Jailhouse Rock

Vince Everett kills a man in a fight and goes to prison. His cellmate teaches him guitar. When he gets out he goes into the music business and becomes a star fast; the success takes him back to the anger that put him inside. Richard Thorpe directed. Elvis Presley plays Vince. What the film is famous for is the title number: a set built between cell bars, choreographed by Alex Romero. It is the most reproduced image of Elvis in cinema. The character is far harder than his usual roles; the man is crude, self-serving and unlikeable. His later films moved away from that tone quickly. Judy Tyler, who plays opposite him, died in a car crash shortly after filming. Elvis is said never to have watched the film because of it. It was shot in black and white and is now considered the best of his filmography. Who it is for: viewers who like the history of rock and roll and fifties musical drama. Who it is not for: anyone expecting a likeable Elvis; the character is repellent on purpose.