Amour frénétique

I like this semi autobiographic movie. Not only is the plot strong, but once again Elvis has a strong supporting cast. I particularly liked the character the Delores Hart played. I especially thought that the controversy surrounding Elvis Presley's character mirrored the early part of his career. I give this movie 4 stars

This was Elvis Presley's second film, and the first to be filmed in gorgeous Technicolor. Elvis plays a delivery boy called Deke Rivers, and when a very persistent press agent (Lizabeth Scott) hears him singing, she convinces him to join her ex-husband's small traveling musical entourage, gradually promoting him into a huge sensation. First playing small town gigs and then advancing onward into bigger city shows, Rivers eventually becomes the lead act of the modest group and a popular star in his own right. This movie feels close in spirit to the true story of Presley's own career beginnings, and he gives a pretty decent performance which includes a terrific down and dirty fight scene. The songs are all well chosen and incorporated into the story this time out, beginning with the title ballad and then the hit song "Teddy Bear". The soundtrack benefits too from some heavier rockers like "Mean Woman Blues", "Got a Lot O' Livin To Do", "Hot Dog", and "Party". Truthfully, I can't usually take much of Lizabeth Scott in general, but she's well cast here as the older and very tactical manager, and there's an interestingly offbeat side relationship between Scott and her ex (Wendell Corey). Not a great film, and I do think it could have worked even better if about 15 minutes were clipped, but this is still good, solid, early vintage Elvis before the same tired movie formula became a little too routine. *** out of ****

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.

'Loving You' however is one of his best films, regardless of its corny scripting, paper-thin (at times) story and cop-out ending. It also boasts one of Elvis' better acting performances, it is one of his most natural-looking ones where he is not as stiff as he could be and like in his film debut 'Love Me Tender' there is a charm, easy-going charisma and genuine emotional honesty. He also has one of his best supporting casts, with the likes of Lizabeth Scott, Wendell Corey, James Gleason and Delores Hart.

As to be expected, the music is great, especially the title song, "Teddy Bear" (a highlight scene), "Lonesome Cowboy" and "Got a Lot o' Livin' to Do". Elvis sings sublimely with his usual distinctive timbre and the way he sings and performs in 'Loving You' is quintessential prime Elvis Presley.

Throughout there is a lot of charm, and as an re-enactment of Elvis' rise to stardom the film boasts some genuinely moving and sincere moments. The direction is solid.

Production values are top-class too, 'Loving You' was the first of Elvis' films to be shot in colour and it looks fabulous.

In conclusion, one of Elvis' best films, not perfect but not one to be scorned at. 8/10 Bethany Cox

"Loving You", the King's second movie, succeeds by using his own raw personality and talent and a version of his real-life rise to fame as a backdrop; the songs, too, are far better than many of the musical films he would churn out in the 1960s. Elvis himself makes use of his young rebel status as Deke Rivers, a driver who joins a country music outfit and causes havoc with his wild rock 'n roll style. His own band appear (Scotty Moore, DJ Fontana, Bill Black) and there is even a glimpse of Elvis' mum Gladys in one of the audiences.

In the cast alongside Elvis are Lizabeth Scott as the predatory Glenda, Wendell Corey as her on-off boyfriend and bandleader Tex, and pretty Doleres Hart as the love interest for Deke. The film also benefits from carefully planned Technicolor and some imaginative costumes for Presley to kick start his movie image. Enjoyable and very watchable, and somewhat ahead of its time.

Yes it's a middle of the road "Let's love Elvis" homage, but with good good sprinkling of songs. Basically a sentimental semi biog. with a nice performance from Wendell Corey (The man with Steve McQueen's eyes) If your abiding image of Elvis is Overweight Jumpsuit don't miss the last five minutes, the young King's rendition of 'Lot of Livin' to do'with make you sweat-energy, youth and joy. It is one the sexiest two minutes of 1950's hollywood celluloid. WOW!