Year: 1958
Director: Michael Curtiz
Country: US
Language: English
King Creole was Elvis Presley's fourth venture in his filmography. If anything, it demonstrates Elvis' maturity as an actor. Film critics of the time would claim that Elvis gave a praise-worthy performance and captured the attention of audiences young and old. Most fans consider this his greatest film, alongside Jailhouse Rock.
Having flunked graduation for a second time and needing cash to support his crabby (and thus unemployed) father, Danny Fisher (Elvis Presley) takes a job as a singer in the King Creole nightclub.
King Creole is a solid melodrama, backed by great writing, direction and acting. Filled to the brim with action and color, this Paramount feature does a terrific job at making Elvis Presley's character equal parts charming and sympathetic. This would have made a great Marlon Brando vehicle, if not for the singing. The script does a good job at incorporating Elvis' mandatory musical numbers with the plot however.
The musical interludes due a great job at breaking up what would have been a meandering plot without. King Creole is a slow film that needs Elvis' signature sound in order to make the run-time drag less. Granted, we can't put all the acclaim on Elvis. Director Michael Curtiz and cameraman Russell Harlan work wonders with low-key lighting and adroit camera angles. Warren Low’s editing keeps the film at a consistent pace, and does a good job at keeping interior and exterior set-ups consistent.
It's not my favourite Elvis picture, that would be Jailhouse Rock, but I can certainly understand why this would be beloved among critics and fans. King Creole would earn Elvis the greatest box office return of his career and would show some potential of his acting ability.
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