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Anybody else think that this 1969 movie is a delightful, charming and much welcomed change of pace film from the usual cotton candy the movie studios were serving Elvis up in during the 60's?

I think it is a much underrated comedy-drama that doesn't get the recognition it should do for representing this wonderfully transitional period in Elvis' career. There are some very memorable musical moments, and not just from The King himself. There is also another fine supporting cast and Elvis always seemed to be at his creative best with other great acting talents on the same set.

It appears that 'Clean Up Your Own Backyard' is a little too much of a rockin' blues for the time that the film was set in, but the song itself does work with some wacky camera work going on throughout. The gospel rocker 'Swing Down Sweet Chariot' does exactly what it says on the tin. And, to top it all off we have The King dressed in THAT white suit!

So guys, what do you reckon?

i couldn't agree with you more. that was a great movie. clean up your own backyard was the best song in that movie, then it's swing down sweet chariot.marilon mason worked very well with elvis also. to bad more of his movies wern't more like that.

The movie itself is somewhat lacking. I seem to remember reading that Elvis only appeared in something like 40% of the movie.

Despite that and other shortcomings, I find it pretty entertaining. The plot is actually interesting, though not explored fully in many areas. As has been mentioned, the songs are great. But mainly, I really like Elvis' onscreen demeanor in this final phase of his movie career.

Some say he appears bored or disinterested. I don't see it that way at all. I think by that time he had come into a new comfort level in front of the camera and seemed more natural, more cool, more confident, more Elvis. I think people see that but misinterpret it as non-acting or apathy. Well, in most of his roles he played some version of himself. In this and other late-sixties movies, I think that was more apparent because of an improvement in his presence.

Ridiculous, some will claim. You can't compare his acting in those films with that seen in King Creole or Wild In The Country. Well, no you, can't...because those were more dramatic roles and called for a different type of performance. It is a shame though that he didn't get to do those kinds of movies at that stage in his career--or later.

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Originally Posted by NEA

Anybody else think that this 1969 movie is a delightful, charming and much welcomed change of pace film from the usual cotton candy the movie studios were serving Elvis up in during the 60's?

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Frankly, no. It's almost as if the film was made without Elvis and he came on to the set for the occasional cameo. Clean Up Your Own Backyard is a great song, but the film always seems like one Elvis made just to fulfil his contract. By this time, he was ready to turn his back on Hollywood and it shows. Having said that, when he does appear, he's more natural than in some of the other late films, so that's welcome.

I've always enjoyed this film because it's not like so many of the others. He doesn't sing every five minutes. The few songs are well integrated into the screenplay. You might say Elvis is a guest star in his own movie, but it works becuase of all the insanity going on around him. He's the voice of reason. The one keeping his "cool" while those around him are losing theirs.
It's a very enjoyable film(imo).

Where's Bobby TCB.......?
This movie has the best scene of Elvis laughing than any other move he ever made, and I think we have discussed this before here, or somewhere else, that although this may have been an out-take, this part may have just been left in the film. It's the scene where the older guy is sitting on the lounge behind Elvis and the union girl is having a go at Elvis' character. Elvis actually looks to his left, it seems at someone off camera. It's a classic. Bobby has a great avatar of Elvis himself sitting on the lounge chair laughing. Elvis looks great in this film and yes, he probably is just strolling through it to get it finished, but I love it. The line' Wrong honey..' when he opens the door with the cigar still in his mouth is also classic comedian Elvis.

That's a great moment, Carolyn. (h)

There it is, thanks Bobby.

You're welcome. I should point out that the pic is not the scene in the movie you described (as you know).

Yes, thank you Bobby, but the picture you posted may just spark someone to watch the movie again........we can never get enough of Elvis' laugh...... (y)