source: Flaming Star

Trailer—Flaming Star

Flaming Star

Famed director Don Siegel places Elvis Presley in west Texas following the Civil War. His character is part white and Kiowa Indian. Fighting breaks out and Pacer Burton(Elvis) has trouble deciding to stand with his father and brother or join his mother's people. This western-drama has Elvis singing a couple of trivial numbers. The title song, "Flaming Star" is one of Elvis' most haunting, but memorable. The cast is rounded out by Steve Forrest, Delores Del Rio, Barbara Eden and John McIntire. Very much worth a look see. Critics spoke higher than the fans on this one.

I had never seen the entire edition of Flaming Star, but I've got to say Elvis did a pretty good job!. I caught the very beginning with the song session in the house and I thought, just another Elvis singing vehicle. The real surprise came for me with the plot and the action sequences. Wow!. If Elvis could have chosen some better parts, I think he could have transitioned himself into a decent actor. Too bad this type of performance is far and few between.

For a man with a portfolio of at least two score movies, Elvis probably only made three that were worth the celluloid to make a tooth brush handle. This is one of them. Directed by Siegel(Invasion of the Body Snatchers,1956)this is a tight little western that casts Presley in an off-beat role as the mis-trusted, misguided half-breed. The film generates sincere tensions that culminate in an unsuspected climax. 'Tis a pity "The Colonel" wouldn't let Elvis have more roles like this one!

Half-breed Elvis Presley is caught between warring sides in the Old West circa 1870. Clair Huffaker's book, adapted by Huffaker and the esteemed Nunnally Johnson, has now become a vehicle for the leading man, and Presley the Actor never really did carve out his niche on the movie screen. He's a quiet, some may say stolid, presence, acting a great deal just with his eyes--though one aches for him to loosen up. The hot "Elvis Sings Songs From Flaming Star" album is much preferable to the movie, which cuts the musical performances down to a minimal two. The film has some action, a fine supporting cast, lots of melodrama; the critics liked it and certainly Charles G. Clarke's beautiful cinematography is worth seeing in widescreen. ** from ****

Elvis stars as a half-Indian in this exciting Don Siegel-helmed Western with a ton of action and a meanstreak. Elvis's character is surprisingly tough and hard-assed, plus the songs are kept to a minimum (he sings the title song and does a little hoe-down at the beginning...that's it). Anyway, Indians are massacring farmers in an attempt to take back their land, and Elvis is torn between the Indians and the racist white folk. Elvis gives a great, understated performance...he seems aware that this is a Siegel film, not an Elvis film. All in all it's the King's best foray into filmland.

One of Elvis's best films. Legendary film director Don Siegel (Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Dirty Harry) gets the most out of Elvis and the King proves here that when he had something of substance to work from, he was more than capable. This film not only has a gripping and tragic storyline, it looks and feels authentic enough in dealing with an important chapter in American history. The film is packed with emotional moments and action and an all round good cast. If Elvis had gotten more film roles like this one, he could have become one of the great movie stars. 8 out of 10.

This is definitely one of the King's best flix, his best performance surely. It was nice to see him play a taciturn guy but be believable, the surrounding cast-from LQ Jones to Jeanie there to Del Rio to John McIntire-were all pros, plus Don Seigel's record(Dirty Harry, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, etc.) speaks for itself. Elvis, in Walter Matthau's opinion(co-starred with Elvis in 'King Creole')had some talent and could have become a decent actor if he'd stuck to things like this. By all means, give it a look, its worth watching-Elvis gives it his best and it's a solid flick all around. *** outta ****