Cast
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Elvis Presley
as Deke Rivers
Lizabeth Scott
as Glenda Markle
Wendell Corey
as Walter (Tex) Warner
James Gleason
as Carl Meade
Ralph Dumke
as Jim Tallman
Paul Smith
as Skeeter
Kenneth Becker
as Wayne
Jana Lund
as Daisy Bricker
Dolores Hart
as Susan Jessup
Grace Hayle
as Mrs. Gunderson (uncredited)
William Forrest
as Mr. Jessup
Irene Tedrow
as Mrs. Jessup
Skip Young
as Teddy
Yvonne Lime
as Sally (uncredited)
Gladys Presley
as Audience Member at Grand Theatre (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Hal Kanter
Producer
- Hal B. Wallis
Reviews
Wuchak
_**Elvis’ first starring role where he plays a rising 50’s rock star**_
A delivery man with musical talent (Presley) is discovered by a publicist (Lizabeth Scott) at a small town festival and joins a traveling band where he increasingly “steals the thunder” of the main guy (Wendell Corey).
“Loving You” (1957) was Elvis’ second of 31 movies, but it was his debut in the starring role and his first film to establish the ‘Elvis formula.’ Most of the rest of his movies would use this cinematic recipe with Presley’s character being in different occupations, which of course changed the setting and dynamics. For instance, in “Wild in the Country” (1961) he’s a troubled rural youth on probation, in “Blue Hawaii” (1961) he’s a tour guide, in “Kid Galahad” (1962) he’s a boxer, in “Viva Las Vegas” (1964) he’s a race car driver and in “Roustabout” (1964) he’s a carnival worker.
This one was the blueprint for all of those and works well because it’s basically a retelling of Elvis’ own rags-to-riches story and so he’s comfortable playing a rising music star with the challenges thereof.
Everything works except the melodramatic last act, which somewhat lost my interest. Plus the girlfriend (Dolores Hart) is deemphasized and so her relationship with the Presley character isn’t compelling. On the positive side, when he’s frolicking on the farm with her and feeding a horse a sugar cube and singing, there’s a wholesomeness and innocence to treasure. Plus Elvis never looked better, being young and lean.
The film runs 1 hour, 41 minutes, and was shot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood and the Ivar Theatre.
GRADE: B-
Oct 18, 2021
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Loving You examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Hal Kanter brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1957, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Loving You took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 137 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 325 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1957, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Loving You shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Hero, which focuses more on action than character development, Loving You subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Chicago and School of Rock explore similar territory, Loving You stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 9, 1957
- Runtime: 1h 41m
