zardoz-13
Elvis Presley commanded top billing in his second movie, freshman director Hal Kanter's "Loving You," but it is Lizbeth Scott who commands the attention. Cast as an ambitious Svengali-like publicist, Scott boasts wattage to burn and outshines Presley. The Herbert Baker & Hal Kanter screenplay, based on a story by Mary Agnes Thompson, amounts to a semi-autobiographical account of the ascension of Presley's nobody singer to stardom. In fact, "Loving You" could be compared with "A Star Is Born" because Presley's star ascends while Wendell Corey's washed-up singer Tex Warner sinks into the sunset. Hard luck toppled Tex from stardom and nobody in the industry has any use for him. Nevertheless, unlike "A Star is Born," "Loving Up" contains enough drama to maintain tension throughout its 101 minutes without immersing its audience in tragedy. Corey and Scott generate credible chemistry as an older couple while Presley gravitates between Scott and newcomer Dolores Hart. For the record, in addition to the eponymous title tune, Elvis performs "(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear" and "Got A Lot O' Livin' To Do" to "(Let's Have A) Party," "Mean Woman Blues," and "Hot Dog."The Baker & Kanter screenplay has more substance than you might imagine and the dialogue is far from embarrassing. Presley plays beer delivery driver Deke Rivers, an orphaned truck driver who tools around in his black hot rod making deliveries, and his latest delivery is to a snake-oil salesman on the campaign trail for the upcoming gubernatorial election. Big Jim Tallman (Ralph Dumke of "Violent Saturday") has hired Tex Warner (Wendell Corey of "Cyborg 2087") and his cowboy swing band to attract and entertain citizens so that he will have a crowd to regale with his promises. Tallman also has Glenda Markle (Lizabeth Scott of "Dead Reckoning") on the payroll as his publicist, but Glenda—like Tex—hasn't seen a paycheck in several weeks. When Deke rolls up in his roadster, his buddy touts his singing talent and Glenda hustles Deke onto the platform to warble a few tunes. Tex notices that the guys in the crowd are not impressed, but Glenda spots the reaction of the gals and knows that she has gotten a gold mine.Glenda makes Deke an offer to sing with Tex's band for twice the cash that he earns hauling beer. All he has to do is show up in the morning to head out with them. Tex and Glenda are dumping Big Jim because he cannot pay them. Meanwhile, Deke has already had a taste of show business and it wasn't pleasant. The cheapskate promoter skipped town without paying him off and stole his guitar so Deke doesn't jump at Glenda's proposition. Nonetheless, Glenda isn't going to take no for an answer and goes so far as to complain to Deke's employer. She complains that Deke made his beer delivery late and the boss fires Deke. At the same time, Tex questions Glenda's judgment but bows to it because she is the brains behind their publicity. Predictably, the women go wild for Deke. One stands up in the audience and yells at him. Later, another girl hides in his dressing room and demands a kiss before she will leave. As they are kissing, Glenda and two newspaper people snap a photo of them that winds up in the press. Melodramatic madness sets in around the last half hour because Tex thinks Glenda has dumped him for Deke. Deke is scheduled to perform in the small Texas town of Freegate, but the oldsters convince the city fathers to cancel the concert. This reflects the tension that existed between older people who didn't like rock'n roll and the youngsters who embraced with a passion. Glenda takes on city hall and persuades the nearsighted politicians to do an about face when she informs them that television cameras will descend on their small town and show the world what a great place it is to live. Suspense mounts when Deke decides in a fit of anger to leave so Glenda takes off after him while the harried television producer parcels out time to interview Deke's fans. Eventually, Glenda catches up with Deke and manages to change his mind. The concert is a smash and Deke is set for life, but trouble has been brewing because Tex thinks that Deke is moving in on Glenda. Meanwhile, Deke doesn't realize that their new agent, Carl Meade (James Gleason of "Arsenic and Old Lace"), has sacked everybody because Deke is the only one pulling in the dough. Among those fired is Susan Jessup (Dolores Hart) and Deke has developed an affection for Susan because he can talk to her about things other than business. Deke drives her home to her parents and discovers during a quiet moment what has happened. Surprisingly, Hal Kanter didn't helm that many movies. "Loving You" is a good Elvis Presley epic and the action is well thought out. The troubled life of Deke Rivers is interesting, especially his origins when he fled from an orphanage and stumbled into a grave yard when he appropriated his name from a tombstone. Presley never received the credit that he deserved as an actor and he gives a sincere, well-rounded performance that provides him with moments of happiness, anger, and nonchalance. The honky-tonk fight between Deke and Wayne (Kenneth Becker) is staged well and looks rather brutal as they pummel each other with repeated blows. "Loving You" qualifies as a good Presley potboiler.
ladecana
30 years after his death, it is amazing to view this film, that is almost like a documentary in its parallel to Elvis' life. Elvis is thrillingly handsome and his vulnerability (around women) coupled with his macho attitude (around men) make him a most appealing ICON and legendary leading man. Even if his movies are not academy award winners, who cares? What we have here is a CLASSIC and a way to remember this man called ELVIS! OMG, is he ever a talented performer and gorgeous at that !!!! I have viewed 18 of the 31 ELVIS movies and have loved most of them, just because he is in them, but Loving You is the most endearing because it reminds me of his own life with scenes that happened to him in real life, like the nutty fans after him!
dendep
First,I am a fan of early Elvis material(1955-59). I believe this movie more than any other shows Elvis at his best. I know that it is dated but that is what I like about it. I believe he could have become a very good actor if proper movie projects had been chosen. Loving You is a time capsule that we will never see again. All give good performances in this picture. Two of my favorites of the 1950's are in this picture. Dolores Hart is great in her good girl role. Also, bad girl Jana Lund is great in her small part. She has been overlooked for her great portrayals of 1950's JD bad girls. I believe Loving You more that any film of its era has the 1950's look and sound right on!! I should know, I was there. 8 of 10 stars.
John von K
Yes it's a middle of the road "Let's love Elvis" homage, but with good good sprinkling of songs. Basically a sentimental semi biog. with a nice performance from Wendell Corey (The man with Steve McQueen's eyes) If your abiding image of Elvis is Overweight Jumpsuit don't miss the last five minutes, the young King's rendition of 'Lot of Livin' to do'with make you sweat-energy, youth and joy. It is one the sexiest two minutes of 1950's hollywood celluloid. WOW!
