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.
"Presley shows himself to be a surprisingly sympathetic and believable actor on occasion. He also does some very pleasant, soft and melodious, singing."
— Variety Staff
Danny Fisher, young delinquent, flunks out of high school. He quits his job as a busboy in a nightclub, and one night he gets the chance to perform. Success is imminent and the local crime boss Maxie Fields wants to hire him to perform at his night club The Blue Shade. Danny refuses, but Fields won't take no for an answer.
Barred from graduating high school, nineteen-year-old Danny Fisher (Elvis Presley) resorts to working for a bar owned by skeevy gangster Maxie Fields, the richest man in town. However, his prospects change when rival club owner Charlie LeGrand hears him sing.
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.
Quite possibly the best Elvis film.
