Elvis movie DVD collection shakes into stores

In film as in music, Elvis rattles and rolls on to eternity.

While no one would accuse the King of being the second coming of Spencer Tracy as an actor, his good-natured approach to collaboration and a reliable screen presence helped make up for many a cheesy script. Even if today some of his films come off as rather ... campy. But he was certainly no worse than scores of other handsome young leading men of the '50s.

Presley's electric live performances, his energy and aura of danger quite translated to movies, where he seemed a bit stifled and too wholesome to be true (the era already had Pat Boone for that). Yet longtime admirers don't really care.

Fans have a fresh opportunity to add to or update their video collection with the just-released "Elvis 75th Birthday Collection" DVD set ($40) from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and MGM Home Entertainment, celebrating Presley in such films as "Love Me Tender, "Flaming Star," "Wild in the Country," "Clambake," "Frankie and Johnny," "Follow That Dream" and "Kid Galahad."

Also featured in the collection are reminiscences from such co-stars and friends stars as Tuesday Weld, Barbara Eden, Charles Bronson, Shelley Fabares and Donna Douglas ("The Beverly Hillbillies").

Presley's roles were more varied than some may recall. He was the brother of a Confederate war veteran in "Love Me Tender," a half-Kiowa Indian in "Flaming Star," a struggling young boxer in "Kid Galahad," a troubled young writer in "Wild in the Country" and a riverboat gambler in "Frankie and Johnny."

Of course, he always got the girl, and more often than not he broke into song at the least provocation. But then, that's what the fans counted on.

Arguably, Presley's best film was his first, "Love Me Tender" (1956), which also showcased his most naturalistic performance, followed by "Flaming Star" (1960), under the sure-handed direction of Don Siegel, who got the most out of his star.

The set costs $40 and can be obtained at www.mgm.com.

Reach Bill Thompson at bthompson@postandcourier.com or 937-5707.