G.I. Blues

G.I. Blues is a richly entertaining 1960 musical comedy directed by Norman Taurog and starring the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley. Presley plays the delightful role of Tulsa McLean, who is assigned to a tank unit stationed in Germany. Unlike Presley's previous serious dramatic films, G.I. Blues ventures into the realm of lighthearted comedy, making it a clear departure from his preceding cinematic outings.

The story begins with Tulsa McLean, a U.S. Army Specialist 5 (SP5) stationed in West Germany, who dreams of running a nightclub once he has completed his military service. He and his friends—daredevils with a penchant for light-hearted mischief and a love for music—form a rather untamed but charming band.

Whilst Presley's character is the backbone of the narrative, what truly shines is the encapsulation of the zeitgeist of the era alongside engaging, character-driven humor, fantastic musical numbers, and a tender romance sewn seamlessly into the storyline. The romantic lead opposite Presley is Juliet Prowse, playing the enticing role of dancer Lili, who is both fascinatingly elusive and invitingly warm. Prowse's astounding dance sequences resonate profoundly, making her a truly worthy counterpart to Presley in this film.

The duo's evolving relationship takes the audience on an engaging ride, with the backdrop of the beautiful German landscape accentuating the experience. On the one hand, there is a raw, youthful charm to Elvis's character, matched with his on-point comedic beats and, of course, his signature musical performances. On the other hand, Juliet Prowse matches and balances the tone with her fiery dance numbers and an equally charming screen presence. The chemistry between these two is a delight to watch, making the love story all the more captivating.

Another memorable mention is the role of Cookie, played by Robert Ivers, who stands in as an enjoyable comic sidekick and friend to Elvis's character. As part of Tulsa's band and team of friends, Cookie's antics and character quirks add another layer of enjoyment to this comedy-drama.

G.I. Blues abounds in unforgettable musical moments, thanks to the soundtrack that became a monumental success. It showcases many engaging songs that contribute to the film's appeal. The title track, "G.I. Blues," along with other hits like "Shoppin' Around," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Doin The Best I Can," and "Pocketful of Rainbows" are just among the few that Elvis's character performs throughout the film.

The standout feature of G.I. Blues is the way it juxtaposes elements of comic gags, romance, and music amidst a unique military setting. The film incorporates all these aspects without ever losing sight of the central narrative, making for an enjoyable and divertive watching experience.

Embodying the 1960s' charm and vibrancy, the movie also serves as a time capsule, revealing a glimpse of post-war Germany through Hollywood's lens. It catches the transformation of the war-torn nation through its portrayal of bustling bars, backstreet cafes, and spirited nightlife, encapsulating a world where the echoes of the past blend with newfound optimism and cultural vibrancy.

In terms of its technical aspects, G.I. Blues boasts of fine direction, commendable screenwriting, impressive cinematography, and excellent production design. The sequences are arranged seamlessly with artful transitions, the dialogues are zestful and the shots are cleverly composed, capturing the mood of each scene perfectly.

All in all, G.I. Blues is a delightful cinematic concoction of romance, comedy, music, and Elvis' magnetic persona. The movie sparks with his unique style and flash, making it a must-watch for fans of the King and those new to his charm. It's a perfect showcase of Presley's natural charisma, and his ability to evoke laughter, sighs, and toe-tapping with his amazing vocal range and talented acting ability. At the same time, the film ensures a fond showcase of Juliet Prowse's talent and the start of her rising stardom in Hollywood.

With its intrinsic charm and vibrant depiction, G.I. Blues not only resonates with Elvis Presley's phenomenal legacy but also stands as an enjoyable classic in its own right in the world of 1960's Hollywood cinema.