Roustabout (1964)

After his motorcycle gets smashed up in an accident, a drifter (Elvis Presley) reluctantly accepts a temporary job with a carnival at the behest of its owner (Barbara Stanwyck) until his motorcycle gets repaired. Directed by John Rich (WIVES AND LOVERS), this is your typical mid sixties lightweight Elvis vehicle with just enough plot to hold you until the next song. The songs are a mixed bag with only two stand outs, Hard Knocks which is prime Elvis and Little Egypt which is a cover of the old Coasters hit. Presley's character is a real jerk, however. I guess the film makers figured, it's Elvis. Everybody likes Elvis. Yes but his character is selfish, arrogant and egotistical. Qualities even Elvis can't make attractive though, of course, we all know he'll redeem himself in the final reel (or in this case, the last five minutes). Still, I'd say this one is for Elvis fans only. If you're a Stanwyck fan, you're going to be disappointed. She looks great but she's ill used. With Joan Freeman, Leif Erickson, Jack Albertson, Sue Ane Langdon, Joan Staley, Steve Brodie and in bit parts, two future stars: Raquel Welch and Teri Garr.