MEMORABLE MOVIE LINE
"It ain't tactics, honey, it's just the beast in me."
CLICK HERE FOR MOVIE SCENE
Jailhouse Rock
CONTINUED
JAILHOUSE ROCK
JAILHOUSE ROCK
Jailhouse Rock
DANCE SCENE
Click here to watch dance scene
Jailhouse Rock
JAILHOUSE ROCK
JAILHOUSE ROCK
Jailhouse Rock
"JAILHOUSE ROCK" includes the powerfully choreographed dance sequence created by Charles O'Curran. The original dance arrangement was shaped for professional dancers and didn't fit Elvis's style. O'Curran decided to watch footage of Elvis on stage and changed the choreography to fit Elvis's natural stage movements. This resulted in being one of the film industry's most memorable dance scenes.
CLASSIC LINE
ELVIS STOLE IT
Rumor has it that Gene Kelly was actually on the set watching Elvis perform the "JAILHOUSE ROCK" number as it was being filmed.
"ELVIS STOLE IT" ANOTHER RIDICULOUSLY CREATED CULTURAL LIE
JAILHOUSE ROCK
JAILHOUSE ROCK
Click Here
HISTORY OF THE DANCE
WORKING TITLES
Attempts to prove accusations that Elvis stole moves from Nina Mae McKinney can be seen here.
The problem is this is not the only Black entertainer Elvis has been accused of stealing moves from. Another problem with this theory is, "If Elvis who was raised around and in Black communities stole moves, does that mean that the Black people in those same communities stole the moves as well?"
WORKING TITLES
JAILHOUSE ROCK
JAILHOUSE ROCK
The original title was "THE HARD WAY" before it was changed to "JAILHOUSE KID." Before filming, the studio made a final decision on "JAILHOUSE ROCK."
FALSIFYING THEFT
LOCATION
In a scene with William Forrest and Jennifer Holden.
LOCATION
Hospital scene with Judy Tyler.
JAILHOUSE ROCK
JAILHOUSE ROCK
"JAILHOUSE ROCK" was filmed at the MGM studios in Culver City, California.
WORKING TITLES
BOX OFFICE
BOX OFFICE
Distributed by MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer), Elvis's third movie, "JAILHOUSE ROCK," grossed $4,275,000 in 1957. It premiered on Thursday, October 17, 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee, and was released nationwide on Friday, November 8, 1957.
Elvis seen here with Judy Tyler in a missing scene from the movie.
JAILHOUSE ROCK
JAILHOUSE ROCK
Elvis was paid $250,000 (equivalent to $2,359,366 in 2021). He also received 50% of the royalties from the distribution of the movie.
"JAILHOUSE ROCK" peaked at number 3 on the Variety Box Office Chart and reached number 14 in the year's box office totals.
LOCATION
RELEASE DATES
In 2004, "JAILHOUSE ROCK" was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.
INTERNATIONAL RELEASE DATES
Publicity Still For
Jailhouse Rock
JAILHOUSE ROCK
JAILHOUSE ROCK
Jailhouse Rock
BOX OFFICE
RELEASE DATES CONTINUED
Sweden
Australia
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Ireland
Argentina
West Germany
Norway
Finland
Italy
Austria
Denmark
London Premier
January 17, 1958
January 18, 1958
March 1958
March 7, 1958
March 10, 1958
March 25, 1958
April 5, 1958
April 21, 1958
May 23, 1958
July 19, 1958
August 1958
November 2, 1959
INTERNATIONAL RELEASE DATES (CONTINUED)
Elvis shoveling coal in a movie scene.
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JAILHOUSE ROCK
RELEASE DATES
JUDY TYLER
Colombia
Japan
France
September 28 1960
1961
November 23, 1962
A SAD ENDING FOR JUDY TYLER
A blissfully happy ending in
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JAILHOUSE ROCK
Judy Tyler and her new husband came to an early death. After post-production, they were involved in an automobile accident on U.S. Route 287 near Rock River, Wyoming. They were headed home to New York on July 3, 1957, when they collided with another automobile that was towing a trailer. Police stated that Judy Tyler’s husband, Gregory Lafayette, 19, swerved to avoid hitting the other car. Judy Tyler, aged 24, was killed instantly, while her husband died the following day. A passenger in the other car was also killed.
RELEASE DATE
CAST
CAST
JAILHOUSE ROCK
Judy Tyler as Peggy Van Alden
Mickey Shaughnessy as Hunk Houghton
Elvis Presley as Vince Everett
Discovering the song theft with Judy Tyler as Peggy Van Alden.
