Year: 1956
Director: Robert D. Webb
Country: US
Language: English
An Elvis musical WESTERN!? That is such a weird genre of film for Elvis to be in, and yet he journeyed into this torrid affair three non-consecutive times (Love Me Tender, Flaming Star and Charro!) Perhaps, in addition to trying to be the next James Dean he was also trying to channel his inner John Wayne. Interestingly enough Elvis isn't even the lead in his own vehicle; he plays second banana to Richard Eagan.
The plot of this film revolves around the end of the Civil War, when a Confederate team is ordered to rob a Union payroll train. The war ends leaving these men with their Union loot, until the Feds come looking for it.
At the time Twentieth Century Fox was uncertain whether to feature Elvis in the film as a singer or as an actor. So they tried to have it both ways. Elvis has a rather dramatic role, but director Robert Webb inserted four songs in the middle of the film "just in case". The first song, Love Me Tender, somewhat fits the setting, but the rest are just odd to put in a late 1800's setting. I've never really thought the musical western hybrid worked.
Due to his presence in the picture, Love Me Tender was considered a "juve" film (a picture that would primarily attract adolescents) Those weren't really popular at the time, but the sheer force of Elvis made Hollywood reconsider. Execs were now willing to pander to that audience and constructed films that would make teenagers turn out in droves. What did this mean for Elvis? Well, it would ensure he got lead billing and couldn't really do serious films for the majority of his career.
Love Me Tender has hints of Elvis genius. He was pretty decent in his role, and his stage presence just oozed throughout the picture. The movie has a nice quick pace and has very competent direction and cinematography. Some of the writing is a bit off, but its story is intriguing and at least somewhat digestible.
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