Jailhouse Rock
This
1957 movie was Elvis' third film, and his first for M.G.M. The soundtrack
consisted of six new songs, four of which were written by the legendary Leiber
and Stoller, and these were originally issued on a single and an EP album. The
film was shot in black and white, (Elvis' second film "Loving You" was
a colour feature) and in a similar way to Elvis next film "King
Creole" the black and white photography suited the tone of the film
perfectly. I'm sure most of you are familiar with the story by now,
but here's a brief synopsis of what the movie was about:
At the start of the film Elvis' character "Vince Everett" gets involved in a bar room fight which results in a conviction for manslaughter, and a spell in prison. During his time in prison he shares a cell with Hunk Houghton (Mickey Shaughnessy) who used to have a career on the country music circuit. Hunks teaches Vince some guitar cords, and though Vince is due for release first, they vow to meet up again when Hunk is also free, and try to make their mark in the music business together.
Upon Vince's release he meets record promoter Peggy Van Alden, (Judy Tyler) who helps Vince make a demonstration record, and promotes his talents. By the time Hunk is released from prison Vince has already hit the big time, and although he manages to get Hunk a spot on a national television show, it soon becomes apparent that times have changed, and Hunk's style is out dated. Vince gives Hunk a job as a gofer, but Hunk becomes jealous of Vince's success and starts to resent both Vince, and the attitude he has developed since finding fame.
Hunk finally loses his temper and challenges Vince to a fight, and whilst Vince refuses to fight back, Hunk lands a punch on Vince's throat which results in Vince being rushed to hospital, with his future as a singer hanging in the balance. Vince finally recovers, and the film ends with Vince nervously attempting to sing again, before regaining his voice, and his confidence and performing the song "Young And Beautiful".
In summing up this is definitely one of Elvis best films, and he did a great job of acting out the part of Vince Everett. The musical score was of a high standard, and the number of songs included was just about right for the film to be considered a dramatic musical without losing sight of the plot. The film's highpoint is undoubtedly the "Jailhouse Rock" production number. This has been used in a number of Presley documentaries since then, and was influential in the concept of filming video clips to promote single records.
Additional Information:
Movie Soundtrack Discography:
Jailhouse Rock/Treat Me Nice (Single release, 1957)
Jailhouse Rock: (EP release, 1957)
Jailhouse Rock/Young And Beautiful/I Want To Be Free/Don't Leave Me Now/Baby I Don't Care
CD Releases:
Essential Elvis Volume 1 - The First Movies (1988) - Soundtrack recordings from Love Me Tender, Loving You, and Jailhouse Rock, plus out takes.
Jailhouse Rock/Love Me Tender (1997) - Re-mastered soundtrack recordings from both movies, plus out takes (recommended)
Video/DVD:
The movie has been available on Video for some time and was originally released in it's original black and white format. In 1992 Turner/MGM released the video box set "The Lost Performances" & "Jailhouse Rock" and the version of the film released in this package was colourised.
An American DVD (region 1, NTSC) was issued in 1998, and this featured the original black and white version of the film in both widescreen and pan and scan formats. It also included the original theatrical trailer.
The colourised version of the film has also been issued on video CD.