Introduction
Elvis Presley is known worldwide as the King of Rock and Roll, with a career spanning from the 1950s until his untimely death in 1977. However, many people are unaware of his equally impressive film career, with rumors and misinformation circulating regarding the number of movies in which he appeared. This article aims to clarify the confusion and provide a comprehensive overview of his filmography.
The King on the Big Screen: A Comprehensive Look at Elvis Presley’s Film Career
Elvis Presley’s film career began in 1956 with the release of his first movie, “Love Me Tender.” It was a commercial success, leading to a series of movies for the King, cementing his status as a widely popular singer and actor. Though not always critically acclaimed, Elvis’s films were well received by audiences, endearing him to countless fans around the world.
From Jailhouse Rock to Blue Hawaii: Counting the Films of Elvis Presley
Some fans may be unfamiliar with some of Elvis’s more obscure films, leading to misunderstandings in filmography counts. However, all in all, Elvis appeared in a total of 31 movies during his life, with his most iconic roles being in “Jailhouse Rock,” “Viva Las Vegas,” and “Blue Hawaii.”
However, some fans do not include some of Elvis’s performances in their counts due to them being dubbed (like his movies Tickle Me, Paradise Hawaiian Style, or Clambake) or featuring Elvis only partially, mixing rehearsal and concert footage with additional scenes (such as That’s the Way It Is, Elvis on Tour or Live a Little, Love a Little), but they are still part of his official filmography.
Elvis Presley in Cinematic History: A Study of His Impact on Hollywood
Elvis Presley revolutionized the film industry with his unique style of music and acting, paving the way for future rock and roll performers. With his magnetic stage presence and undeniable talent, Elvis created a new genre of music-infused movies, which proved to be a box office success throughout his career. The legacy he left behind has influenced countless artists, cementing his place among Hollywood icons.
All the King’s Movies: Tracing Elvis Presley’s Filmography Through the Years
Here’s a complete guide to all of Elvis Presley’s movies, sorted by year of release:
Love Me Tender (1956) – Elvis’s big-screen debut as Clint Reno
Loving You (1957) – Elvis plays the role of Deke Rivers, a small-town musician who becomes a pop sensation
Jailhouse Rock (1957) – Arguably one of Elvis’s most popular movies, starring as Vince Everett
King Creole (1958) – Elvis stars as Danny Fisher, a troubled young man who turns to singing to escape his life of crime
G.I. Blues (1960) – Elvis plays Tulsa McLean, a soldier stationed in West Germany
Flaming Star (1960) – Elvis portrays Pacer Burton, a half-breed trying to find his place in society
Blue Hawaii (1961) – One of Elvis’s most iconic roles as Chad Gates, an Army veteran who returns home to Hawaii
Follow That Dream (1962) – Elvis plays Toby Kwimper, leading his family’s search for a new home in Florida
Kid Galahad (1962) – Elvis stars as Walter Gulick, a recent high school grad who finds work at a boxing gym
Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962) – Elvis plays Ross Carpenter, who dreams of saving enough money to buy a boat and sail away
It Happened at the World’s Fair (1963) – Elvis plays pilot Mike Edwards, who takes a job at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair
Fun in Acapulco (1963) – Elvis stars as Mike Windgren, a former trapeze artist who becomes a cliff diver in Acapulco
Kissin’ Cousins (1964) – Elvis portrays twin cousins Josh Morgan and Jodie Tatum
Viva Las Vegas (1964) – Elvis plays race car driver Lucky Jackson, alongside Ann-Margret
Roustabout (1964) – Elvis stars as Charlie Rogers, a drifter who joins a traveling carnival
Girl Happy (1965) – Elvis plays Rusty Wells, a singer hired by a nightclub owner to protect his daughter on spring break
Tickle Me (1965) – Elvis portrays a singing rodeo cowboy, Lonnie Beale, in a western comedy
Harum Scarum (1965) – Elvis plays Johnny Tyronne, a movie star who gets caught in a plan to overthrow a Middle Eastern ruler
Frankie and Johnny (1966) – Elvis stars as riverboat performer Johnny alongside Donna Douglas
Paradise Hawaiian Style (1966) – Elvis plays Rick Richards, a former pilot who now runs a flying tour service in Hawaii
Spinout (1966) – Elvis stars as Mike McCoy, a singer who competes in a car race while trying to avoid several romantic pursuits
Easy Come, Easy Go (1967) – Elvis portrays Ted Jackson, a former naval officer who becomes a frogman looking for treasure
Double Trouble (1967) – Elvis plays Guy Lambert, a rock singer touring Europe who gets caught up in a diamond heist
Clambake (1967) – Elvis portrays Scott Hayward, the son of an oil tycoon who switches places with a water-ski instructor to find love
Stay Away, Joe (1968) – Elvis stars as Joe Lightcloud, a Native American who returns to his reservation
Speedway (1968) – Elvis plays stock car driver Steve Grayson, alongside Nancy Sinatra
Live a Little, Love a Little (1968) – Elvis portrays photographer Greg Nolan, in a romantic comedy directed by Norman Taurog
Charro! (1969) – Elvis stars as Jess Wade, a former member of a gang of thieves who gets caught up in a dispute in a Mexican border town
The Trouble with Girls (1969) – Elvis portrays Walter Hale, Jr., a traveling Chautauqua showboat owner who gets caught up in some comical misadventures
Change of Habit (1969) – Elvis stars as Dr. John Carpenter, who falls for a nun played by Mary Tyler Moore
Elvis: That’s the Way It Is (1970) – This documentary followed Elvis during his rehearsals for his Las Vegas concerts
Elvis on Tour (1972) – Another documentary of Elvis’ life, it followed him on his 15-day U.S. tour in April 1972.
This Is Elvis (1981) – A documentary of Elvis’s life, including concert footage and interviews with friends and family members
A Visual Journey with The King: Exploring Elvis Presley’s Iconic Movie Roles
The nature of Elvis’s movies left room for symbolism and deeper themes to be explored, contributing to the film’s lasting impact. Some of Elvis’s most iconic performances include his role in “Jailhouse Rock,” where he plays a struggling musician trying to make it big, and his performance in “Blue Hawaii,” where he plays a charismatic young veteran showcasing his musical talents. Beyond the sheer entertainment value, Elvis’s movies carry a deeper significance in their themes of self-expression and the overcoming of hardship.
The Elvis Presley Movie Canon: A Review of All 31 Films Starring The King
While Elvis’s movies were not always critically acclaimed, many of them have a lasting legacy, with devoted fans cherishing them. Elvis’s movies are a testament to his status as a Hollywood icon who left an indelible mark on the film industry. Below, we review all 31 films to provide a more in-depth look at the King’s cinematic impact.
Conclusion
As we can see, Elvis Presley’s film career was an integral part of his legacy, from his impact on Hollywood to his unique performances in his movies. With a total of 31 movies, each with its own significance and influence, Elvis Presley’s cultural impact is still felt around the world today.