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Filmed in early
1957, Jailhouse Rock was Elvis's third movie, and his first of fourteen
films made for MGM Studios over a fifteen year period. None of the other MGM films
had the same dramatic quality as this first one. By the time Elvis got to the
1960's, the theme for his movies became much lighter - a decision which certainly
proved successful, but provided little opportunity for him to stretch his dramatic
acting abilities. Given the benefit of very capable co-stars (Judy Tyler, Mickey
Shaughnessy, Dean Jones) Elvis's performance was very animated and effective.
He was totally believable as a selfish, glory-seeking individual, in what was
probably his least likeable characterisation. Producer on the project was Hollywood
veteran Pandro S. Berman, who apparently was not overly keen on either Elvis or
the whole rock 'n' roll music scene. Appointed as director was Richard Thorpe
who would direct Elvis on one more occasion in Paramount's Fun in Acapulco
several years later (1963).
As Vince Everett, an aggressive, ambitious, self-centred loner, Elvis put a great
deal of conviction into his characterisation. He had good support in the form
of his regular band, Scotty Moore, Bill Black and D.J. Fontana - all playing musicians
in the film. Songwriter Mike Stoller also featured with the band in the movie
on piano. Stoller and his songwriting partner, Jerry Leiber, composed several
songs for the soundtrack, including the phenomenally successful title song, and
others such as I Want To Be Free, Treat Me Nice and Baby I Don't
Care. The immensely talented duo composed the title songs for three of Elvis's
four pre-army movies - namely Loving You, Jailhouse Rock
and King Creole. Their association with Elvis was, sadly, short-lived,
and it was very much to Elvis's regret that this situation occurred. The access
to Elvis that they enjoyed more or less ended at this point, and many future writers
of his songs never once had the opportunity to meet with him - despite penning
no. 1 hit records for him. The Jailhouse Rock song (choreographed by Alex Romero),
as performed in the film, is an exceptional dance sequence, and is arguably the
best ever performance in any Elvis movie. For 1957, it was so very different
from the musicals of that particular era, and Elvis's growing army of fans was
in raptures when this was screened in cinemas. This was many years before we had
the pleasure of home videos and there were large crowds turning out to witness
Elvis's latest celluloid adventure. Jailhouse Rock was a huge overall
success for Elvis and for MGM. Hence his longevity with that Studio as a screen
performer. On an interesting technical note, this extract from a November 1994
Sight & Sound: `Chronicle of Cinema' supplement (focusing on the year 1957)
tells us 'Jailhouse Rock is the first film released in Panavision
process, using anamorphic lens and 65mm film'.
The
soundtrack for the film saw the release of a 5-track EP. The 'missing' song on
the EP was Treat Me Nice but this was included as the 'B' side of the Jailhouse
Rock single which shot to no.1 spot on the charts in both the U.S. and the
U.K. In an unprecedented event, the song entered the U.K. charts at the no.1 spot.
This information was produced by the Elvis Presley Film Society in November 2003
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