Watch Jailhouse Rock

In 1957, Hollywood released a movie that would not only make Elvis Presley a bona fide movie star but also cement his position as a music icon. That movie was Jailhouse Rock, and even after more than six decades, it remains a seminal piece of cinema that resonates with audiences around the world. Directed by Richard Thorpe and written by Guy Trosper, Jailhouse Rock tells the story of a young man named Vince Everett (Presley) who gets thrown in prison for manslaughter. While in prison, Vince meets a former country singer named Hunk Houghton (Mickey Shaughnessy), who teaches him how to play the guitar and sing. When he is released from prison, Vince is determined to make it big as a musician and soon attracts the attention of a record producer named Peggy (Judy Tyler). Together, they form a successful partnership, but Vince's ambition and ego threaten to derail everything he has worked for.

As the title suggests, Jailhouse Rock features several musical sequences that are as unforgettable as they are iconic. The standout number is, of course, the title track, which features Presley gyrating and singing to a packed audience of inmates. This scene is widely regarded as one of the most famous musical performances in movie history and is often cited as the moment Presley became a pop culture phenomenon. The other musical sequences are equally impressive, and each one showcases Presley's unique vocal range and charisma.

However, Jailhouse Rock is not just a vehicle for Presley's music and charm; it also has a compelling story and well-drawn characters. Vince is not your typical movie hero, as he is often selfish, arrogant, and occasionally violent. However, his flaws make him a fascinating protagonist, and Presley delivers a nuanced and multi-layered performance that makes Vince more than just a cardboard cutout. Likewise, Peggy is not just a love interest; she is a savvy businesswoman who is as ambitious as Vince and has her own goals and dreams. Judy Tyler brings a warmth and intelligence to Peggy that makes her a worthy partner for Vince and a memorable character in her own right.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Jailhouse Rock is its exploration of the music industry and the culture surrounding it. The movie was released during a transformative period in American popular music, as rock 'n' roll was beginning to supplant more traditional forms of music. Jailhouse Rock captures this cultural shift and the tensions that arose between the establishment and the counterculture. Vince is a representative of the new breed of musician, one who is not content to play by the rules and who is willing to push boundaries to achieve success. The movie also shows the exploitative side of the music industry, as Vince and Peggy are often at the mercy of unscrupulous managers and record executives who care more about profits than artistry.

Despite being made in the 1950s, Jailhouse Rock remains relevant and resonant today. Its themes of ambition, ego, and the corrupting influence of fame are timeless, and its depiction of the music industry feels as fresh and relevant as it did more than 60 years ago. Most importantly, the movie showcases Elvis Presley at the height of his powers, both as a musician and an actor. It is a fitting tribute to his talents and legacy and stands as a testament to the enduring power of rock 'n' roll.

Jailhouse Rock is a 1957 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 68.