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Wild
in the Country (1961)
Reviewed
by Nikarius |
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Rating:
For
Elvis fans!
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| Director |
Philip
Dunne |
| Stars |
Elvis
Presley
Hope Lange
Tuesday Wells
Millie Perkins
Alan Napier
John Ireland |
| Length |
114
minutes |
| Country |
USA |
| Genres |
Drama |
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Elvis
plays Glenn, a rebel without a cause in this movie – a bad boy
from a broken family, who is in constant trouble with the law.
The Elvis formula is played through here in full - he’s sensitive,
strong and handsome with all the girls after him. And boy, are
they after him in this movie. So many that it almost turns into
a Benny Hill style farce.
First, the story – after one run-in too many with the law, Glenn’s
father decides he’s too much to handle, and he’s handed off
to his shady uncle Rolfe. He certainly comes across as a bad
boy, but he’s Elvis and Elvis and bad just don’t work. So it
comes as no surprise that the audience learns that there’s more
to Glenn than trouble. In fact, he’s a misunderstood lad with
a hidden gift – he’s a talented writer. On to the romance, and
there are three who are after Elvis’s attention here. First,
there’s Glenn’s sweetheart Betty Lee – a good girl with a virtuous
heart. Second, there’s Noreen – a bad girl who happens to be
uncle Rolfe’s daughter. Finally, there’s a court-appointed psychiatrist
Irene – a widow.
The outrageous soap-opera plot centres around the hidden writing
talent that emerges with the help of Irene, whilst the audience
hopes he doesn’t end up with Noreen. The story rolls along nicely,
and the climax is set in a courtroom where all loose ends are
neatly tied up. Elvis fans will probably like this one the most,
as Elvis plays a character that isn’t modelled too far from
himself. As film, however, it’s one great slice of cheese… but
then again, that isn’t always a bad thing.
DVD Extras
The DVD contains quaint trailers for Flaming Star, Wild in the
Country and Love Me Tender.
Other Elvis reviews:
Love Me Tender
Flaming Star |
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