Loving You

• Year: 1957
• Country: USA
• Director: Hal Kanter
• Starring: Elvis Presley, Lizabeth Scott, Wendell Corey

Elvis’ second film is his first in a starring role and with this, Elvis the film star was born. Using a story parallel to Elvis’ own life – from rags to riches Elvis as Deke Rivers meets Glenda Markle (Lizabeth Scott), a publicist for a running governor (Wendell Corey) who sees star potential in Deke and helps him achieve stardom. If the story is conventional and predictable, one should appreciate that it is merely a tool with one goal: make you understand that Elvis is a star. And it works. The musical numbers show Elvis in pelvis-swinging mode, and I have to give credit where its earned: the dude could act – he definitely can carry a film. The film does have some dull and derivative moments, but with an above-average script and a handful of awesome performances including (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear, the title track and my personal favourites: Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do! and the sublime Mean Woman Blues, this works mighty fine as a first starring role for Elvis and does the job of convincing you that a star is born. I’ll be reviewing all of Elvis’ 31 films in chronological order this year. In case you missed it, here’s the review of his first film, Love Me Tender.