum, Doctor X, Captain Blood, The Adventures Of Robin Hood, Angels With Dirty Faces, Casablanca & Mildred Pierce to name a few. But you get the general idea & to top it off it was Elvis's own favorite of all his films & it's easy to see why... even the critics loved it.This classic movie has everything going for it & it shows the ability Elvis had as a dramatic actor & it was his dramatic performance that impressed me the most rather than his musical moments. I already know he can sing & perform on stage & I've heard his records. But in the movies I want to see him act. The only way this movie could've been better is if it stuck closer to the book & was a non musical with Elvis as a boxer instead of a singer. The role of Danny Fisher was originally meant for James Dean & Elvis steps into James Dean's shoes & handles the role extremely well. After King Creole Elvis would "disappear" for 2 years & in 1960 he would return & impress us again in the excellent western Flaming Star in a very serious dramatic role that Marlon Brando turned down. King Creole & Flaming Star were evidence showing Elvis really could act with the best of them !! If you like quality movies by all means watch this classic !! Highly recommended !

"Danny Fisher, young delinquent, flunks out of high school. He quits his job as a busboy in a nightclub, and one night he gets the chance to perform. Success is imminent and the local crime boss Maxie Fields wants to hire him to perform at his night club The Blue Shade. Danny refuses, but Fields won't take no for an answer..." Awesome plot, great acting and a brooding Elvis is what makes this film a classic, a mix of crime, drama and musical. This is Elvis' greatest movie so far, well it's a tie between this and Jailhouse Rock, and he is amazing as Danny Fisher, the young delinquent who gets mixed up with crook Maxie Fields (the incredible Walter Matthau) and the lovely Carolyn Jones. This is probably the one movie where all leading, and supporting, actors give great performances all over. It's a must see for any Elvis (or classic film) fan. And I promise, you won't regret it.