The decade of the 1950’s is known for many things: the popularity of television, the Cold War and American prosperity. The two most famous people of that decade, were Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. Elvis became a rock star, and movie star, for many years. His popularity, like Marilyn Monroe’s, lived on after his tragic death. Love Me Tender was the start of Elvis’ film career.
Love MeTender is about a group of confederate soldiers, who rob a union train, of its payroll. They are led by Vance Reno, (Richard Egan). After the robbery, the band is told by other soldiers, that the war is over. They decide to split the union payroll. Vance Reno decides to go home, and marry his girlfriend, Cathy. He heads home, and finds that his brother, Clint, (Elvis Presley), has married Cathy. Clint couldn’t go off to war, with his brother. He stayed home to take care of the farm, and his mother, Martha Reno, (Mildred Dunnock). The reason Clint and Cathy joined together, in holy matrimony, was Vance was thought to be a casualty of the war. Clint wanted to to take care of his brother’s girlfriend, and has fallen for her.
The audience finds, that not only is Clint a good family man, but a talented musician. Elvis sings Love Me Tender to Debra Paget, and Mildred Dunnock. While Elvis sings to Paget, the actress shows the pain in her face. Her character is tortured, because she is in love with Vance. Debra Paget has a fine performance in Love Me Tender. She is particularly good in her scenes with Richard Egan.
Although Vance Reno, has had his share of hard luck, its about to get worse. He was identified by the train conductor, and Mr. Siringo, (Robert Middleton), a federal agent, has tracked him. Vance surrenders to him. Vance’s former partners want their share of the money, which is hidden in the barn, at the Reno farm.They raid the train, carrying Vance, freeing him. The feds follow and Vance and Cathy go on the run. Clint sees Cathy and Vance together, and is overcome by jealousy. Elvis is particularly good in the scene, when he confronts Debra Paget. In his state of mind, Clint is susceptible to suggestion. In a scene slightly reminiscent of Othello, one of Vance’s gang, tells Clint to shoot his brother. He does, but then realizes what he’s done. He runs to aid his brother, and is fatally wounded, by other gang members. Elvis dies at his wife and brother’s side. A few days later, the family visits his grave, with Elvis/Clint singing Love Me Tender.
As a film, Love Me Tender isn’t that bad. Elvis Presley in his first film role, proves he has a talent for acting, especially dramatic acting. He also lives up to his nickname, of Elvis the Pelvis, with his character singing Poor Boy. He is helped along by Richard Egan and stage actress turned movie actress, Mildred Dunnock. This film, as a love story, destroyed by greed and jealousy plays well. It should be seen by Elvis fans and non Elvis fans.