Jailhouse Rock (1957)

Elvis Presley started his long affiliation with MGM with this musical drama. JAILHOUSE ROCK was the first film to capture the bad-boy image associated with his singing persona (though far removed from the real Elvis). He stars as a young troublemaker who learns to sing and play guitar while doing time for manslaughter. A prison show makes him a star overnight, but before long it goes to his head. The film features some of the best songs of Presley’s movie career, all by the great Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber, including the title tune, featured in an iconic production number, (“You’re So Square) Baby I Don’t Care,” and “Treat Me Nice.” Elvis would go on to make 11 more features and two documentaries at MGM. 

d. Richard Thorpe, 97m, 35mm