Starring: Carolyn Jones, Dolores Hart, Dean Jagger, Liliane Montevecchi
and Walter Matthau
Directed by Michael Curtiz
Because his father is often unemployed, Danny Fisher (Elvis Presley) has to work as a temp at the nightclub “Blue Shade”. He meets Ronnie, the girlfriend of bar owner and profiteer Maxie Fields. After being told by his principal that he won’t pass the high school exam because of his behavior, Danny joins a youth gang whose leader Shark he defeated in a one-on-one fight.In the nightclub “King Creole” he finally gets the chance to perform as a singer; he manages to fill the place with people night after night. Maxie Fields is now trying to draw Danny into his place, even using his girlfriend Ronnie as a lure. However, she warns Danny not to become as dependent as she is.Danny refuses, being intrigued by Maxie and eventually having to face off against Shark and Maxie, both of whom he defeats. Ronnie takes Danny, who is also stricken, into hiding and nurses him back to health. When Maxie finds her hiding place, he kills Ronnie. Before he can kill Danny as well, he is shot dead by one of his own men.
An Elvis film that also stood up to the demands of the critics in terms of music and cinematography. The Army had delayed Elvis’ draft for two months to allow this film to be completed. Director Michael Curtiz, known for films such as “Casablanca”, directed the film. Elvis said: “Now I finally know what a director is!”