Screenhead

In preparation for the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley, Warner Brothers Home Video has released six more films on DVD. The films in the collection are from 1964 on, when Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, had determined that for the most part, the films were to serve as platforms to sell soundtrack albums, which was where the real money was for Elvis.

One of the more dubious titles is Kissin’ Cousins (1964), considered by fans to be the worst movie Elvis ever made. Elvis plays twin cousins in this story about the military trying to convince a hillbilly family that their land would be perfect for a missle base. To tell the two cousins apart, Elvis wore a blond wig. The film was the first Presley made for schlock producer Sam Katzman.

Much better is The Trouble with Girls (1969), with Elvis as the manager of a traveling Chautauqua show in the 1920s. Vincent Price and John Carradine are included in the cast. The story was cooking at MGM for several years, first to star Glenn Ford in 1959, and later as a vehicle for Dick Van Dyke.

Charro!(1969) was written and directed by Charles Marquis Warren, best remembered for his association with the long running television series, “Gunsmoke”. For part of the film, Elvis does his best to channel a little bit of Clint Eastwood, which explains the facial hair.

Other films in the collection include Stay Away, Joe(1968), Tickle Me(1965), and Live a Little, Love a Little (1968) which features one of my favorite Elvis songs, “A Little Less Conversation”.

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