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Directed: Richard Thorpe
Writing Credits: Ned Young
Producer: Pandro S Berman
Screenplay: Guy Trosper
An Avon production

Cast Overview
Elvis Presley .... Vince Everett, Judy Tyler .... Peggy Van Alden, Mickey Shaughnessy .... Hunk Houghton, Vaughn Taylor .... Mr. Shores, narrator, Jennifer Holden .... Sherry Wilson, Dean Jones .... Teddy Talbot, Anne Neyland .... Laury Jackson.

Plot

Elvis (Vince Everett) is sent to prison after being convicted of Manslaughter following a bar brawl over a girl. Whilst banged up in the big house our guy learns to play guitar having been taught by cellmate Hunk Houghton an ex small time country singer. When Vince gets out he trys to get a job in a local nightclub and impresses Peggy Van Alden (Judy Tyler), a record promoter with his audition. After a series of failed attempts using the country style Hunk taught him, Vince adopts his own singing style and needless to say becomes rich and famous. Hunk is finally released from prison and comes to cash in on his old cellmates fame. Vince takes him on doing menial tasks after an attempt to give him a break on a tv show fails. Hunk frustrated by Vince's fame and bad attitude hits Vince in the throat and the singer is rushed to hospital. After recovering everyone rallys round to see E' get his voice back and realise the error of his ways with the most sincere display of co star cuddling ever recorded on film. The films highlights are the Jailhouse Rock sequence and The Don't Leave me Now recording studio sequence where Vince finds his style.

Musical Soundtrack

"I WANT TO BE FREE"
Written by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Performed by Elvis Presley
A stirring number with Elvis reeling and choked with energy (an abbreviated version appears in the film.) Released on the soundtrack EP (1957). later on the LP's A Date With Elvis (1959) and Elvis The Other Sides-Worldwide Gold Award Hits Vol. 2 (1971). The movie version was released on the soundtrack CD as a bonus track (1997)

"YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL"
Written by Aaron Schroeder & Abner Silver, Performed by Elvis Presley
Elvis sings this three times in the film from rough version to the released record. A fine ballad with Dudley Brooks on piano. Released on the Soundtrack EP (1957) and on the LP's A Date with Elvis (1959) and Elvis:The Other Sides -Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits Vol. 2 (1971). The movie version was released on the soundtrack CD as a bonus track (1997)

"DON'T LEAVE ME NOW"
Written by Aaron Schroeder & Ben Wiseman, Performed by Elvis Presley
The recording studio scene performed twice in the film. Released on the soundtrack EP (1957). An alternate master was released on the soundtrack CD as a bonus track (1997)

"JAILHOUSE ROCK"
Written by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Performed by Elvis Presley
The essence of rock and roll captured on film. This is one of Elvis' most electrifying song scenes ever. Raw, angry vocals with a rocking backing. Released as a single with Treat Me Nice on the B side (1957). Also released on the soundtrack EP (1957) and on the LP's Elvis Golden Records (1958), Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits (1970) and a legendary Performer (1976). Live versions were released on Elvis NBC TV Special (1968), Elvis Recorded Live On Stage In Memphis (1974) and Elvis In Concert (1977). The movie version was released on the soundtrack CD as a bonus track (1997)

"TREAT ME NICE"
Written by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Performed by Elvis Presley
Rocking little ditty from the first notes of Dudley Brooks piano to the finish. Released as a single with Jailhouse Rock on the flip side (1957). Also on the soundtrack EP (1957) and the EP A Touch Of Gold Vol. 2 (1957). Later on the LP's Elvis Golden Records (1958) and Elvis 50 Worldwide Gold Award Hits Vol. 1 (1970). The movie version was released on the soundtrack CD as a bonus track (1997)

"BABY I DON'T CARE"
Written by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller, Performed by Elvis Presley
Cleverly phrased tune similar in many ways to Treat Me Nice. Recorded with Scotty, Bill and the Jordanaires and Mike Stoller on piano. Released on the soundtrack EP (1957). Later on the LP's A Date with Elvis (1959) and Elvis-The Other Sides: Worldwide Gold Award Hits vol. 2 (1971). Again on the CD release of the soundtrack (1997).

Recorded at Radio Recrders Studios, 7000 Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood. May 1957.

Musicians: Elvis Presley (vocals & guitar), Scotty Moore, "Tiny" Timbrell (guitars), Bill Black (bass), D.J. Fontana (drums), Dudley Brookes, Mike Stoller (piano), the Jordinaires (vocals).

In January 1958, "Jailhouse Rock" entered the U.K. singles chart at No. 1

In October the "Jailhouse Rock" extended play was released featuring five songs from the movie. It reached No. 1 and No. 18 in the U.S. and U.K. respectively.

Trivia

Filming commenced at the MGM Studios in Culver City, California, on May 13, 1957 and lasted until June 14

During production, Elvis swallowed a tooth cap and had to be rushed to the Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles

Dean Jones, who was once a blues singer, is well known for his role in the classic movie "Tom Thumb"

"Jailhouse Rock" premiered in Memphis on October 17, 1957 and opened nationally on November 8

Elvis' co-star Judy Tyler's real name was Judith Hess. Her father, Julian, was a trumpet player with Benny Goodman and Paul Whiteman. Shortly after the movie was completed, Tyler and her husband, George Lafayette, were killed in a car crash in Wyoming on July 3, 1957.

"Jailhouse Rock" reached No. 3 and No. 14 in Variety's weekly and annual top-grossing films respectively.

Elvis was responsible for originating the legendary Jailhouse Rock dance routine.

A computer coloured version of the film is also available in cinemascope.

The swank apartment for Elvis was a slightly redressed set previously used as Lauren Bacall's in Designing Woman (1957).

Goofs

The prison number on Vince's jacket changes from 6239 to 6240.

In the outdoor pool scene for "Baby I Dont Care" the lead guitarist Scotty Moore wears sunglasses in the long shots, but no glasses in the medium shots.

When Elvis and his co-star Judy Tyler walk in to meet her parents, you can see the "x" on the floor that shows them where to stand.

 

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