Movie Review: Jailhouse Rock (1957)

Genre: Musical Drama  

Director: Richard Thorpe  

Starring: Elvis Presley, Judy Tyler, Mickey Shaughnessy  

Running Time: 96 minutes  

Synopsis: Construction worker Vince Everett (Elvis Presley) is convicted of manslaughter after he kills a man in a bar fight. His prison cellmate Hank Hughton (Mickey Shaughnessy) is a fading country music singer, but spots Vince's singing talent and teaches him to play the guitar. Upon his release, the money-driven Vince is intent on establishing a music career, and partners with record promoter Peggy Van Alden (Judy Tyler). They are exposed to the unscrupulous side of the business and romantic complications before Vince finds success, but then Hank comes calling to claim a cut. 

What Works Well: The energetic title song arrives at the mid-point, and is an athletic highlight with innovative yet simple staging (vertical bars, striped shirts) showcasing Elvis at his best. Elsewhere he performs several romantic songs including Young And Beautiful, Don't Leave Me Now, and Treat Me Nice. In terms of plot and characters, the routine rags to riches story allows Vince to remain stubbornly unempathetic, a realistic if unusual adherence to deep-seated wealth obsession underpinned by starting with nothing. At just 22 years-old and already a huge music star, Elvis' acting is a passable commitment to surliness.

What Does Not Work As Well: Director Richard Thorpe hustles the story along with a focus on expediency at the expense of artistry. Every emotion wears an obvious and superficial badge, and none of the characters enjoy any meaningful depth. The third act crisis is triggered by a ludicrously contrived fist-fight. 

Key Quote:

Vince Everett, after aggressively kissing Peggy: That ain't tactics, honey. It's just the beast in me.



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