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Elvis' legacy: Remembering the King |
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Written by McClatchy-Tribune
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Friday, 17 August 2007 |
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 Years after Elvis’ death, singers still want to be matinee idols.
Hollywood embraces movies conjured for singers who want to become movie stars.
Thank Elvis for that.
It’s been 30 years since Elvis Presley, the King of Rock `n’ Roll, died on Aug. 16, 1977. During his career, he starred in 31 feature films and two concert documentaries. An enormous part of his legacy is that he set the bar for singers who want to taste Hollywood fame.
“Elvis had that intangible quality called charisma,” said Nigel Patterson, president of the Elvis Information Network (www.elvisinfo.net), an online Elvis resource.
“On screen he had the matinee idol looks and the voice to win over millions of fans.”
But could he act?
The King was not given the opportunity to be crowned in Hollywood. His acting skills were overlooked by critics.
“It is well known he wanted to act in major dramatic productions in a similar way as other singers such as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin had been able to achieve,” Patterson said.
Otis R. Taylor Jr., MCT
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OTHER SINGERS ACTING UP
Performers who have enjoyed success singing, dancing and acting.
Will Smith
Sitting through “Independence Day” and “Bad Boys” (1 and 2) might have been a chore, but “Ali” earned Smith a well-deserved Oscar nomination.
Madonna
“Desperately Seeking Susan,” “Shanghai Surprise” and “Who’s That Girl?” were smartly entertaining. We’ll forgive “Dick Tracy” and “Body of Evidence,” but in “A League of Their Own,” Madonna held her own.
Jennifer Lopez
Her film “The Wedding Planner” and her album “J. Lo” were No. 1 the same week in January 2001. She’s had some film and album flops, but she’s still J. Lo, and that’s bankable in Hollywood.
Beyonce
Her film credits include “Dreamgirls,” “The Pink Panther,” “The Fighting Temptations” and “Austin Powers in Goldmember.” She’s the most-hyped R&B songstress, and for good reason.
Ludacris
He had a pivotal role in the Oscar-winning “Crash,” and his acting seems to be on a better course than his rap career.
Barbra Streisand:
“Babs” won an Oscar for her film debut, 1968’s “Funny Girl,” and continued her savory performances in “The Way We Were,” “Yentl” and “The Prince of Tides.”
Bette Midler
The Divine Miss M was superior in “The Rose,” “Beaches” and “For the Boys,” but she was a riot in comedies “Down and Out in Beverly Hills,” “Ruthless People,” “Outrageous Fortune” and “Scenes From a Mall.”
Cher
Oscar enjoyed “Moonstruck” more. And don’t forget “Mask” and “The Witches of Eastwick.” Maybe Cher should retire from singing and just stick to acting.
Otis R. Taylor Jr.,
McClatchy-Tribune
ELVIS' HOLLYWOOD HIGHLIGHTS REEL
• Pacer Burton
“Flaming Star” (1960)
Best scene: While somewhat hokey by today’s standards, the ending is convincing when Pacer rides off into the sunset to die from his battle wounds.
• Danny Fisher
“King Creole” (1958)
Best scene: Danny’s confrontation with Matthau’s mobster character is tense and dangerous. Elvis makes the scene compelling drama.
• Vince Everett
“Jailhouse Rock” (1957)
Best scene: Early in the movie, Vince grabs his beautiful business partner and gives her a smoldering kiss. Elvis’ says: “That ain’t tactics, honey. That’s just the beast in me.”
• Walter Gulick
“Kid Galahad” (1962)
Best scene: Several of the fight scenes are good. Elvis was actually quite convincing as a fighter, and showing a touch of brutality.
• Clint Reno
“Love Me Tender” (1956)
Best scene: Toward the end of the movie, Clint shows his intense anger toward his brother Vance (Egan), when he finds out that his wife (Paget) and Vance are still in love. Clint shoots his brother and is immediately sorry for his action.
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