While best known for his music, Elvis Presley occasionally appeared on film, mostly, of course, in roles that got him singing and dancing, regardless of the story. King Creole was one such role, but it’s one of his best. Loosely based on a 1952 novel, King Creole swaps New York for the New Orleans French Quarter, as well as Danny Fisher’s potential crime-free path from boxing to singing, to better match Presley’s music, but director Michael Curtiz makes it work by focusing more on the flipped father-son breadwinner dynamic, with black-and-white noirish shots, a great supporting cast, a great bluesy soundtrack, and a great performance from the King of Rock and Roll himself. King Creole is one of Elvis’ many star vehicles, but it’s one that still works even today.

Elvis, of course. His star persona fits film noir pretty well, so it’s actually surprising that he hasn’t done more films in this genre.