My preferred Elvis films have never been those most adored by The King’s fans. I remember the sweet lady who ran our local movie theater telling me, “Oh, I don’t care much for that one.” She was referring to my favorite Elvis movie, Kid Galahad, where he played a boxer who fell in love with Joan Blackman. The actress later appeared with him in the mega successful Blue Hawaii. Other stars in Kid Galahad were Charles Bronson, Gig Young, and Lola Albright.
My other favorite Elvis movie is G.I. Blues, mainly because I really like the title song and enjoy seeing Elvis in a Sherman tank performing the same actions my husband Ronnie performed in Germany during his stint in the Army. In that one his co-stars are Juliet Prowse, Arch Johnson, Richard Ivers, and the gorgeous cleft chinned Jeremy Slate.
While recently re-watching an Elvis movie, actually his first—Love Me Tender from 1956—I began thinking of all the talented co-stars he had over the years. In Love Me Tender, the eldest brother home from the War Between the States is played by Richard Egan, who actually had top billing. This was the only time Elvis didn’t get it. The interactions between the two are powerful, with Elvis’ character looking up to his older brother and eventually being torn apart by feelings of betrayal. Elvis’ wife in that movie is portrayed by Debra Paget, his mother by Mildred Dunnock, and his other brothers by Neville Brand, William Campbell, and James Drury of later Virginian fame.
Richard Egan also starred in another favorite vintage movie of mine, A Summer Place from 1959. Dorothy McGuire played his old flame, Constance Ford did a superlative job as his uptight wife, Arthur Kennedy excelled as an aristocratic but hapless alcoholic, and teen throbs, Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue, provided the angst for younger viewers. The scenery in that movie is unparalleled, and the house that Richard Egan moves into was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
What movies do you like starring Richard Egan?
Cheers & Happy Reading!
Flossie Benton Rogers, Conjuring the Magic with Paranormal Fantasy Romance
I don’t think I’ve ever seen one with him in, but I’m tempted to now after seeing him 😉
Great post!
Haha, Misha. Yes, his appearance is striking. Thanks for stopping by!
To tell you the truth, can’t remember having seen any of the movies this actor performed in. On the other hand, I watched several of Elvis’s movies. Love Me Tender, Girl Happy come to my mind. Mostly for the music, not for the plot which now may seem silly to audience. I will search to find a movie with Richard Egan, If he was as talented as he was handsome. . . There are so many talented actors who where forgotten in the shadow of the biog “stars”.
Thank you for the interesting post!
Oh, I remember Girl Happy, Carmen. My friends and I always loved it when a new Elvis movie came out. Let me know if you find a movie with Richard Egan in it. If so, hope you enjoy.
I knew his face so I looked him up. I’ve seen several movies with him in. Love Me Tender, The Spartans and Pollyanna. I’m certain I’ve seen him in other things too. Interesting to recollect those films.
I know, Daisy. There are so many faces I recognize in movies but never know who they are. I enjoy spotlighting some of the lesser known actors. I love period pieces like The Spartans, and Pollyanna is definitely a keeper.
VBS! Richard Egan. I loved him in A Summer Place. One of my favorite movies. I also watched him in Pollyanna, and he was in a couple of westerns, though the titles escape me.
BTW, my favorite Elvis movie was Charro. He made a great cowboy.
Oh, I almost forgot about Charro– agreed! I watch A Summer Place each time I can catch it and also enjoy Pollyanna and the movies where he is an ancient Greek or Roman.