ELVIS: FLAMING STAR!(1960):
Back to the "I'm trying to be a serious actor" movie
for Elvis! I will say that in this at least he has a reason
for his anger, but still it just doesn't set well with me!
This does have a couple of really good actors in it,
John McIntire (TVs Wagon Train, The Virginian) and
Steve Forrest(TVs S.W.A.T., Dallas)! Also in this is
Barbara Eden(I Dream Of Jeanie)! B-
From another reviewer at Amazon:
Definitely a contender for the underwhelming title
of Best Elvis Movie, this handsomely shot Western
actually makes Elvis act, rather than coast on his
personality. (As though to underscore the point,
the two obligatory songs are dispensed with under
the opening credits and in the first scene.) Don Siegel
was probably the best director the King ever worked
with, and he draws a quietly smoldering performance
from Elvis, who was still undeniably raw. Even
better, Siegel captures an existential starkness to
homestead and town, and calmly makes a pro-Native
American case without preaching (Elvis plays a
half-breed caught between sides in an Indian vs.
settlers dustup). Yes, this was 30 years before
Dances with Wolves--there were actually quite
a few such movies during this era. All in all, a
decent picture, and an indication of where Elvis's
career might have gone if he hadn't given himself
over to fluff. --Robert Horton