Follow That Dream (1962)

A vagabond family traveling through Florida runs out of gas on a beautiful piece of beach. Since the beach is unincorporated land, they decide to homestead it which causes a myriad of problems from gangsters (Simon Oakland, Jack Kruschen) trying to take over to social workers (Joanna Moore) getting revenge! Based on the novel PIONEER GO HOME by Richard Powell and directed by Gordon Douglas, this easy going Elvis Presley vehicle resembles one of those live action Walt Disney family movies that were churned out on a regular basis during the 1960s and early 1970s. That's not meant to be a disparagement. Elvis sings, of course, but the songs are unmemorable and the film would work just as easily without the songs as an amiable family comedy. Shot by Leo Tover (THE HEIRESS), the movie benefits from the sunny Florida locations and a relaxed screenplay that isn't entirely mindless. I don't know that I can honestly recommend to anyone outside of Elvis fans (who've probably already seen it) but it's a pleasant time waster. With Arthur O'Connell, Anne Helm and Frank DeKova.