G.I. Blues was filmed shortly after Elvis was discharged from the army. It was filmed on location in Germany. The King plays Tulsa McLean. He is a soldier in the tank corps. His dream is to buy a club, and sing when he leaves the army. He gets sidetracked, when he meets a dancer, Lili, (Juliet Prowse). Tulsa makes a bet, with his fellow G.I.’S that he can spend the night with Lili. He does but not how his buddies would think. He babysits for a soldier friend, and asks Lili for help. She helps and later is upset, when she finds out about the wager. All is resolved between them, when they acknowledge their feelings.
This film continues Elvis box office appeal. It has his charm, and amusing scenes. There is a barroom brawl, that starts when a soldier plays, Blue Suede Shoes, by Elvis. This interrupts Lili’s act. In one of the best parts of the film, Elvis sings Wooden Heart to a female puppet. This and the title song, are the best ones in the movie. Presley and Juliet Prowse, sing Pocketful of Rainbows, while riding in a tram car. Juliet Prowse shows off her dancing in this film. She is introduced, when a spinning cardboard cutout, of her, turns into her dancing. This is a pretty good scene by Norman Taurog.
This movie is made better by showing the German scenery, and the quaint houses. The tramcar scenes showing the German countryside also look well. These were filmed by Loyal Griggs. He is responsible for the cinematography on such films as White Christmas and Shane. The other G.I.’s help the story, but Sgt. McGraw, (Arch Johnson), keeps them in line. McGraw shows his displeasure with the troops, when one of the tanks loses its tread.
G.I. Blues is helped by the direction of Norman Taurog. He had a background working with MGM stars; specifically Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. This enabled him to keep this film energetic. He also had a comedy background; directing several Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis films. He was a director of many Elvis Presley films.
G.I Blues, like many of Elvis’ films isn’t strong on story. It is a movie that gives a few laughs and entertains. It is worth watching for the dance numbers, and seeing the versatility of Elvis Presley.