Elvis Presley's best performances are invariably cited as his three forays into drama, which were natural matches for his chief acting characteristics: petulance, intensity and hidden vulnerability. Not coincidentally, music takes a back seat in most of these three vehicles. In King Creole (1958), based on the plot about a would-be singer, Presley sings a full score of songs. In Flaming Star (1960), there is just one song in the plot. In Wild in the Country (1961), there is only one 'serenade' per female character. The songs were included largely so that, at the very least, an Extended Play soundtrack album could be released for each film and record sales would not be negatively impacted by the time the dramas took to film. King Creole, of course, was one of the best selling albums of Presley's career, but in the case of both Flaming Star and Wild in the Country, no soundtrack album was released outside of a 45rpm single.
Wild in the Country was the only Elvis movie that lost money during its initial release.
Millie Perkins broke her arm when, according to the script, she had to slap Elvis Presley in the face.
An alternative ending was shot, but not used.