Cast
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Elvis Presley
as Mike Edwards
Joan O'Brien
as Diane Warren
Gary Lockwood
as Danny Burke
Vicky Tiu
as Sue-Lin
H.M. Wynant
as Vince Bradley
Edith Atwater
as Miss Steuben
Guy Raymond
as Barney Thatcher
Dorothy Green
as Miss Ettinger
Kam Tong
as Uncle Walter Ling
Yvonne Craig
as Dorothy Johnson
Jacqueline deWit
as Mrs. Johnson (uncredited)
Kurt Russell
as Child who kicks Mike at the fair (uncredited)
Olan Soule
as Mr. Johnson (uncredited)
Russell Thorson
as Sheriff Garland (uncredited)
Red West
as Fred (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Norman Taurog
Writer
- Si Rose
- Seaman Jacobs
Reviews
Wuchak
_**Elvis as a small plane pilot at the World’s Fair in Seattle**_
Because of the gambling debts of his partner (Gary Lockwood), a crop-dusting pilot in Washington State (Presley) is forced to hitchhike to the World’s Fair in Seattle to find work to get his plane back. While Danny tries to get cash playing poker, Mike takes care of a small Asian girl while pursuing an attractive hard-to-get nurse (Joan O'Brien).
"It Happened at the World's Fair" (1963) was Elvis' 12th movie of the 31 he did. He was in his prime here, lean and charismatic. Unfortunately, this is one of the lesser Presley flicks. Sure, it’s interesting seeing the real-life World’s Fair in Seattle, 1962, and there are some interesting bits, like the song “Relax,” a brawl with gamblers, the two protagonists hitchhiking to Seattle, and Elvis as a babysitter, but the story somehow lacks pizzazz.
On the female front, Joan O'Brien is too straight-laced and standoffish to stir interest, not to mention she seems too old for the role even though she’s a year younger than Elvis. Thankfully, a youthful Yvonne Craig is on hand for an amusing sequence early on.
Despite the negatives, like most Elvis flicks this one takes you back to more innocent, fun times. It’s pleasant enough, but kinda dull and deservedly obscure in his oeuvre.
The film runs 1 hour, 45 minutes, and was shot in the greater Seattle area with other stuff done at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Culver City, California.
GRADE C
Feb 14, 2022
Thematic Analysis
It Happened at the World's Fair represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Music/Romance cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Norman Taurog 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1963, 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 It Happened at the World's Fair took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 105 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2477 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 1963, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While It Happened at the World's Fair shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Classic Albums: Elvis Presley, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, It Happened at the World's Fair offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Out Cold and All the Pretty Horses explore similar territory, It Happened at the World's Fair stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: April 3, 1963
- Runtime: 1h 45m
