Wild in the Country

Wild in the Country is a captivating drama film that premiered in 1961. One of the highlights of the film is its leading man, the legendary Elvis Presley, who brings his unique charm and extraordinary talent to this engrossing tale of a promising youth battling against his unfavorable odds and troubled past. His female leads, Hope Lange and Tuesday Weld, join him in this coming-of-age tale that explores their complicated characters and situations that are nothing short of remarkable.

This narrative is set in the rural backdrop of the south, providing the audience with a fresh setting that is rambunctious, captivating, yielding the perfect atmosphere for showcasing the entire spectrum of human emotions. At the core of the film's riveting plot is Elvis Presley's character, Glenn Tyler - a troubled and misunderstood young man who exhibits marked potential as a writer.

The film begins with Glenn, stuck amid unlawful activities and a family that seemingly does not understand his dreams and aspirations. Following a rough encounter with his brother, he is put under probation and is required to seek counselling under the care of the local counselor, Irene Sperry, played by Hope Lange. Irene is an educated, kind, and empathetic widow who discovers Glenn's unique writing abilities and encourages him to develop it further. Glenn finds solace in Irene, their relationship highlighting the film’s exploration of love, age, and societal roles.

Simultaneously, Glenn navigates a tempestuous relationship with his long-time girlfriend, Betty Lee Parsons, portrayed by oft-considered seductress, Millie Perkins. Betty Lee essentially stands as a symbol of Glenn’s past and represents the traditional small-town life he's always known. The film plots Glenn's struggle between moving forward to the future opportunities Irene promises and the past and familiarity Betty Lee embodies.

Adding to the intricate love-web is Tuesday Weld's character – Noreen. Noreen, a young woman full of life, is a maternal figure with a bit of a rebellious streak. Glenn's interaction with Noreen further complicates his life situations and enhances the plot's suspense and intrigue.

Combining the fast-paced storyline with Elvis Presley's musical talent, Wild in the Country offers several beautiful soundtracks, which indeed are a significant highlight of the film. Notably, the title track "Wild in the Country" is sung by Presley during one of the movie sequences, effectively blending the movie's narrative with his trademark rock-n-roll style. The songs, much like the narrative, range from passionate and poetic to energetic and rousing, providing a musical backdrop that enhances the film's mood and appeal.

Director Philip Dunne presents this film in a compelling and emotionally charged way. Everyone's stories, especially Glenn's, are filled with rawness and authenticity that keep the audience hooked. Dunne proves adept at bringing out the inherent human drama of the story while also showing the captivating and raw natural beauty of the country environment which is juxtaposed with the tumultuous lives of the characters.

The screenplay, written by Clifford Odets, is sharp and poignant, based on J.R. Salamanca’s novel, "The Lost Country". Despite the elements of melodrama, the dialogues and interactions are never overbearing but always engaging and are delivered with skill by Presley and his co-stars. The actors, particularly Presley, deliver remarkable performances, demonstrating their range outside of their typical roles.

Overall, Wild in the Country showcases the different shades of love, self-discovery, growth, conflict while also exploring the societal norms of the era, coupled with Elvis' musical charm, making it a unique blend of drama and music. As we see Presley play a character who, much like himself at the time, was on the brink of significant change, demonstrating his acting prowess in a way seldom seen in other roles he's played.

For fans of drama, Elvis Presley or exploring classic films of the early 60s, Wild in the Country presents a robust offering. Its soundtracks, the rural backdrop, and powerful performances from the actors culminate into a captivating plot that remains engaging throughout the film.