Follow that Dream

Follow That Dream is a delightful and lighthearted American musical comedy, released in 1962. Directed by Gordon Douglas, it is an iconic addition to the Elvis Presley catalogue, with the King of Rock 'n' Roll himself delivering an enchanting performance that captivates audiences in his unique style. This movie provides a congenial blend of comedy, drama, and sweet romance supplemented with Elvis Presley's magical voice serenading throughout the narrative.

"Follow That Dream" features Presley in the role of Toby Kwimper, an innocent and easy-going young man residing in Florida with his quirky father Pop Kwimper, played by Arthur O'Connell, who is equally adept in his comedic timing and character nuance. The lovely Anne Helm provides the female lead as Holly Jones, offering a convincing portrayal of her character’s affection for the Elvis character while resolving her personal dilemmas.

The plot of "Follow That Dream" is set in motion when the eccentric Kwimper family, driving along a new but unfinished Florida highway, faces a car trouble and decides to lay roots in an idyllic spot right there. They end up stationing their mobile home by the side of the road and declare this to be their new residence. This unanticipated decision of the Kwimpers triggers a series of amusing and stirring events encompassing local bureaucracy and legal issues. Elvis's character, Toby is often drawn into resolving these complications.

Giving a nod to Elvis Presley's musical career, the movie takes regular musical interludes, leaving no stones unturned to showcase his remarkable singing prowess. The timeless melodies of Presley intertwine flawlessly with the evolving storyline, adding a remarkable charm to the film. Songs like "Follow That Dream," "Angel," and "What a Wonderful Life" have since become classics adding to the magnetism of Elvis's extraordinary musical journey.

In terms of performances, Presley shines brightly in a role that requires him to combine his palpable charisma with a featherlight touch of innocence and ingenuity. The confounding innocence of Toby Kwimper, mixed with Elvis's commanding screen presence offers some unforgettable movie moments. Arthur O’Connell, as Toby’s father, matches Elvis step for step with a performance that radiates comedic warmth. He effortlessly plays a carefree, somewhat oblivious parent whose unorthodox parenting style sets the comedic undertone of the story.

Anne Helm, as Holly Jones, brings to the table a character who is smitten by Elvis's charm but struggles to get her feelings acknowledged due to Toby's naive personality. Her convincing portrayal of a young woman in love stirs empathy among the audience and adds an element of passionate romance to the storyline.

The strength of "Follow That Dream" lies in its ability to weave a heartwarming narrative that is amply bolstered by its performances, especially that of Elvis Presley. His transfixing screen presence as Toby Kwimper bolsters the film’s lively ambiance, making it not only a musical treat for his ardent fans, but also a captivating watch for lovers of classic American cinema. This film cleverly leverages his star power, giving his fans plenty of the Elvis they came to see and hear; his voice, charm, humor, and a bit of dramatic flair.

In conclusion, “Follow That Dream” is a charming motion picture featuring some standout performances, most notably by Elvis Presley. This vintage comedy-drama film leads the audience through a blend of laughter, sentiment, and song, delivering a warm and delightful journey. Ingenious, innocent and full of Elvis’s music, this film is an endearing watch for those in love with classic cinema and the rock ‘n’ roll era.