Directed:
Gene Nelson
Writing Credits: Gerald Drayson Adams
Producer: Sam Katzman
Musical Score: Fred Karger
Choreography: Earl Barton
Metrocolor and Panavision
Cast Overview
Elvis Presley .... Johnny Tyronne, Mary Ann Mobley .... Princess Shalimar, Fran Jeffries .... Aishah, Michael Ansara .... Prince Dragna, Jay Novello .... Zacha, Philip Reed .... King Toranshah, Theodore Marcuse.... Sinan, Billy Barty .... Baba, Dirk Harvey .... Makar, Jack Constanzo .... Julna, Larry Chance .... Captain Herat, Barbara Werle .... Leilah, Brenda Benet .... Emerald, Gail Gilmore .... Sapphire, Wilda Taylor .... Amethyst
Elvis
plays Johnny Tyronne, a matinee idol on a good will
tour in the middle east. He soon becomes involved with
kidnappers, assassins and a beautiful damsel in distress
(Mary Ann Mobley). Amongst a predictable plot of boy
saves girl; are nine songs featuring "Kismet", "Golden
Coins" and "Harem Holiday". Cast includes Michael Ansara
, Fran Jeffreys and Jay Novello. Costumes are better
than the cardboard scenery. This is close to bottom
of the barrel as far as Elvis movies are concerned.
If you stumble across it, watch it. Don't make a special
trip.
"HAREM
HOLIDAY"
Written by Peter Andreoli & Vince Pancia jnr., Performed
by Elvis Presley
Up beat number played over the credits and at the finale
with Elvis filling the lyrics with muscle. Released on
the soundtrack LP (1965). Again on the Elvis Double Features
CD Girl Happy/Harum Scarum (1993).
"MY DESERT SERENADE"
Written by Stanley J Gelber, Performed by Elvis Presley
Elvis working his voice on a mediocre melody. Released
on the soundtrack LP (1965). Again on the Elvis Double
Features CD Girl Happy/Harum Scarum (1993).
"GO EAST YOUNG MAN"
Written by Bill Grant, Bernie Baum & Florence Kaye, Performed
by Elvis Presley
Awkward ballad with Elvis in great voice, but the song
never takes flight. Released on the soundtrack LP (1965).
Again on the Elvis Double Features CD Girl Happy/Harum
Scarum (1993).
"MIRAGE"
Written by Bill Grant, Bernie Baum & Florence Kaye, Performed
by Elvis Presley
Crooning ballad with throbbing treatment. Released on
the soundtrack LP (1965). Again on the Elvis Double Features
CD Girl Happy/Harum Scarum (1993).
"KISMET"
Written by Sid Tepper & Roy C Bennett, Performed by Elvis
Presley
One of the best tunes in the film with Elvis in deep voice.
Released on the soundtrack LP (1965). Again on the Elvis
Double Features CD Girl Happy/Harum Scarum (1993).
"SHAKE THAT TAMBOURINE"
Written by Bill Grant, Bernie Baum & Florence Kaye, Performed
by Elvis Presley
Rocking little tune with not so great lyrics. Released
on the soundtrack LP (1965). Again on the Elvis Double
Features CD Girl Happy/Harum Scarum (1993).
"HEY, LITTLE GIRL"
Written by Joe Byers, Performed by Elvis Presley
Typical film groover with quick drumming and instrumental
breaks. Released on the soundtrack LP (1965). Again on
the Elvis Double Features CD Girl Happy/Harum Scarum (1993).
"GOLDEN
COINS"
Written by Bill Grant, Bernie Baum & Florence Kaye, Performed
by Elvis Presley
Elvis crooning with Mandolines in the background. Released
on the soundtrack LP (1965). Again on the Elvis Double
Features CD Girl Happy/Harum Scarum (1993).
"SO CLOSE YET SO FAR"
Written by Joe Byers, Performed by Elvis Presley.
The best ballad from the film with Elvis modulating his
voice beautifully. Released on the soundtrack LP (1965).
Again on the Elvis Double Features CD Girl Happy/Harum
Scarum (1993).
Recorded at:
RCA Studios, 17th Avenue South, Nashville. February 1965
Musicians:
Elvis Presley (vocals), Scotty Moore, Grady Martin, Charlie
McCoy (guitars), Henry Strzelecki (bass), D.J. Fontana,
Ken Buttrey (drums), Floyd Cramer, (piano), the Jordinaires
(vocals)
Several new musicians were recruited for the film soundtrack
session due to the unavailability of a number of the regulars.
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