Elvis In The Movies: Loving You (1957)

Elvis’s second motion picture was Loving You, a dramatic story about a troubled man with a dark past. It was a film that Elvis was never able to watch again after the passing of his mother. Read on to learn why.

Debuting in theater’s July 9, 1957, Loving You was Elvis’s second film. Directed by Hal Wallis (a name that will sound very familiar in later posts), Elvis stars as Deke Rivers. Deke Rivers was a delivery man that was discovered by a publicist. The story is about the growth of a career and the hardships encountered doing so. The start of Rivers’ career closely mirrors Elvis’s and the difficulties he had to overcome.

*If you have yet to see this film, be warned there are spoilers if you continue reading.

Lizabeth Scott portrays Glenda Markle, Deke’s manager, and Dolores Hart stars as Susan Jessup, Deke’s love interest. Glenda is constantly urging Deke to perform, but he is reluctant. It isn’t until later that we learn why. Deke Rivers has a complicated story with a troubled past as we learn Deke Rivers isn’t his real name.

Mirroring Elvis’s own career, Deke Rivers has performances canceled after parents complain about his music. Glenda then arranged a telecast to showcase Deke’s talent for positive publicity.

Elvis and Friends in Loving You

You will see many familiar faces throughout this film. Scotty Moore, Bill Black, DJ Fontana, and even Elvis’s mother Gladys have cameos in Loving You. After the passing of his mother, Elvis was unable to ever watch this film again.

Having one of the best movie soundtracks, in my opinion, Loving You is filled with musical entertainment. Many of the hits included: Loving You, Mean Woman Blues, Got a Lot o’ Livin’ to Do, and probably one of Elvis’ most known hits (Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear.

Teddy Bear

Hot Dog

Loving You

Until we meet again,

TCB and TCE,