Heartbreak Hotel

This movie is much better than people seem to think. It's not just fun family entertainment, it really shows Elvis trying to come to terms with what went right and wrong with his life. It goes from a spooky, spiritual opening, where Elvis acknowledges his own mortality in song ("So hush little baby, don't you cry/You know your daddy's bound to die")to a rousing "If I Can Dream" finale. The idea is that Elvis gets everything right here that he got so tragically wrong in real time. He is the perfect father, husband, and artist, and he stands up for what we believe in, instead of just wasting himself. Touching and inspiring film.

What keeps the movie from going soft is the fact that the young rock and roller played by Charlie Schlatter (whatever happened to him?) is initially quite contemptuous of Elvis and his Las Vegas style lounge act. The kid chews Elvis out in a very memorable scene that really represents the feelings of millions of young 70's teens about the way Elvis went soft. The fact that Elvis listens and learns is extremely inspiring, but again, the film stays honest. At the end he tells the family, "I've found something here, and I'm afraid if I leave it will slip away again."

Sadly, it did.

'Heartbreak Hotel' is one one the all-time greatest entertainment treasures. With a solid, brilliant cast led by the incredibly talented Mr. David Keith as Elvis Presley, this movie could brighten even the dullest mood with its simple charm, humour and wonderful music. Some of the more short-sighted have complained about, among other irrelevancies, the lack of facial likeness between Mr. Keith and 'The King' as if that was an error of some kind rather than recognizing the fact that Mr. Keith was obviously chosen for the role because he is an amazing 'Elvis' vocal and visual impersonator with the necessary talent in order to capture the essence of Elvis without having to rely on physical likeness which can only testify to the limitless capabilities of this great actor, so much so that there are moments when Elvis almost appears transfigure through David Keith, who incidently is also a native of the State of Tennessee.

No-one ever intended this movie to be taken seriously, but only enjoyed for its sheer entertainment value. The majority of the singing is actually performed by David Keith himself, which no Elvis impersonator could top !! I have read reviews of this movie which cast doubt on this fact, but if you watch the end titles you will see his vocal performing credits. I also know that he used his own voice because HE told me in person during several chats I had with him whilst he was here in Hope, BC with James Spader filming the upcoming movie 'The Stick-Up'. Charlie Schlater is also an immensely talented actor with the same kind of natural charisma and talent of Michael J. Fox. As I said previously, all the cast are magnificent and obviously adored making this movie as their pleasure and happiness shines through. Remember, this is not an Elvis biography, but merely a fantasy tale which in its own way honours the memory of the real Elvis. A heartfelt tribute to 'The King'. David Keith can also be seen in 'An Officer and a Gentleman'; 'U-571'; 'Men of Honor'; 'Brubaker'; 'The Rose'; 'The Lords of Discipline'; 'Major League 2'; and 'Texas' among many others.

Good acting. Suspend belief, and enjoy an original story of the King being kidnapped for a teen's mother who is down in the dumps in a small Ohio town though who wouldn't be in a small Ohio town. 1988 movie. Big question is where is the lovely mid fiftyish Tuesday Weld now?

I think HEARTBREAK HOTEL was a great movie. Maybe David Keith doesn't look much like the real Elvis Presley but he is a pretty good Elvis imitator. Ronnie McDowell sang most of the Elvis song. Besides a few which Elvis Presley sang. They have a song by Dobie Gray in it too. David Keith, Tuesday Weld, and Charlie Schlatter work great together. Heartbreak Hotel is about a single mother of 2 named Marie who is very depressed (Tuesday Weld). So her 17 year old son Johnny (Charlie Schlatter) kidnaps Elvis Presley for her. By dressing the locale pizza place owner Rosie as Gladys Presley. Elvis (David Keith) and "Johnny" get off to a bad start. You would to with the guy who just kidnapped you. But at the end they're great friends.

Don't get me wrong. I do like most of Chris Columbus' other projects. I do like David Keith, but he gives one of the worse portrayals of Elvis I have ever seen. This time flattery is not complimentary. It bothers me to see Elvis portrayed with a chip on his shoulder and with such an angry attitude.

This was meant to be a fantasy/comedy, but I feel it sure misses the mark. Outlandish story of a teenage boy gathering a few of his buddies and kidnapping Elvis after a concert in Ohio. The King of Rock 'n' Roll is persuaded to 'hideout' at the home of the boy as a surprise for his depressed mother, an avid Elvis fan.

I thought this was a cute movie the first time I saw it. Upon viewing a couple of more times, I find it less attractive. For the pure Presley fans out there, this is like watching an outbreak of the plague. The ending tries to leave you with a peaceful and proud feeling, but the damage had already been done.

One time Elvis co-star in WILD IN THE COUNTRY , Tuesday Weld plays the bewildered fanatic. Charlie Schlatter plays the wise ass kidnapper.

If you are an Elvis fan and haven't already seen this; don't waste your time.