Review of Wild in the Country (1961) by James G — 16 Aug 2007

One of the best Elvis Presley movies, like most of his early films the emphasis here is on drama and the music is minimal and used to carry the plot. It's an early 'teen angst' movie, not far removed in its themes from Rebel Without A Cause or The Wild One, although its rustic setting makes it feel gentler.

Hope Lange is very sympathetic as the counsellor who draws Elvis out of himself, and Tuesday Weld is awesome as the archetypal 'born bad' village alleycat. Underrated.