Year: 1966
Director: Norman Taurog
Country: US
Language: English
By the time Spinout, Elvis Presley's 22nd picture, hit theatres many papers were unsure whether or not they should review his pictures with a serious critical perspective as critics noticed that every Elvis film was more or less the same. Variety had finally realized the star’s screen approach was not going to change, and thus gave the film a more positive review. Of course the more cynical reason is perhaps that they were being paid off by Elvis. Papers like The New York Times were blatantly dismissive.
Band singer/race driver Mike McCoy must choose between marrying a beautiful rich girl and driving her father's car in a prestigious race.
Showing off a wardrobe of suits and vests with open collars, he obviously had shed a few pounds from the portly frame he displayed in his previous film, Paradise, Hawaiian Style. The studio certainly had some confidence in his sex appeal, as did President Lyndon Johnson who visited him on the set, because in this picture he gets loads of girls and probably sets a record amount for onscreen kissing at the time.
Spinout loses points for creativity, as everything from plot to characters, is a mishmash hodgepodge of many other Elvis films that you and I have seen before. Shelley Fabares, Jack Mullaney, and Jimmy Hawkins all reprise similar roles from past Elvis movies. There's a race that reminds us of Viva Las Vegas, many situations that make us feel like we're in Girl Happy or G.I Blues. If you've seen those, you've seen this.
The film never seems to gain momentum or take us to surprising places, rather it wallows in mediocrity. The vocal talent by Elvis is tremendous as always, but there aren't many songs I could remember after the film was over. It's a little embarrassing frankly, and when the film is done you feel somewhat sorry for the man.
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