I've seen many of the Elvis films, including the overrated "Viva Las Vegas", and "Roustabout" is definitely the best of the bunch. Most of his films, albeit enjoyable in one way or another, are forgettable fluff. "Roustabout" may be Elvis fluff as well, but it's not forgettable or bland. It's great for what it is, an Elvis movie.
shareI think it is Elvis' best film easy. It is my favorite as well.
Roustabout
Clambake
Viva Las Vegas
Blue Hawaii
GI Blues
Just for this exchange:
Elvis (in Elvis voice), "here I am, can't believe I am working at a circus"
Barbara Stanwyck say (all serious), "This is not a circus, this is a carnival, there is a big difference you know!!!!"
It's ok & one of his better musicals but it's not one of his best or worst. His best movies are King Creole, Flaming Star, Wild In The Country, Jailhouse Rock, Love Me Tender & Charro. Also Follow That Dream & Kid Galahad are better than usual for the 60's but that's about it & yes Viva Las Vegas is overrated it's not that good.
shareFor some reason, "Roustabout" is my favorite Elvis film (although there's a handful I haven't seen). Everything clicks and the story maintains the viewer's attention. My second favorite is probably "Live a Little, Love a Little."
Everyone praises "Flaming Star" but the laughable depiction of Native Americans ruined it for me (just listen to how they talk). I prefer "Charro," as far as Westerns go.
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It has nice screenplay and visuals. But the plot is weak and dull. There was little suspense or drama. The romantic stuff involving Elvis, Joe’s daughter, and the Gypsy fortune-teller was fluff.
Jailhouse Rock, Love me Tender, and King Creole are better. I would rank “It happened at the world’s fair” a little above Roustabout.
Viva Las Vegas wasn’t a good movie, but the songs were excellent.
...and Ann-Margret was jaw-dropping.
shareIt is up there imo but it's between Jailhouse Rock and King Creole as the best Elvis film. I can't believe how low the rating is, the story is engaging, Elvis looked great in black, studded belt, and black leather jacket! He looks great in all black!
With the new Elvis film, the carnival setting makes me think of him and Col Parker though.