On November 15th, 1956 the first motion picture of Elvis Presley hit the cinemas. With a rentals of 4.5 million USD (USA/Canada) Variety ranked "Love Me Tender" number 23 in the list of the most successful movies of the year. The studios recieved approximately 50% of the box office, so it can be estimated that ticket sales brought in 9 million USD. Translated to the present with our factor 15 the ticket sales would be 135 million USD and the studio would have made 67.5 million USD. The Germans had to wait until January 25, 1957 before they could watch the film, here it was called "Pulverdampf Und Heisse Lieder" which could be translated as "Gunsmoke And Hot Songs".

By the way, in 2016 the Reel Cowboys honored "Love Me Tender" (1956), "Flaming Star" (1960) and "Charro!" (1969) with a Silver Spur Award.  

Storyline

While his brothers are fighting in the civil war, Clint Reno (Elvis) stays at the family's farm to keep up the business. Some time after receiving the news of the death of his brother Vance, Clint marries his big love Cathy. But then Vance returns and the brothers become rivals.

Production Staff

David Weisbart (producer), Robert D. Webb (director), Robert Buckner (script), Lionel Newman (music), Leo Tover (camera), Hugh S. Fowler (editor).

Principal Cast

Richard Egan (Vance Reno), Debra Paget (Cathy Reno), Elvis Presley (Clint Reno), Robert Middleton (Mr. Siringo), William Campbell (Brett Reno), Neville Brand (Mike Gavin), Mildred Dunnock (Martha Reno), James Drury (Ray Reno), Russ Conway (Ed Galt), Ken Clark (Mr. Kelso) und Barry Coe (Mr. Davis). The German voice of Elvis was dubbed by the actor Harald Juhnke. 

Production

In April 1956 Elvis had made a multi picture deal with Paramount, but with no suitable projects on hand the studio had no use for the young star right on the spot. That gave Colonel Parker time to search for a near-term project for his client and so a contract with 20th Century Fox was made. The studio offered $100,000 (using the factor 15 it would be 1.5 million today) if they could use Elvis in a western called "The Reno Brothers", which already was in pre-production. The arrangement also included an option for two additional movies that would be paid with $150,000 and $200,000. But after having been able to get $250,000 for "Jailhouse Rock" from MGM in 1957, Colonel Parker went back to 20th Century Fox in 1958 and tried to negotiate the deal again. Even though they had a legal contract, the management of 20th Century Fox finally agreed to raise the fees to $200,000 and $250,000. So the raise for the two future productions equaled what Elvis had received for "The Reno Brothers".

The production went from August 22nd to October 8th, 1956. The locations were The 20th Century Fox Ranch in the Malibu Creek State Park and Stage 3 of the 20th Century Fox Studios in Los Angeles.

While the project was underway, several additions and changes were made. RCA Victor was eager for a soundtrack and so four songs were included. The finale was also changed, because the fans started to protest after they had realized that Clint Reno was to be killed. Even though 20th Century Fox did not change this fact as such, they tried to make it a little easier for the fans. In the original script the family would sit at a table and quietly having dinner while everyone let their eyes wander to Clint's empty chair. In the new version the family is walking up the hill to their house and a ghostly image of Clint is shown, smiling and singing "Love Me Tender".

This also was the new name of the movie. The promotion campagne and the movie poster were adjusted, too. Elvis was still mentioned after Richard Egan and Debra Paget, but his image dominated everything and the new slogan was "Mr. Rock'n'Roll In The Story He Was Born To Play!".

Soundtrack

RCA Victor released a single and an extended player. The business was doing well, combined the records sold more than six million units. By tapping on the covers you'll be forwarded to the accordant reviews.  

Home Entertainment

In 2013 20th Century Fox released a hd version of "Love Me Tender". For a short review just tap on the cover.

Trailer