starring Elvis Presley, Carolyn Jones, Walter Matthau
written by Michael V. Gazzo, Herbert Baker
directed by Michael Curtiz
116 minutes
Danny Fisher (Elvis Presley) lives and works in the French Quarter of New Orleans bussing tables. He transitions from bus boy to musician after the owner of the King Creole, a nightclub other than the one where he works, finds out he's a talented performer.
Gangster Maxie Fields (Walter Matthau), owner of every nightspot on Bourbon Street other than King Creole, tries to strongarm Danny into working for him. Ronnie (Carolyn Jones), Maxie's girlfriend, helps Danny to get away from Maxie but it isn't long before Maxie first sends his goons after Danny and then (after they come up empty handed) he comes after Danny himself.
Thoughts
I saw this movie as part of the 2026 Noir City DC film festival at the AFI Silver Theater. I had not seen it before. It was introduced by film historian Foster Hirsch.
I remember seeing posters for this movie when I lived in Paris in the mid to late 1970s. I don't recall exactly when it was playing there but it stuck with me all these years and now I have finally seen it.
I didn't expect it but this movie was the genuine article, film noir. It wasn't a great movie but it most definitely is film noir. The musical performances by Elvis definitely elevated the movie in my opinion.
The story was adapted from a novel by Harold Robbins, A Stone for Danny Fisher. The novel takes place in New York City and Danny is not a singer but a boxer in the novel.
This was fun. It isn't great. I wouldn't describe it as classic. It is supposed to be one of Elvis Presley's best films but I'm in no place to judge it on that scale considering that it is the only one I have watched.
Notes
This is the first movie I have seen that starred Elvis Presley. I have seen both Carolyn Jones and Walter Matthau in movies in the past. Other actors who were in this movie that I have seen in other movies include Dean Jagger and Vic Morrow.
The screenplay for this movie was based on a novel by Harold Robbins. I have not seen anything else that was written by either Michael V. Gazzo or Herbert Baker.
This is at least the 13th movie I have watched that was directed by Michael Curtiz.
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