Loving You

Elvis(now with dyed jet black hair) in his second feature is wonderful and this film is very much a testament to his early acting ability and the raucous sound that was Rock 'n' Roll.

Whether it was the title ballad or 'Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do' or 'Party' or 'Teddy Bear'-they were all golden hits in their own right. It's fantastic to see Elvis perform these numbers in this film, and one might say heartbreaking to watch as we witness that innocence of youth that was at the start of a roller-coaster ride of centuries worth of adulation and respect(at last).

Unlike, his previous debut film, 'Love Me Tender', the 'Loving You' story isn't too demanding as we are treated to a semi-autobiography about a working class boy who hits the big time with those good looks, golden voice and shaky leg. The young Elvis handles the dramatic scenes very well as he did in 'Love Me Tender', he's no James Dean but the makings are there. Wendell Corey is great as the band leader and future Nun, Dolores Hart plays it nice in her film debut.

Another aspect of this movie falls into place in the form of Lizabeth Scott's character who wheels and deals the fate of the travelling show band and gives us an insight into the canny manipulation of publicity that is forever part of an unpredictable business. Did she take lessons from Tom Parker for this one?

This is truly a great Rock 'n' Roll movie that was beautifully filmed and well-directed, and for any fan of that era has got to be amongst their favourites. On the other hand, if you're not a fan of Elvis or that kind of music, just sit back and enjoy the ride because it's such a feel-good kind of thing, especially watching 'The King' portray a young man very similar in character to himself and goes by the name of an equally distinguished name-Deke Rivers.

Now here's a story that will take some believing, as an unknown singer shakes his hips (amongst other things) and starts heaving, as he grabs a guitar, that boy will go far, albeit with a manager that has greed and misleading. He starts as a sidekick to a fella named Tex, to the girls in the crowd he has direct effects, they scream and they wail, they adore this young male, this guy's going to sell, many records for decks. But there are those who repose with an eye in the past, they just don't like things that can leave them aghast, expressions of lust, leaves them with disgust, thank goodness today, we don't live in the past!

For his second film Elvis Presley plays a young man who is discovered and becomes a singing idol much like Elvis Presley. His discoverers are publicist Lizabeth Scott and has been country performer Wendell Corey. Elvis's success and his issues as a troubled youth cause a lot of issues between Scott and Corey.

Loving You boasts a couple of big mega hits for Presley, the title song and Teddy Bear. It also introduces Dolores Hart who is a country girl like Presley is a country boy and it takes the whole film to find out they're really suited for each other.

As for Presley's issues he has a fine scene with Scott as he tells her of his orphan background and how he came to take the name of Deke Rivers. The scene was delivered with a whole of feeling and indicated an acting talent in Presley that later on was never taken advantage of.

For Presley fans, Loving You is an absolute must.

I like this semi autobiographic movie. Not only is the plot strong, but once again Elvis has a strong supporting cast. I particularly liked the character the Delores Hart played. I especially thought that the controversy surrounding Elvis Presley's character mirrored the early part of his career. I give this movie 4 stars

Elvis Presley's second feature capitalized on the King's meteoric rise to superstardom by autobiographically depicting his real-life experiences with some embellishment. Loving You, therefore, provides fans with a sort of auxiliary examination of a working class kid's practically supernatural odyssey from gas station to recording studio -- shedding light on a few of the darker aspects of being famous (such as rabid fans that rob E of his privacy and, even more telling, the tenuous relationship with a manipulative manager who guides his career with iron will). Loving You boasts beautiful color photography, excellent costuming, and a few of the King's outstanding performances -- particularly "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear."