Jailhouse Rock | film by Thorpe [1957] | Britannica.com film by Thorpe [1957] Jailhouse Rock, American rock-and-roll film , released in 1957, that starred Elvis Presley in his third screen role. Widely considered his best film, it is primarily distinguished by a memorable title song and creative production numbers. Film still of Elvis Presley in Jailhouse Rock (1957). © 1957 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.; photograph, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. Vince Everett (played by Presley) is imprisoned for manslaughter following his participation in a bar brawl. While serving his sentence, and with the help of a fellow inmate, Everett discovers he has a knack for writing and performing music. Upon his release, he becomes a singing sensation but must navigate the pitfalls of both fame and new love. Peggy Van Alden (played by Judy Tyler) is the talent agent who helps him on his way up. Judy Tyler and Elvis Presley in Jailhouse Rock (1957), directed by Richard … © 1957 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Jailhouse Rock is highly popular with Presley fans because it depicts “the King” at a time in his career when his talent was still raw and untamed. In most of his later cinematic endeavours, his business manager, Col. Tom Parker , forbade Presley to stray too far from a “safe” image, but the film’s engrossing plot allows its star to play a character with a degree of emotional depth. Presley, however, refused to watch the completed film after his costar Tyler was killed in a car accident just weeks after shooting for the movie had ended. Production notes and credits Writers: Nedrick Young and Guy Trosper Music: Jeff Alexander Judy Tyler (Peggy Van Alden) Mickey Shaughnessy (Hunk Houghton) Jailhouse Rock (1957) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error After serving time for manslaughter, young Vince Everett becomes a teenage rock star.

Director: Guy Trosper (screenplay), Nedrick Young (story) (as Ned Young) Stars: From $2.99 (SD) on Amazon Video ON DISC a list of 27 titles created 16 Apr 2014 a list of 25 titles created 09 Jun 2014 a list of 25 titles created 25 Apr 2015 a list of 25 titles created 30 Dec 2015 a list of 27 titles created 8 months ago Search for " Jailhouse Rock " on Amazon.com Connect with IMDb Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. At the end of the Civil War, a Confederate team is ordered to rob a Union payroll train but the war ends leaving these men with their Union loot, until the Feds come looking for it. Director: Robert D. Webb Having flunked graduation for a second time and needing cash to support his crabby (and thus unemployed) father, Danny Fisher takes a job as a singer in the King Creole nightclub - about ...

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See full summary » Director: Norman Taurog 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 5.6/10 X When he finds out his boss is retiring to Arizona, a sailor has to find a way to buy the Westwind, a boat that he and his father built. He is also caught between two women: insensitive club singer Robin and sweet Laurel. Director: Norman Taurog West Texas in the years after the Civil War is an uneasy meeting ground of two cultures, one white. The other native American. Elvis portrays Pacer Burton. The son of a white rancher (John ... See full summary » Director: Don Siegel When he completes his military service Walter Gulick returns to his birthplace, Cream Valley, New York. He was orphaned as an infant and grew up elsewhere but always wanted to return to ... See full summary » Director: Phil Karlson Band singer/race driver Mike McCoy must choose between marrying a beautiful rich girl and driving her father's car in a prestigious race. Director: Norman Taurog Poor bookkeeping saddles stock car driver Steve Grayson with a huge bill for back taxes which hampers his ability to continue racing competitively.

Director: Norman Taurog Charlie Rogers is a leather-jacketed biker who's fired from a singing engagement after getting into a fight with a group of college toughs. While riding his cycle to the next gig, an irate ... See full summary » Director: John Rich Edit Storyline Vince Everett is serving a one-year jail sentence for manslaughter. While in the big house, his cellmate, a former country singer, introduces him to the record business. Everett takes to it so well that he decides to become a singer when he gets out. However, he is quickly disillusioned by the record business. But with the help of a new friend, he decides to form his own label, and soon becomes an overnight sensation. But when he becomes a superstar, will his desire for fame and money cause him to forget the people who got him there? Written by <jgp3553@excite.com> His first big dramatic singing role! See more » Genres: 8 November 1957 (USA) See more » Also Known As: Le rock du bagne See more » Filming Locations: Mono (Perspecta Sound encoding) (Westrex Recording System) Color: Did You Know?

Trivia Judy Tyler never saw the premiere of this movie; she was killed in a traffic accident in Wyoming on July 3, 1957, only three days after the film was completed. It was released theatrically on November 8, 1957. See more » Goofs When Vince and Peggy enter her parents house you can see the black "T" tape on the carpet where Elvis has to stand. (This is more visible in the colorized version). See more » Quotes Vince Everett : Laury is a real cool little singer. I'm takin' her to New York with me. Peggy Van Alden : Oh! In that case, I don't think I'll go. Vince Everett : Were you planning to go? What for? Peggy Van Alden : No reason I can think of now. Vince Everett : Got nothin' to do with the record business. Peggy Van Alden : Of course not.

Vince Everett : It's just like you said that night in Joplin, "You and me, it's strictly business." "Dancing To The Jail House Rock" 10 January 2009 | by bkoganbing (Buffalo, New York) – See all my reviews For his third feature film Colonel Tom Parker over to MGM where they assigned a couple of very experienced hands behind the camera, producer Pandro S. Berman who among other folks he produced for was Fred Astaire and director Richard Thorpe. He was one of MGM's busiest craftsmen, who directed just about every MGM star during that studio's golden years. As he always did, Colonel Parker made sure that his star got the best possible support and he didn't fail him in Jailhouse Rock. In Jailhouse Rock, Elvis plays a rather surly, ill tempered youth whose quick with his fists. A brawl in a bar and Elvis kills a guy with his fists. Granted the deceased was a lout, still the state does frown on that and Elvis got a term for manslaughter. While there, he shares a cell with old time country singer Mickey Shaughnessy. Mickey helps Elvis survive prison and discovers he's got a voice.

When he's released before Shaughnessy, Elvis goes out in search of a career and determined to let nothing stand in his way. He discovers the music business is a cutthroat one and he responds in kind. He gets his success, but it costs him the love and respect of all around him, including young record promoter Judy Tyler who develops a thing for the king. Elvis has some good songs to sing with the title song being the biggest hit from this film. Jailhouse Rock is given a good MGM style production, worthy of anything you might have seen MGM give one of Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly's musicals. And the record of course is still selling good. Mickey Shaughnessy appeared in a lot of good films in the Fifties, but usually playing cheerful oafs. This was one of the few times he had a serious part and he carries it off well. I was disappointed that Judy Tyler did not get to display her musical talents. Elvis's is not the only tragic story from the cast of Jailhouse Rock. Young Judy Tyler with a brilliant career in front of her was killed shortly after completing this film with her husband in an automobile accident.

I remember it well because she had been Princess SummerFallWinterSpring on the Howdy Doody Show a few years earlier. After leaving that she got good notices on Broadway in one of Rodgers&Hammerstein's lesser shows, Pipe Dream. My guess is that Colonel Tom did not want anyone sharing musical time with Elvis so early in his career. Otherwise she might have gotten a number on her own and a duet with the king. Her musical talent would have been preserved in a hit film, but who could have known? Elvis would have to wait until Viva Las Vegas and Ann-Margret before he got a leading lady who could sing and dance to match him. The plot of the film is similar to The Carpetbaggers so if you've seen that you know how this one comes out. Elvis does a fine acting job and singing, well he is the king. 3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes Jailhouse Rock - School of Rock Greater Washington DC Jailhouse Rock Jailhouse Rock is an American motion picture directed by Richard Thorpe, released by MGM on October 17, 1957.

The film stars Elvis Presley (his third ever film role), Judy Tyler, and Mickey Shaughnessy. Co-star Tyler was killed in an automobile accident a few weeks after the film was completed, and like Loving You before it, Presley was so upset that he refused to ever watch the completed film. In 2004, Jailhouse Rock was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as being deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.” Jailhouse Rock Plot Summary Presley plays “Vince Everett,” an ex-convict working in the music industry, and a character analogous to Presley’s then public image. After going to jail for a bar fight he did not start, Everett meets Hunk Houghton in prison, and the two men form a bond. Houghton, a washed-up country singer, teaches Everett to play an old guitar, and to sing a few songs. Upon his release, Everett lands work at night clubs, but not singing. He meets Peggy Van Alden, a record company talent scout, who allows Everett to record a song. They bring his record to an executive at a small record label, who then records the exact arrangement with one of his established stars.

Everett and Van Alden then start their own label to bring Everett’s records to the public, and fame, riches, and a film career ensue. Presley and Tyler Everett’s prison buddy Houghton shows up, and instead of getting in on the action as anticipated, has to settle for being Everett’s gofer. Throughout the film, Everett is the epitome of the spoiled star, surly, uncommunicative, bellicose, and treating all around him with either cruelty or diffidence, especially Van Alden and Houghton. A final fight at the end of the movie with Houghton, meant to give Everett his comeuppance, damages his vocal cords, bringing into question his ability to ever sing again. He learns his lesson in humility, and expresses his true feelings for Van Alden and Houghton. UPCOMING EVENTS – SEE US PERFORM SUN JAN 19TH Jailhouse Rock : MGM 1957 : Elvis' Movies : : 'For Elvis Fans Only' Official Elvis Presley Fan Club Elvis' Movies Jailhouse Rock - MGM 1957 Elvis' third movie was the 1957 MGM film 'Jailhouse Rock'.

The principal photography for the movie began the following week on May 13th. with the famous 'Jailhouse Rock' production number. The story was written by Nedrick Young, who won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for 'The Defiant Ones'. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for his writing of 'Inherit The Wind'. Mr. Young had a number of small acting parts in films over the years, including an uncredited role as a prison guard in 'The Defiant Ones'. Vince Everett (Elvis Presley) was sent to prison after being convicted of Manslaughter. When his cell-mate Hank Houghton (Mickey Shaughnessy), a country & western singer, recognizes Vince's singing-talent they make a contract to perform together and to share the profit. Once out of jail, Vince tries unsucessfully to get a job as singer however only after he has help from Peggy van Alden (Judy Tyler) does he achieve success and they start a record-company together. Vince seems only to be interested in fame and fortune until a confrontation with Hank, who doesn't accept his behavior. During the fight Vince's throat gets injured, which puts his career in danger.

After recovering everyone rallys round to see Vince get his voice back and realise the error of his ways. The films highlights are the 'Jailhouse Rock' sequence and The 'Don't Leave me' Now recording studio sequence where Vince finds his style. Jailhouse Rock - MGM 1957 This was Elvis' first film for MGM. After starting work on the soundtrack on April 30, he reported to the lot on May 6, 1957 for costume fittings, makeup tests and dance rehearsals. He was assigned to Clark Gable's former dressing room. 'Jailhouse Rock' was produced by Pandro S. Berman, who came from a movie industry family. He started out as a script clerk and worked his way up to assistant to David O. Selznick of RKO. It is Mr. Berman who is credited with bringing together Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire and making a star of Katherine Hepburn. The director of 'Jailhouse Rock' was Richard Thorpe, who began his career in Vaudeville and then acted in a few movies in the early 1920's. He tried his hand at screen writing, sometimes using the pen name Frank L. Inghram.

By 1923, he began directing. Over the course of his career, he directly nearly 200 films, including 'Ivanhoe' and 'The Prisoner of Zenda'. He teamed up with Elvis a second time by directing 1963's 'Fun In Acapulco'. He retired in 1967. Art direction was provided by award winners Randall Duell and William Horning. Studying inter-office memos within the MGM company, we find that Elvis' character name was in question, going from Vince Matthews to suggestions such as Vince Delwyn, Vince Jackwood, Vince Ledway, Vince Edwards and Vince Edmunds before Vince Everett was finally settled upon. Also, the character Hunk Houston became Hunk Houghton. It seems that proper names, company names, city names and phone numbers used in a script are subject to approval by the legal department, which watches for conflicts with actual places and people. Soda bottles were to be generic rather than a popular brand name.

Stock footage of a prison in Raleigh, North Carolina used previously in the film 'Carbine Williams' was approved for use in 'Jailhouse Rock'; however, the director did not wish to use a name for the prison. So it was decided that Vince's fan mail must not be filmed in a way that an address would show. On Monday, May 6, 1957, Elvis met with Alex Romero, the choreographer for his third film 'Jailhouse Rock'. It often has been reported incorrectly that Elvis was the choreographer for the big 'Jailhouse Rock' production number in this film. Alex Romero was the choreographer for the film, but Elvis's own natural moves were Romero's inspiration. Mr. Romero had designed the production number for the song 'Jailhouse Rock' . Then, when Elvis tried the Fred Astaire type of steps that has been planned, they found that it wasn't going to work. So, Mr. Romero asked Elvis to perform several songs as if he were on stage. After watching Elvis perform 'Hound Dog', 'Don't Be Cruel' and 'All Shook Up', Mr. Romero announced 'I got it. See you later, Elvis'.

and then explained that he was going home to work out a routine using Elvis's natural movements. The next day, they worked their way through to create the now-classic 'Jailhouse Rock' production number, one of pop/rock music's greatest and most iconic moments on film, a performance considered by many to be ahead of its time and the father of modern-day music videos. Mr. Romero was also the choreographer for the movie ' Clambake '. With all the dance movements fresh in his head, Elvis was excited to do the production number, but an unusual mishap caused a delay. While sliding down the pole in the scene, Elvis lost the cap off of a tooth. It was discovered that he had aspirated the cap and that it had lodged in his lung. It was successfully removed by a surgeon, who parted his famous vocal cords and retrieved the errant dental appliance. Although Elvis' voice was hoarse for a few days, to the relief of everyone there was no permanent vocal damage and he was released from the hospital on the 16th.

(This is the day his family moved into Graceland , in Memphis.) Ironically, Vice Everett, Elvis' character in the film, had an injury to his vocal cords and had friends and associates holding their breath to see if there would be lasting damage to his singing voice. While Mr. Romero and Elvis were rehearsing, Elvis' friend, actor Nick Adams, introduced him to fellow actor and dancer Russ Tamblyn. Russ Tamblyn grew up in the movies and his credits include such films as 'Seven Brides For Seven Brothers' and 'West Side Story'. Today, he is also known as father to the actress Amber Tamblyn, star of the current hit TV series 'Joan of Arcadia'. While visiting at the Tamblyn beach house that weekend before filming began, Elvis and Russ practiced dance movements and ways for Elvis to improve his performance. Elvis' leading lady in the movie was Judy Tyler. Her father was a big band trumpeter and her mother had been a Ziegfeld Follies dancer. Judy had studied acting and dance.

She had danced with the chorus line of the famous Copacabana Club and had played the role of Princess Summerfall Winterspring on the popular children's television program, 'The Howdy Doody Show'. She was a newlywed at the time she began work on 'Jailhouse Rock' with Elvis in May of 1957. Sadly, on July 3rd, soon after finishing the film, she and her husband were killed in an automobile accident during a cross-country trip. Elvis was badly shaken by the news. Mickey Shaughnessy played Hunk Houghton, Vince's cell mate. His career included the films 'North To Alaska', 'Pocketful of Miracles' and 'How The West Was Won'. He received a Golden Laurel Award nomination in 1958 for the film 'Don't Go Near The Water'. He also had guest roles on a number of TV shows in the 50's and 60's. Vaughn Taylor played Mr. Shores and was the film's narrator. He had a very long career in TV playing roles in nearly two hundred shows and receiving Emmy nominations for Best Actor in 1952 and 1953.

Dean Jones played disc jockey Teddy Talbot. Mr. Jones had been a blues singer. Later, he became best known for his leading roles in Disney movies of the 60's and 70's, among them: 'That Darn Cat', 'The Love Bug', '$1,000,000 Duck' and 'The Shaggy D.A.' He received a 1972 Golden Globe nomination for '$1,000,000 Duck'. Anne Neyland played Vince's date Laury Jackson. Elvis dated her in real life while the film was in production. Her credits include the films 'Hidden Fear' and the original version of 'Ocean's Eleven'. Jennifer Holden played the starlet Sherry Wilson. After only three films Ms. Holden gave up acting. Above, William Hart and Elvis shake, Jennifer Holden in between both. During filming, actor Robert Mitchum visited Elvis and indicated he wanted Elvis to play his son in his forthcoming film 'Thunder Road'. Elvis did not end up doing the film. During production of 'Jailhouse Rock' Elvis received a wallaby as a gift from fans.

Unable to keep the pet, he sent it home to Memphis as a donation to the local zoo. Trivia: Early in the film, Vince Everett is sent to prison for manslaughter. The number on his prison uniform is 6239. After prison, when Vince becomes a star and does the 'Jailhouse Rock' production number for a TV show, the number on his prison costume is 6240. Another bit of trivia - the studio commissary added to their menu some of Elvis's favorite foods, which included crisp bacon and mashed potatoes with brown gravy. While filming there was a small fire in Jennifer Holden's dressing room. Elvis, ever the hero, carried the actress out to safety. Elvis finished his duties with 'Jailhouse Rock' and returned to Memphis, boarding a train on June 25, 1957. Impatient and excited to get there, he left the train in Lafayette, Louisiana and rented a car to drive the rest of the way. He spent his first night in his new home, Graceland, on June 26, 1957. The film's premiere was attended by Anne Neyland on October 17, 1957 in Memphis.

It was released nationwide on November 8th. The critics were unkind to Elvis' role of a man who frequented bars and had killed a man. The film reached #3 for the week in Variety and #14 for the year. It was re-released on March 9, 1960 in honor of Elvis' return from service in the U.S. Army. In 1969 'Variety' reported that in the U.S. and Canada the film had earned over $4 million or the equivalent of the movie 'The Wizard of Oz'. Today, 'Jailhouse Rock' is widely regarded as a classic of the rock opera genre, and the 'Jailhouse Rock' production number is considered the 'father' of modern-day music videos. Judy Tyler Behind the Scenes of Jailhouse Rock Elvis was devastated when costar Judy Tyler and Gregory Lafayette, her husband of only a few months, were killed in a gruesome car crash near Billy the Kid, Wyoming. When told of the accident, Elvis broke down and cried. His reaction was disclosed to a reporter who wrote about it for the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Other papers around the country then picked up the incident.

The article revealed a pensive young man, who murmured in an unguarded moment, 'I remember the last night I saw them. They were leaving on a trip...All of us boys really loved that girl. She meant a lot to all of us. I don't believe I can stand to see the movie we made together now...' Soundtrack Elvis: Jailhouse Rock Deluxe Edition DVD 1957: Amazon.co.uk: Elvis Presley, Grandon Rhodes, Judy Tyler, Mike Stoller, Dean Jones, Hugh Sanders, Vaughn Taylor, Anne Neyland, Mickey Shaughnessy, Jennifer Holden, Richard Thorpe, Pandro S. Berman: DVD & Blu-ray By Spike Owen TOP 500 REVIEWER on 25 Mar. 2011 Format: DVD Verified Purchase Elvis Presley plays "Vince Everett" who goes to jail after accidentally killing a man in a bar fight. While in the big house he is paired in his cell with Hunk Houghton (Mickey Shaughnessy), an ageing country singer whose best days are behind him. The pair strike up a friendship and Houghton teaches Everett to play the guitar, however, it's apparent that Everett is all about the voice.

Reckognising this fact, Houghton is quick to strike up a contract with Everett so that once both are on the outside they can make some money in the music industry. Paroled well early into his stretch, Everett meets Peggy Van Alden (Judy Tyler), a record company talent scout, who eventually gets won around by Everett and they record a song. Although there are initial problems with the industry, the song takes off after the pair set up their own record company. But with fame comes internal conflict and Houghton is now released and wanting to call in on his and Everett's prison contract. Chances are that if you asked a group of film lovers to name an Elvis Presley motion picture, the majority would say Jailhouse Rock. Now that's not to say that is because it's the best film from The King because that would be King Creole or Flaming Star. Or that it's the most fun film of the 31 pictures he made, because that would be Viva Las Vegas. Its standing probably has more to do with the title song than the actual film itself.

Which is actually a shame because although Jailhouse Rock is a weak film in many ways, it's also a film where Preseley got to play a moody, rebel like character. The like of which we would not see again. This was Presley's third feature length film, and the first for MGM. Shot in black & white by Robert J. Read more › Amazon.com: Jailhouse Rock: Elvis Presley, Judy Tyler, Mickey Shaughnessy, Vaughn Taylor: Amazon Digital Services LLC By forrie lowell on December 13, 2009 Format: Blu-ray|Verified Purchase This was Elvis' 3rd movie and on the threshold of Rock & Roll. Jailhouse rock proved that Elvis was a talent and Rock and Roll was a true threat to Pop Music! Now for the 1st time on Blu-ray 1080p widescreen "Jailhouse Rock" even in black & white was one of Elvis' greatest movies giving us his triple allstar threat performance!!! (singing, dancing and acting) You can see his serious commitment to the acting art. This Blu-ray / 5.1 True Dolby HD recording is absolutely wonderful.

A MUST HAVE have Elvis milestone movie/ semi musical. (before they became sappy and Elvis was sterotyped) The HD is fantastic, clear and the 5.1 music is priceless. Believe me this, this is Elvis early wonderfully enchanting and at his best!! Extras include; featurette, commentary (great background info on Elvis), dolby TrueHD 5.1 soundtrack (original mono sound track too) and theatrical trailer. This is the one for Elvis fans and music lovers!! Enjoy!! By C. Gregory on December 20, 2010 Format: Blu-ray|Verified Purchase most people reading this have probably seen the movie and probably already own it on dvd, and would probably rather me mention if it's worth the blu-ray upgrade, then go on and on about how great and classic this movie is (Elvis at his best) so I will say the sound is great and the picture is too. Since this is a black and white film, the transfer brings to live the contrasts between the shades. Blu-Ray is phenomenal in making dark scenes look as they should, night appears as night and not a washed out blackness. The contrast is great the details are rich.

Jailhouse Rock never looked or sounded better. Too bad they couldn't include the little booklet that came with the dvd version. On a side note, for any serious movie collector Jailhouse Rock and King Creole are two Elvis movies that are "must own" both show elvis more as an actor than as a gimmick. and the songs are great too. By Joecool on September 8, 2000 Format: DVD|Verified Purchase living fast, dying young, and leaving a good-looking corpse. That is the opening line from 'True Romance,' and I couldn't have put it any better myself. Elvis' best movie and one of the best ever. If you ever wondered why Elvis was so big, watch this movie. He defines cool. I went on an Elvis kick and watched a bunch of them. When I got to this one, I couldn't believe how good it was. It's not cheesy happy-go-lucky like most Elvis movies. It's got heart. The music is great and Elvis' performance combines Michael Jackson's dance moves with James Dean's attitude, only he did it first. He's a rebel who plays by his own rules. This is one of the most underrated movies ever.

It's never mentioned when the best movies are discussed, but it definitely should be. If you miss when rock was still rock, you'll love this movie. By danny on June 10, 2001 Format: DVD man this is the dvd to get!!!some genius at mgm decided to let the buyer get a copy of a classic elvis movie in both formats,widescreen (ratio 2:35 to 1) or flipside of the disc in (1:33 to 1),fills the whole screen of your television!!! now youve" got a dvd that is compatible for the future tv"s or the present tv's!!look for the release date of 2000!!!someone out there in distibution is really smart!great classic elvis movie prepared super smart! if you ever wanted a copy of the classic "jailhouse rock" on dvd then grab this one! this is the top of the line way to release a classic. please major studios,give us more of this,sales will definitely increase!!! thank you, thank you, thank you!! danny.

By Allen Smalling TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE VOICE on November 23, 2014 Format: DVD|Verified Purchase JAILHOUSE ROCK (1957): This routine black-and-white fictional biopic, filmed on a tight budget and schedule at then-declining MGM, nonetheless became an epochal picture because it gave Elvis Presley his first opportunity to successfully rock out, in widescreen, on film. Ironically, the famous title song in the movie was presented as a television filming for Elvis' sullen alter ego, ex-con Vince Everett, but the sheer joy and fun Elvis is having cannot be denied the camera. Along with this gem are several more routine numbers by Leiber and Stoller and a couple by other talents as well. Judy Tyler (Princess Summerfallwinterspring on "Howdy Doody") plays "Vince's" on-again, off-again belle. Mickey Shaughnessy plays Vince's old buddy from the pen who tries to exploit him but winds up possibly being exploited himself. Look quick for Percy Helton in thick glasses as a complacent bar-lounge owner.

Almost by accident, this film became the most influential black-and-white rock musical until the Beatles' A HARD DAY'S NIGHT in 1964. The Commentary for this movie is very good, as is its current DVD price, and the CinemaScope plays without distortion. Trivia Note: Sadly, actress Judy Tyler and her husband were killed enroute from California to New York after she finished work on JAILHOUSE ROCK -- a car crash in Wyoming. ‎Jailhouse Rock (1957) directed by Richard Thorpe • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd 3 What's amazing about this, Elvis' third movie, is that he plays a jerk. For all but the last 5 minuets, the guy is pretty unlikable. Now, you won't find many stars that are willing to do that without some back story about an abused childhood or something. Elvis kills a guy in fight and is sent for a few years to prison for manslaughter. His cellmate teaches him a few things about music and gives him a lead for when he gets out. The lead doesn't directly pan out, but indirectly leads to meeting a woman who works with him and eventually getting a hit record. Then getting into movies, then...

well, I don't want to give it all away! There are some gaps and plot holes, but still Jailhouse Rock is one of Elvis' better movies, and certainly better than most 1950s rock 'n' roll movies. Review by Dani ★★★★★ Jailhouse Rock is one of Elvis' first and arguably best movies, with a strong script, great music and an excellent supporting cast, I definitely consider it a favourite. Elvis plays Vince Everett, a young man who likes things done his way and after serving a prison sentence, embarks upon a music career. One of Elvis' more in-depth characters, Vince is a role that really showcased Elvis' acting skills as well as including one of the best soundtracks of any of his movies. Also featuring the infamous Jailhouse Rock scene where Elvis performs the title track which is often considered the scene that steals the movie. Although considered his best, this film was tainted for Elvis as very soon after filming finished his co-star and friend Judy Tyler tragically died in a car accident and Elvis found it impossible to watch again.

View All Photos (8) Movie Info One of the best of Elvis Presley's pre-Army films, Jailhouse Rock offers us the sensual, "dangerous" Elvis that had won the hearts of the kids and earned the animosity of their elders. Presley plays a young buck who accidentally kills a man while protecting the honor of a woman. Thrown into prison, Elvis strikes up a friendship with visionary fellow-con Mickey Shaughnessy. Shaughnessy suggests that Elvis perform in the upcoming prison show. Ol' swivel-hips scores a hit, and decides to stay in showbiz after his release. Together with pretty Judy Tyler (the former Princess Summerfall Winterspring on Howdy Doody, who would die in a horrible traffic accident shortly after completing this film), Elvis sets up his own record company. Alas, success goes to his head, and soon Elvis plans to ditch Tyler in favor of signing with a big-time label. Shaughnessy shows up long enough to punch out Elvis for his disloyalty; as a result, Elvis' vocal chords are damaged and he is unable to sing.

Deserted by his flunkeys and hangers-on, Elvis learns the value of friendship and fidelity when Tyler and Shaughnessy stay by his side in his darkest hours. His voice restored, Elvis climbs back up the charts--but this time, he's a much nicer fellow, and a lot more committed to Tyler. Usually the musical numbers in a Presley picture (this one has a doozy, complete with chorus boys dressed as convicts!) are more compelling than the plot. Jailhouse Rock is a perfect balance of song and story from beginning to end; seldom would Elvis be so well showcased in the future. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi Rating: 3 Index Vince Everett is serving a one-year jail sentence for manslaughter. While in the big house, his cellmate, a former country singer, introduces him to the record business. Everett takes to it so well that he decides to become a singer when he gets out. However, he is quickly disillusioned by the record business. But with the help of a new friend, he decides to form his own label, and soon becomes an overnight sensation. But when he becomes a superstar, will his desire for fame and money cause him to forget the people who got him there?

Movie locations: Associate Producer - Kathryn Hereford Elvis' third movie was the 1957 MGM film 'Jailhouse Rock'. The principal photography for the movie began the following week on May 13th. with the famous 'Jailhouse Rock' production number. The story was written by Nedrick Young, who won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for 'The Defiant Ones'. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for his writing of 'Inherit The Wind'. Mr. Young had a number of small acting parts in films over the years, including an uncredited role as a prison guard in 'The Defiant Ones'. Vince Everett (Elvis Presley) was sent to prison after being convicted of Manslaughter. When his cell-mate Hank Houghton (Mickey Shaughnessy), a country & western singer, recognizes Vince's singing-talent they make a contract to perform together and to share the profit. Once out of jail, Vince tries unsucessfully to get a job as singer however only after he has help from Peggy van Alden (Judy Tyler) does he achieve success and they start a record-company together.

Vince seems only to be interested in fame and fortune until a confrontation with Hank, who doesn't accept his behavior. During the fight Vince's throat gets injured, which puts his career in danger. After recovering everyone rallys round to see Vince get his voice back and realise the error of his ways. The films highlights are the 'Jailhouse Rock' sequence and The 'Don't Leave me' Now recording studio sequence where Vince finds his style. This was Elvis' first film for MGM. After starting work on the soundtrack on April 30, he reported to the lot on May 6, 1957 for costume fittings, makeup tests and dance rehearsals. He was assigned to Clark Gable's former dressing room. 'Jailhouse Rock' was produced by Pandro S. Berman, who came from a movie industry family. He started out as a script clerk and worked his way up to assistant to David O. Selznick of RKO. It is Mr. Berman who is credited with bringing together Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire and making a star of Katherine Hepburn.

The director of 'Jailhouse Rock' was Richard Thorpe, who began his career in Vaudeville and then acted in a few movies in the early 1920's. He tried his hand at screen writing, sometimes using the pen name Frank L. Inghram. By 1923, he began directing. Over the course of his career, he directly nearly 200 films, including 'Ivanhoe' and 'The Prisoner of Zenda'. He teamed up with Elvis a second time by directing 1963's 'Fun In Acapulco'. He retired in 1967. Art direction was provided by award winners Randall Duell and William Horning. Studying inter-office memos within the MGM company, we find that Elvis' character name was in question, going from Vince Matthews to suggestions such as Vince Delwyn, Vince Jackwood, Vince Ledway, Vince Edwards and Vince Edmunds before Vince Everett was finally settled upon. Also, the character Hunk Houston became Hunk Houghton.

It seems that proper names, company names, city names and phone numbers used in a script are subject to approval by the legal department, which watches for conflicts with actual places and people. Soda bottles were to be generic rather than a popular brand name. Stock footage of a prison in Raleigh, North Carolina used previously in the film 'Carbine Williams' was approved for use in 'Jailhouse Rock'; however, the director did not wish to use a name for the prison. So it was decided that Vince's fan mail must not be filmed in a way that an address would show. On Monday, May 6, 1957, Elvis met with Alex Romero, the choreographer for his third film 'Jailhouse Rock'. It often has been reported incorrectly that Elvis was the choreographer for the big 'Jailhouse Rock' production number in this film. Alex Romero was the choreographer for the film, but Elvis's own natural moves were Romero's inspiration. Mr. Romero had designed the production number for the song 'Jailhouse Rock' . Then, when Elvis tried the Fred Astaire type of steps that has been planned, they found that it wasn't going to work. So, Mr.

Romero asked Elvis to perform several songs as if he were on stage. After watching Elvis perform 'Hound Dog', 'Don't Be Cruel' and 'All Shook Up', Mr. Romero announced 'I got it. See you later, Elvis'. and then explained that he was going home to work out a routine using Elvis's natural movements. The next day, they worked their way through to create the now-classic 'Jailhouse Rock' production number, one of pop/rock music's greatest and most iconic moments on film, a performance considered by many to be ahead of its time and the father of modern-day music videos. Mr. Romero was also the choreographer for the movie Clambake. With all the dance movements fresh in his head, Elvis was excited to do the production number, but an unusual mishap caused a delay. While sliding down the pole in the scene, Elvis lost the cap off of a tooth. It was discovered that he had aspirated the cap and that it had lodged in his lung. It was successfully removed by a surgeon, who parted his famous vocal cords and retrieved the errant dental appliance.

