The world, as millions of Elvis fans knew it, came to an end in late 1957. Elvis Presley received his draft notice ordering him to report for service on December 20th. The draft board would agree to postpone his induction until March 24, 1958 so he could finish the movie, King Creole. Elvis would serve in the army for two years and be honorably discharged on March 2, 1960.
There is no doubt that Elvis made a number of uninspiring movies during his lifetime but there were several films that ranged from good to excellent. King Creole remains one of his better films and is still entertaining a half century later. It was also Elvis’ favorite film. Elvis trivia question: What was the only Presley film nominated for a Golden Globe award as best picture of the year in the musical or comedy category?
King Creole was directed by the legendary Michael Curtiz. He won the Oscar for best director for the film Casablanca. He also directed such films as White Christmas, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Captain Blood, and Yankee Doodle Dandy. This proved that with capable and creative direction, Elvis could make good movies.
The film, King Creole, also produced another interesting story. Elvis’ female co-star was Delores Hart who also starred in the film, Loving You. She would leave acting in the 1960’s and enter a cloistered convent as a nun. Today she is a Mother Superior but remains a voting member of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and gets to vote for the best picture Oscar each year.
Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, continued to produce many of the songs for Elvis’ films from his own writing factory. He hired writers to churn out songs which would hurt the overall quality of the films. Parker maintained an iron hand over Elvis Presley’s career and would reject any ideas, no matter how good, that would threaten that control.
Article comments
1 - Maurice Colgan
Dolores Hart is the correct spelling.
"As Long as I have You" a sentimental ballad is also on the sountrack and performed with a depth of sincere feeling only Elvis could put into such songs, making it a little classic!
The movie is worth aquiring. Sometimes actually seeing Elvis perform the songs enhances the music no end.
2 - Maurice Colgan
I of course meant "Soundtrack" serves me right Dave :-)
3 - David Bowling
I agree that actually watching Elvis' films make the music understandable. King Creole is one of the must owns in the Presley film library. My apologies to Dolores or Mother Superior as she is now known. I must have read my article close to ten times but I did not pick this one up. Thank you for the correction, David
4 - Maurice Colgan
You are welcome David.
Coincidently my own sister, Dolores, is very fond of Elvis's music, and our very bright grand-daughter Katie shares a birthday with Dolores hart.
Another of our six grand-daughters, Helen, was born on the 14th August, the date Elvis's mother died. All the girls love Elvis's magnificent voice.