King Creole (1958)

Sadly Over-hyped

An unexpected masterpiece

Absolutely amazing

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Elvis Presley was a hugely influential performer with one of the most distinctive singing voices of anybody. He embarked on a film career consisting of 33 films from 1956 to 1969, films that did well at the box-office but mostly panned critically (especially his later films) and while he was a highly charismatic performer he was never considered a great actor.Both 'Jailhouse Rock' and 'King Creole' in particular are proof that some of Elvis' early films are pretty good or more and that he could give a good performance when his material allowed it. Can understand totally the indifference at best towards his later films though. 'King Creole' is (along with 'Jailhouse Rock') often considered Elvis' best film, and even more widely his performance is considered his best, Elvis even called 'King Creole' his personal favourite and it is more than easy to see why on all counts.Maybe 'King Creole' is a touch overlong, and the female characters are not as interestingly written as the male ones, somewhat lazy and it's the performances that stop them from being completely vapid. Otherwise there is very little to dislike. Have commented a couple of times on the writing and stories not being strong suits in Elvis' films, but 'King Creole' is a pleasant exception. The writing is surprisingly gritty and suspenseful, with few soap-operatic or corn elements, and the story is darker and meatier than the usual story for an Elvis film, thus one of the most absorbing.As for Presley, his role here shows a dark and vulnerable side and he does it with intensity, charisma, swagger, charm and emotional honesty and no stiffness. Of his performances, which largely varied dependent on his material, it is agreed that this is his best. He has one of his best supporting casts, particularly a terrifyingly reptilian (while also remarkably complex for a mobster heavy) Walther Matthau, a touching Carolyn Jones and perfectly weasel-like Vic Morrow.The songs are absolute knockouts, especially the title song, the sultry "Trouble" and the moving "As Long as I Have You". All performed by The King of Rock and Roll in his glorious and vocally distinctive prime. Michael Curtiz directs assuredly and with finesse, making one of the best-directed Elvis films, while 'King Creole's' film noir photography and atmosphere are strikingly done.In conclusion, very good, tied for Elvis' best film and the best Elvis had to offer. 8/10 Bethany Cox

"King Creole" is a must for Elvis fans everywhere.There was a darkness in this movie something like Rebel Without a Cause set in New Orleans. Elvis was even darker than James Dean....in this movie. Violence, brutality, Organized Crime.... sex, and death....surrounded Danny, the main character. Elvis brought some light to this brutal story with his on screen performance....riveting for it's time. A tragic film with depth and superb acting by Elvis. Along the way, he also performs brilliant, knockout musical numbers like "New Orleans," "Trouble," "Dixieland Rock," and the amusing "Lover Doll".Elvis was surrounded by high-caliber star power in his third motion picture, With Walter Matthau, Carolyn Jones, Dean Jagger, and Vic Morrow. Add Michael Curtiz (who directed Humphrey Bogart in a number of films one of which was Casablanca) as director and also the superb Lieber-Stoller soundtrack songs, and you have a winning formula. Apparently, Elvis never really liked Jazz music, but he certainly forgot all about that when he cut the soundtrack to this movie.King Creole has Elvis in a serious dramatic role, AND singing his heart out, both with great success. Don't see it just because it's an "Elvis picture", see it because it's a really fine film.

This is not your typical Elvis movie!!! It is pretty dark, not the light hearted romps that most of his movies are, and the songs are few and I guess because this takes place in New Orleans, they are bluesy. Which I think Elvis had a great voice and presence for the blues. Walter Matthau plays the heavy here. He has the stereotypical Hollywood gangster image. A woman beating, murderer. Carolyn Jones, well before the Addams Family, plays the gangsters girl and she looks pretty good and acts well. The family dynamics of Elvis's screen family, the Fisher's, is a little weird. The actress playing the sweet kind of naive girlfriend is nice to see compared to today's way too smart about everything young girl roles that get cast now.

One of Elvis's best performances on screen. King Creole was originally written for James Dean were Dean would have played a boxer rather than a singer. Great performances by Walter Matthau and Carolyn Jones. This film has a great plot and some of Elvis's best film music including King Creole, Young Dreams, Lover Doll, Don't Ask Me Why, New Orleans, Trouble and Dixieland Rock. King Creole explores the relationship between the troubled young man Danny Fisher (Elvis Presley) and his widower father who wants him to return to school after failing his senior year. Danny wants to help his family out by working due to his fathers inability to maintain a job. While working in a night club as a bus boy he goes on stage one night and sings a song. He later becomes the biggest act on bourbon street and mobster Maxi Feilds m(Walter Mathau) wants him for his own club. Danny refuses because of his loyalty to his boss Charlie LeGrand. Through blackmail and threats Danny is forced to work for Maxi were he falls in love with Maxi's woman. A must see for celluloid fans of all ages.