Although Elvis' voice was hoarse for a few days, to the relief of everyone there was no permanent vocal damage and he was released from the hospital on the 16th. (This is the day his family moved into Graceland, in Memphis.) Ironically, Vice Everett, Elvis' character in the film, had an injury to his vocal cords and had friends and associates holding their breath to see if there would be lasting damage to his singing voice. While Mr. Romero and Elvis were rehearsing, Elvis' friend, actor Nick Adams, introduced him to fellow actor and dancer Russ Tamblyn. Russ Tamblyn grew up in the movies and his credits include such films as 'Seven Brides For Seven Brothers' and 'West Side Story'. Today, he is also known as father to the actress Amber Tamblyn, star of the current hit TV series 'Joan of Arcadia'. While visiting at the Tamblyn beach house that weekend before filming began, Elvis and Russ practiced dance movements and ways for Elvis to improve his performance. Elvis' leading lady in the movie was Judy Tyler. Her father was a big band trumpeter and her mother had been a Ziegfeld Follies dancer. Judy had studied acting and dance.

She had danced with the chorus line of the famous Copacabana Club and had played the role of Princess Summerfall Winterspring on the popular children's television program, 'The Howdy Doody Show'. She was a newlywed at the time she began work on 'Jailhouse Rock' with Elvis in May of 1957. Sadly, on July 3rd, soon after finishing the film, she and her husband were killed in an automobile accident during a cross-country trip. Elvis was badly shaken by the news. Mickey Shaughnessy played Hunk Houghton, Vince's cell mate. His career included the films 'North To Alaska', 'Pocketful of Miracles' and 'How The West Was Won'. He received a Golden Laurel Award nomination in 1958 for the film 'Don't Go Near The Water'. He also had guest roles on a number of TV shows in the 50's and 60's. Vaughn Taylor played Mr. Shores and was the film's narrator. He had a very long career in TV playing roles in nearly two hundred shows and receiving Emmy nominations for Best Actor in 1952 and 1953.

Dean Jones played disc jockey Teddy Talbot. Mr. Jones had been a blues singer. Later, he became best known for his leading roles in Disney movies of the 60's and 70's, among them: 'That Darn Cat', 'The Love Bug', '$1,000,000 Duck' and 'The Shaggy D.A.' He received a 1972 Golden Globe nomination for '$1,000,000 Duck'. Anne Neyland played Vince's date Laury Jackson. Elvis dated her in real life while the film was in production. Her credits include the films 'Hidden Fear' and the original version of 'Ocean's Eleven'. Jennifer Holden played the starlet Sherry Wilson. After only three films Ms. Holden gave up acting. During filming, actor Robert Mitchum visited Elvis and indicated he wanted Elvis to play his son in his forthcoming film 'Thunder Road'. Elvis did not end up doing the film. During production of 'Jailhouse Rock' Elvis received a wallaby as a gift from fans. Unable to keep the pet, he sent it home to Memphis as a donation to the local zoo.

Trivia: Early in the film, Vince Everett is sent to prison for manslaughter. The number on his prison uniform is 6239. After prison, when Vince becomes a star and does the 'Jailhouse Rock' production number for a TV show, the number on his prison costume is 6240. Another bit of trivia - the studio commissary added to their menu some of Elvis's favorite foods, which included crisp bacon and mashed potatoes with brown gravy. While filming there was a small fire in Jennifer Holden's dressing room. Elvis, ever the hero, carried the actress out to safety. Elvis finished his duties with 'Jailhouse Rock' and returned to Memphis, boarding a train on June 25, 1957. Impatient and excited to get there, he left the train in Lafayette, Louisiana and rented a car to drive the rest of the way. He spent his first night in his new home, Graceland, on June 26, 1957. The film's premiere was attended by Anne Neyland on October 17, 1957 in Memphis. It was released nationwide on November 8th.

The critics were unkind to Elvis' role of a man who frequented bars and had killed a man. The film reached #3 for the week in Variety and #14 for the year. It was re-released on March 9, 1960 in honor of Elvis' return from service in the U.S. Army. In 1969 'Variety' reported that in the U.S. and Canada the film had earned over $4 million or the equivalent of the movie 'The Wizard of Oz'. Today, 'Jailhouse Rock' is widely regarded as a classic of the rock opera genre, and the 'Jailhouse Rock' production number is considered the 'father' of modern-day music videos. Behind the Scenes of Jailhouse Rock Elvis was devastated when costar Judy Tyler and Gregory Lafayette, her husband of only a few months, were killed in a gruesome car crash near Billy the Kid, Wyoming. When told of the accident, Elvis broke down and cried. His reaction was disclosed to a reporter who wrote about it for the Memphis Commercial Appeal. Other papers around the country then picked up the incident.

The article revealed a pensive young man, who murmured in an unguarded moment, 'I remember the last night I saw them. They were leaving on a trip...All of us boys really loved that girl. She meant a lot to all of us. I don't believe I can stand to see the movie we made together now...' • Elvis Presley Pedia - ï¿½ Copyright ï¿½ Elvis, Elvis Presley and Heartbreak Hotel are registered trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises.

Question: Who played Vince Everett in the 1957 film ‘Jailhouse Rock’?
Answer: Elvis Presley