Colonel Parker never read a script to any of his client's films, to him there were just means to an end . I'm thinking maybe he should have, especially towards the end of ELVIS PRESLEY's film career with such stinkeroos as STAY AWAY JOE (1968) LIVE A LITTLE LOVE, A LITTLE (1968), THE TROUBLE WITH GIRLS (1969), EASY COME , EASY GO (1967) , just to name a few. Parker's only request that the movie provide a platform to showcase Elvis's musical talents as much as humanly possible. With very good reason I may add, Elvis and The Colonel had complete ownership to all the songs on screen. JAILHOUSE ROCK proved to be highly lucrative, containing the title track, Treat Me Nice, and Don't Leave Me Now.
As the title suggests Elvis's character Vince Everett does time at the big house. Everett is found guilty for manslaughter for defending a lady( use in loosest term possible). It all started when the lady in question made a beeline for Vince (Elvis Presley) sitting on the other end of the bar , after her escort goes to the john. Vince is clearly not interested in this cougar, but is polite. Clearly this LADY is overheated and starts spouting off what time she gets off work, only to overheard by her friend. He is not too thrilled with the idea of sharing and starts to push her around. Vince tells him; "That's no way to treat a lady." Fists began to fly , until Vince is the only one standing and the other guy out cold... dead cold.
Vince ends up bunking in cell with a senior prisoner Hunk Houghton (Mickey Shaughnessy), a former country singer doing time for a bank job that went south. Hunk tries to give Vince some advice about how it works there, like if you want a good haircut or a "fresh fish special" meaning a hack job . But to get a good one it will cost you three packs of cigarettes , if you don't money. Vince decides to forgo the advice and regrets it sporting a "fresh fish special " .
After being subjected to Hunk's so called singing, Vince decides to give it a whirl. When Vince finishes "You're so young and beautiful", the prisoners clamor for more. Hunk spots that Vince has talent for singing and decides to put him in the prisoner's show, which going to broadcast coast to coast on a show called Breath of the Nation. After performing on the show, Vince received a bag load of fan mail, which Hunk decides to keep from him, maybe because he was jealous he didn't get any. But being no fool, Hunk suggests to Vince that they go into show business together and presents him with a prepared contract splitting everything 50/50. Vince agrees and signs the contract.
When Vince was release from prison, he was handed a sack full of his fan mail that Hunk had withheld from him as a departing gift. Vince stops at the Café La Florita hoping for a singing gig. But the owner ( Percy Helton) was not interested in hiring unknown talent, even after he mention that Hunk sent him. Vince decides to do an impromptu concert , hoping to convince the owner to hire him. But while performing Vince becomes quite agitated by a customer talking over his singing, that he ends up smashing his guitar over the customer's table. Following behind Vince as he leaves , is Peggy ( Judy Taylor), the girl he just met at the bar, who just happens to work in the record business. Does Peggy think Vince has talent or likes the way he swings a guitar ?
Vince spends 20 dollars and cuts his own record, reinventing his own singing style singing "Don't Leave Me Now" and is off to Geneva Records to promote it. Unfortunately, Vince learns the hard way that the industry doesn't always play fair, his song and his singing style is stolen for another artist. Vince decides to cut another record , but this time he's going to create his own record company with the help from Peggy, who quits her job . Vince next song is real hit with everyone in the studio. Peggy recruits a disc jockey friend (Dean Jones) to promote it. The record is hit , but Vince and Peggy relationship hits a sour note. But on the upside, Vince receives a surprise visit by former Jailbird Hunk or is it. Hunk wants a spot on Vince's upcoming TV special , feeling obligated Vince grants his wish. Vince's show stopper " Jailhouse Rock" was an overwhelming success, Hunk's number not such much. Vince tries to unload Hunk, but is reminded of their contract. Vince tells Hunk the contract is not worth the ink it was written on, but will give 10 percent instead of the 50 percent. Hunk agrees.
After the success of the TV Special, next stop Hollywood to Climax Pictures (sounds like a name for a porn studio), but its not. Everyone seems to be excited have Vince apart of the studio, except for Climax startlet Sherry Wilson ( Jennifer Holden) who gives him the cold shoulder. But it won't be long before Vince dethaws the icy cool blonde during a kissing scene. In one of memorable musical number , Vince shakes his money maker poolside to " Baby , You're so Square." is reunited with his partner Peggy with lukewarm results. An offer to big to pass up is offered to Vince from the Geneva Records, the very one that pulled a fast one. This time they are on the level and want to buy Laurel Records, plus giving Vince an exclusive recording contract. But where does that leave Peggy, who gave up her job to form Geneva Records ?
Vince invites Peggy over to discuss the fate of Laurel Records. Peggy doesn't want to sell, but has no choice, because Vince owns 60 percent of the company. As Vince would say "that's how the mop flops !" Peggy leaves upset, which prompts Hunk to teach Vince a lesson on how to treat people. Hunk takes off his jacket and starts punching Vince all over the room. Vince never raises hand to Hunk, only trying to reason with him. Then Hunk take one blow to Vince's throat knocking him over the couch. Vince lays there , gasping for breath. Hunk gets help and Vince is quickly rushed to the hospital. Peggy and Hunk are told by the doctor, it was a close call. The blow hit him in his Adam's apple causing it to swell, cutting off his windpipe. The doctor had to perform a tracheotomy, but there is no guarantee if he will ever sing again. Vince completely recovers, but is afraid to sing. The doctor encourages Vince to sing , to see if he sounds the same as he once did. Vince agrees, but has no one to play for him. Peggy rushes to the door to let the band in ( just happens to be waiting outside). Vince starts sing "Young and Beautiful" clutching at his throat , adding a little drama. All ends well, as the film concludes with Vince getting his singing voice back.
FILM FACTS
Judy Taylor died in an automobile accident on July3,1957, three days after completing JAILHOUSE ROCK.
"Jailhouse Rock" is voted #21 in the 100 years,
100 songs of the American Film Institute.
JAILHOUSE ROCK premiered on Oct17,1957 in
Memphis Tennessee. It was released nationally on Nov 8,1957.
Elvis refused to watch JAILHOUSE ROCK, because of the tragic death of leading lady Judy Tyler.
IMMORTAL DIALOGUE
Peggy : " How dare you think such cheap tactics
would work on me ! "
Vince : " That ain't tactics honey. Its just the beast in me ."
THE CAST
Vince Everett ... Elvis Presley
Peggy Van Allen ... Judy Taylor
Hunk Houghton ... Mickey Shaughnessy
Mr. Shores ... Vaughn Taylor
Sherry Wilson ... Jennifer Holden
Teddy Talbot ... Dean Jones
Laury Jackson ... Anne Neyland
JAILHOUSE ROCK is probably one of Elvis Presley's best films. That's not saying that JAILHOUSE ROCK is a great movie, because it isn't. But it's a far cry from other films that came down the pipeline, with a few exceptions. Most were corny, which only requisite was for Elvis look handsome and sing to swooning admirers. The later films didn't challenge Elvis as actor , who show potential in here, and King Creole. Yes, critics in the beginning criticize Presley's rebel persona. James Dean & Marlon Brando influences seemed to be infused in Presley's swagger with Judy Taylor. Presley gives his best Rebel without a cause with a twist of The Wild One. Certainly, Presley could have been molded into good if not great actor, rather than a commodity. Personally, this is one of my favorite Elvis movies and believe me, I have seen them all. Growing up with a mother, who was huge Elvis fan, you couldn't help but be subjected to his music and films.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.