- Year: 1960
- Country: USA
- Director: Norman Taurog
- Starring: Elvis Presley, Juliet Prowse, Robert Ivers
Elvis’ 5th movie, “Produced with the full cooperation of the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense” (what an awesome marketing trick) was also his first since his army discharge, and audiences were hungry – this and his next film, Flaming Star, were released just one month apart. A light romantic comedy set in Germany (where Elvis was actually stationed during his Army time) about a group of GIs that carry a bet that one of them will be able to spend a night alone with Lili, an “unattainable” nightclub dancer. Unfortunately, the GI who took the bet gets stationed elsewhere, and guess who steps up to replace him? The king, baby, the king. This is actually the most fun I’ve had watching an Elvis film so far. For one, it isn’t the same rags to riches story we’ve seen in last films (Loving You and Jailhouse Rock). Elvis is a cool GI from the beginning, and he hopes that by winning this bet he can open his own nightclub when he’s back in the USA. Of course, he falls in love with her and the movie is as predictable as you’re thinking. But! It’s got some really funny moments, a better than average script, and in nightclub dancer Lili, Juliet Prowse shows some natural charm and talent. And Elvis is as endearing as always. While Jailhouse Rock was, to me, the best one so far (and King Creole certainly the most serious – with Elvis pulling a James Dean for the role, basically), G.I. Blues is out of these 5 the most entertaining.
I’m reviewing all Elvis Presley movies and watching them in chronological order. Here are the reviews so far:
Cinema Del Peppel 