Long Live the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Though legions of his fans--as well as a number of tabloid editors--believe he’s still alive and well, Aug. 16 does mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. A great way to remember the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is to make a big fried peanut butter and banana sandwich (one of his faves) and rock the night away to his films available on video.

Presley made his film debut in the tepid 1956 Civil War flick “Love Me Tender” (Fox, $15). And though Presley is no great shakes as an actor, his hips certainly shake up a storm. Songs include the title tune, “Poor Boy” and “We’re Gonna Move (to a Better Home).” Debra Paget also stars.

One of Presley’s best films--if not his best--is the jive 1957 musical “Jailhouse Rock” (MGM, $15). The King is all quivering lips and gyrating hips in this tale of a young man who learns guitar in prison and becomes a huge star after he’s released. Judy Tyler and Mickey Shaughnessy also star. The rocking Leiber-Stoller songs feature the classic title tune--the film’s best number--”Young and Beautiful” and “Treat Me Nice.” The newly remastered print also includes the original trailer.

Presley’s last film before going into the Army was the rather gritty 1958 film noir “King Creole” (Fox). Based on Harold Robbins’ “A Stone for Danny Fisher,” the drama finds Presley as a New Orleans-based singer who becomes involved with the criminal element. Walter Matthau also stars. Songs include the title tune, “Trouble” and “Hard-Headed Woman.” Directed by Oscar-winner Michael Curtiz (“Casablanca”).

His first film after serving in Germany was the aptly titled 1960 musical comedy “G.I. Blues” (Fox). Presley plays a G.I. stationed in Germany who forms a musical group, and Juliet Prowse is the nightclub singer who falls for him. Songs include the title tune, “Shopping Around” and “Tonight Is So Right for Love.”

Presley goes dramatic with pretty good results in the 1960 Western “Flaming Star” (Fox, $15). Here he plays a young man with a white father and Native American mother who must choose sides when his mother’s tribe goes on the warpath. Barbara Eden and Delores Del Rio also star. The always dependable Don Seigel directed.

The legendary American playwright Clifford Odets (“Golden Boy,” “Waiting for Lefty”) penned the screenplay of the 1961 Presley flick “Wild in the Country” (Fox, $15). Presley plays a delinquent backwoods boy who has aspirations to become a writer. He also manages to find time to perform “Wild in the Country,” “I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell” and “Lonely Man.” Hope Lange and Tuesday Weld also star.

The next year he starred in the mediocre remake of the 1937 boxing classic “Kid Galahad” (MGM $15). Presley plays a garage mechanic-turned-pugilist who runs into trouble with a gangster. Some of the songs, including “King of the Whole Wide World” and “I Got Lucky,” should hold your interest. Gig Young and Charles Bronson also star. Included is the original trailer.

The bouncy, energetic 1964 musical “Viva Las Vegas” (MGM, $15) ranks with “Jailhouse Rock” as one of Presley’s best. This time around, Presley plays a race-car driver hoping to enter the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Ann-Margret, fresh from her success in “Bye, Bye Birdie,” is Presley’s leading lady. Songs include the catchy title tune, “What’d I Say?” and “Come on, Everybody.” Includes the original theatrical trailer.

The fun 1965 musical “Girl Happy” (MGM, $15) finds Presley, the leader of a rock ‘n’ roll combo, hired to chaperon a Chicago mobster’s daughter (Shelley Fabares) while on spring break in Fort Lauderdale. And yes, “Girl Happy” is the flick in which Presley performs the infamous “Do the Clam” number. Includes the original theatrical trailer.

Presley’s last film, 1969’s “Change of Habit” (Universal, $13) is one of those “so bad it’s great” flicks. Presley plays a doctor working “in the ghetto” who fall is love with his new beautiful co-worker (Mary Tyler Moore). The only trouble is she’s about to take her final vows as a nun. Songs include the forgettable “Rubberneckin’.”

The 1970 “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is” (MGM, $15) is an entertaining concert documentary chronicling Presley’s preparation for his nightclub act and climaxing with his opening--in which he wears his traditional white sequined jumpsuit--in Las Vegas.