_**From con to concert performer**_

A young construction worker (Presley) is sentenced to a year in the state penitentiary for manslaughter, but wisely takes advantage of his time learning to play guitar better from an inmate who was formerly a county & western performer (Mickey Shaughnessy). After meeting a promoter when he gets out (Judy Tyler) and facing several challenges, he’s a hit.

“Jailhouse Rock” (1957) was Elvis' third movie of the 31 he did, but it was his second starring role. This one has a similar plot to the previous “Loving You,” released earlier the same year, except for the ex-con angle. Despite the flat B&W photography, it’s superior due to the iconic title song performance and the fact that the last act is more compelling.

I’d put it up there with Elvis’ better early flicks, like “Wild in the Country” (1961), "Blue Hawaii" (1961), "Kid Galahad" (1962) and “Roustabout” (1964). It best conveys the charisma that attracted fans by the millions in the 50s-early 60s.

While Judy Tyler and 2-3 other women are certainly lovely, they don’t beat the top females to costar in Presley movies, such as Anne Helm in "Follow That Dream" (1962), Ann-Margret in "Viva Las Vegas" (1964) and Michele Carey in "Live a Little, Love a Little" (1968). I’d cite the ‘banana dancer’ in “King Creole” (1958), but it was only a bit part.

The movie runs 1 hour, 36 minutes, and was shot in Century City & Hollywood, Los Angeles.

GRADE: B