Elvis Presley’s legacy includes no fewer than 31 movies, beginning with his debut in a supporting role in the western “Love Me Tender” (1956).
His last acting gig was in “Change of Habit” (1969), where he played a doctor to Mary Tyler Moore’s nun, though he later headlined two successful concert films before his death in 1977.
Presley’s best movies indisputably came at the beginning of his screen career, before his flicks degenerated into corny formula musicals.
The pick of the litter, all available on video:
* “Jailhouse Rock” (1957): The King’s starring debut showcases a hip-swinging young singer who learns the value of friendship after he takes up singing behind bars. With Jody Tyler (Princess Summerfall Winterspring on “Howdy Doody”), who died before the film was released.
* “King Creole” (1958): Adapted from a novel by Harold Robbins, this New Orleans-set drama has Elvis as a singer who clashes with a cajun gangster (Walter Matthau!). Well directed by Michael Curtiz (“Casablanca”), this was Presley’s second with “Loving You” co-star Dolores Hart, who later became a nun.
* “G.I. Blues” (1960): The King’s post-Army films are generally less interesting and more campy, but this vaguely fact-inspired musical one boasts some big hits (“Blue Suede Shoes,” “Wooden Shoes”), nice European locations and the lovely Juliet Prowse.
* “Flaming Star” (1960): Arguably Elvis’ grittiest movie, with a credible performance as a half-breed youth whose loyalty is divided between his white father and Indian mother (Dolores Del Rio). Directed by Don Siegel (“Dirty Harry”), it has only two songs.
* “Blue Hawaii” (1962): More painless scenery and songs (including “Falling in Love”) as El is pressured to take over the family pineapple plantation by his mother, played by none other than Angela Lansbury (who was only 11 years older than he was).
* “Viva Las Vegas” (1964): By far the best of The King’s three race-car flicks, his last huge hit pits him against rival Cesare Danova for the hand of lovely Ann-Margret. No fewer than 12 songs on the soundtrack, including the immortal title song.