The Trouble with Girls (1969)

Top-Notch All the Way

It had been years since seeing "The Trouble with Girls,' but I remembered it was the only Elvis Presley film my father actually liked (he grinned from ear to ear, belly laughing through it). By the opening credits, you already know everyone meant business in making this film; from the costuming to production values to writing to acting to budget). This is no "Stay Away, Joe!"

Interestingly, Elvis is completely relaxed in a way he rarely seems to be in the bulk of his films from the mid-to-late sixties. He's a little rougher around the edges (a newfound love of cigars), but it all works. He's both invested and confident (perhaps knowing he was soon to depart to a new phase of his career after his '68 Comeback Special). Upon watching this particular film, one might agree Elvis certainly could have handled the acting gravitas needed to pull off "A Star is Born" in 1975, perhaps very realistically garnering his first Oscar nomination. Sadly, it wasn't to be.

But, "The Trouble with Girls", along with "Wild in the Country" (1961), and "King Creole" (1958), feature an Elvis where, upon watching, it's hard to remember how anyone could have viewed him as a poor actor. Of course, all three of these films share common variables: serious actors, talented direction, a tight script, and invested professionals from art design cinematography to costumes.

If none of that is enough, it's worth mentioning Elvis is better looking than a thousand movie stars in this film. He is at his physical and charismatic peak in 1969.

A great little, sadly too-forgotten, film.

August 25, 2008

Elvis Fan

I have heard, seen and read interviews that Elvis Presley didn't like to make these movies but I'm glad he did so we have them to watch and enjoy. They are corny but fun to enjoy without blood, guts, gore and profanity for a change. January 25, 2008

the trouble with girls

I know people say thes movies are not geat but its movies like this and double trouble and spinout that i also bought that made me a fan when i was a child growin up.So go on and relive your childhood and enjoy these movies for what they are FUN and ENJOYMANT for all the family.They also have a great sound and picture to them October 3, 2007

refreshing new Elvis musical

A fun musical comedy, THE TROUBLE WITH GIRLS isn't the usual Elvis Presley film but it's completely charming with it's faithful period recreation and fine supporting cast.

Presley plays Walter Hale, manager of the traveling "Chautauqua" tent-show, circa. 1927, who gets mixed up in the lives of the residents of the latest town to host the show. Hale finds himself falling in love with Charlene (Marlyn Mason), organiser of the children's activities; whilst trying to help local single mother Nita Bix (Sheree North) when she murders her nasty married boyfriend (Dabney Coleman). Presley's numbers include "Swing Down Sweet Chariot" and "Clean Up Your Own Backyard".

It's certainly a lot better than some of the other Elvis films from the same period; and seeing Elvis in a more traditional musical is a great treat. Marlyn Mason, probably one of Presley's most formidable leading-ladies, is stunning (and her rendition of "Sign of the Zodiac" is a knockout). Nicole Jaffe (as the amorous hotel clerk), Vincent Price (eccentric speaker "Mr Morality"), John Carradine (as a colourful Shakespearian actor), Joyce van Patten (disgruntled former channel swimmer Maude) and Edward Andrews (as Hale's beleaguered assistant) are also fine. Fans of classic TV shows should keep an eye out for Anissa Jones ("Family Affair") and Susan Olsen ("The Brady Bunch"). May 14, 2006

Ignore the title

To start with, the film's title gives no indication whatsoever of the film's content, and can be seen as a cynical ploy to attract a greater box office audience. This may have been achieved (although whether The Trouble With Girls made money is debatable, as the sheer size of the cast, and the period costumes, vehicles and settings would have made this anything but a low-budget outing), but it was at the expense of the film's reputation. It is unfairly criticised among hardcore Elvis fans as a stinker among his movies, when in reality it is certainly one of the five best that he appears in. The King is cool, assured, and in control. And he looks better than ever.

It's easy to imagine many Elvis fans, expecting another Girl Happy type piece of fluff, might have been disillusioned having seen this picture. It is like no other Elvis film. The scenes involving Elvis in the first half of the film are quite sparse, yet virtually throughout the film is extremely "busy". It is one of the very few Elvis films that does not have a title song, and has only very few songs at all, but those that do appear are of excellent quality. There is no romantic interest for Elvis at all, even though there does appear to be some chemistry between the King and the cute and feisty Marlyn Mason (who comes close to stealing the show), to the point where they even have a snog at one stage, this aspect is not developed in the story. Just when you think Elvis has tamed the tigress, she's back screaming at him again.

In the first half of the film (on initial viewing) so many characters are introduced and so much is happening it is quite difficult to follow the main plot of the story.

The film veers into slapstick on several occasions, and some scenes are quite bizarre, such as the scene leading to the discovery of the body where a female long distance swimmer enters into a lengthy discourse on the advantages of axle grease over goose fat as a body coating.

There is so much happening in this film, it must be watched carefully, and I suspect would reward repeated viewings. Amusing elements abound. The awkward and frumpy young lady who literally falls over herself to be noticed by Elvis's character in order to get into the show (and succeeds in doing so) is a hoot. As too is Johnny, Elvis's co-manager, who seems to cause more trouble for the King than anyone else.

The period settings and constumes are immaculately executed.

This is one Elvis film you can get your teeth into. January 4, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...