JUDY TYLER
CAST CONTINUED
Vaughn Taylor as Attorney Shores
Jennifer Holden as Sherry Wilson
Peter Adams as Jack Lease
Dean Jones as Teddy Talbot
Anne Neyland as Laury Jackson
Scotty Moore as Lead Guitar Player (uncredited)
JAILHOUSE ROCK
GO STRAIGHT TO THE PLOT
CAST (CONTINUED)
JAILHOUSE ROCK
Bill Black as the Bass Player
CAST BEGINS
UNCREDITED CAST (CONTINUES)
JAILHOUSE ROCK
D.J. Fontana as the Drummer
Robert Bice as Bardean - TV Studio Manager
Bobby Barber as one of the Film Crew Members
Don Burnett as Mickey Alba
George Cisar as Jake - Bartender
Fred Coby as Jerry - Bartender
John Dennis as Convct Mail Clerk #1
Tom Mayton as Convict Mail Clerk #2
Don Anderson as a Convict
Phil Bloom as a Convict
Gene Coogan as a Convict
John Indrisano as a Convict
Noble "Kid" Chissell as a Convict
Allen Jaffe as a Convict
Ted Smile as a Convict
Glenn Strange as Matt - Convict
Mike Stoller as Piano Player
CAST (UNCREDITED)
GO TO PLOT
UNCREDITED CAST (CONTINUED)
JAILHOUSE ROCK
UNCREDITED CAST BEGINS
UNCREDITED CAST (CONTINUES)
JAILHOUSE ROCK
Jack Chefe as the Waiter in the Club La Florita
François André as the Waiter in restaurant
Albert Cavens as a Nightclub Patron
John Daheim as Tough Man in Bar
Francis De Sales as the Surgeon
Dan Dowling as Nightclub Patron
Joan Dupuis as the Record Shop Girl
Cliff Gleaves as a party guest
Arthur Hooten as a party guest
Frank Kreig as a Drunk
Joe Gilbert as the Nightclub Patron
William Forrest as Head of the Climax Movie Studio
James Gonzalez as Courtroom Spectator
Sol Gorss as the Bar Brawler
Lamar Fike as the Dancer at the Party
GO TO PLOT
MOVIE POSTER
UNCREDITED CAST (CONTINUED)
JAILHOUSE ROCK
UNCREDITED CAST
UNCREDITED CAST (CONTINUES)
JAILHOUSE ROCK
Bill Hale as a Prison Guard
Percy Helton as Sam Brewster
Bill Hickman as the Guard Who Whips Vince
Harry Hines as the Hotel Clerk
Bob Hopkins as Announcer
Shep Houghton as Nightclub Patron
Catherine Howard as the Nurse
Donald Kerr as Climax Studio Photographer
Joe McGuinn as Climax Studio Gateman
S. John Launer as the Judge
Russell Meeker as a Film Crew Member
Tom McKee as the TV Director
Carl Milletaire as Mr. Drummond
Frank Mills as the Shooting Gallery Proprietor
Walter Johnson as Shorty - Bartender
Tracey Morgan as Girl in Booth
Gloria Pall as Striptease Woman
Grandon Rhodes as Prof. August Van Alden
Katherine Warren as Mrs. Van Alden
Bess Flowers as Van Alden Party Guest
Joe Ploski as Convict in Dance Number
Frank Radcliffe as Dancer
Murray Pollack as Court Clerk
John Roy as Bailiff
Hugh Sanders as Prison Warden
Dick Rich as Prison Guard
Cosmo Sardo as Prison Barber
Ford Raymond as Prospector
Elizabeth Slifer as Cleaning Woman
Jeffrey Sayre as Van Alden Party Guest
GO TO PLOT
UNCREDITED CAST (CONTINUED)
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UNCREDITED CAST
CAST: THE BLUE MOON BOYS DURING FILMING
JAILHOUSE ROCK
Gene Smith as Party Guest Opening the Door
Bob Stratton as Orderly
William Tannen as Record Distributor
Arthur Tovey as Record Shop Owner in Montage
Steve Warren as Assistant Director
Linda Williams as Girl in Bathing Suit
Wilson Wood as the Recording Engineer
GO TO PLOT
JAILHOUSE ROCK
UNCREDITED CAST
CASTING THE PIANO PLAYER (NEXT)
The Blue Moon Boys were included in several scenes throughout the film as musicians. However, Scotty Moore pointed out how he along with Bill and D.J. were not provided costumes and had to come out of pocket for their movie wardrobe.
You may have caught it, but during the song "YOU'RE SO SQUARE, BABY I DON'T CARE," they filmed Scotty Moore wearing shades during an earlier take in the day, but mixed it with a shooting later in the day when he wasn't wearing them.
CAST (CONTINUED)
JAILHOUSE ROCK
"SCOTTY AND ELVIS: ABOARD THE MYSTERY TRAIN" (Page 128)
"YOU SO SQUARE, BABY I DON'T CARE" (MP3 Download)
"YOU SO SQUARE, BABY I DON'T CARE" (Movie Scene Click Here)
GO TO PLOT
JAILHOUSE ROCK
"YOU'RE SO YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL" (MP3 Download)
CAST: BLUE MOON BOYS
PLOT NEXT
"HOUND DOG: THE LEIBER AND STOLLER AUTOBIOGRAPHY" (Pages 115 - 116)
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Mike Stoller was the piano player and wrote the music in the Leiber and Stoller team. Leiber wrote the lyrics. Even though Elvis blatantly told casting director, Benny Thau, who the piano player was, Thau chose to use Leiber as the piano player in the movie, claiming Leiber looked like a piano player (if there is such a look).
CASTING THE PIANO PLAYER
"YOU'RE SO YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL" (Movie Scene - Click Here)
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PLOT: SPOILER ALERT
CAST
PLOT (CONTINUES)
Play Trailer
In a barroom brawl with John Daheim.
Vince Everett (played by Elvis Presley) is a young construction worker who accidentally kills a man (played by Sol Gorss) in a barroom fight. Sentenced to two years in prison for manslaughter, he strikes up a friendship with his cellmate, Hank Houghton (played by Mickey Shaughnessy), who was imprisoned for a bank robbery. Hank teaches Vince the ropes of prison life and offers him the opportunity to join his prison gang. Vince turns down Hank's offer to become one of his prison minions, and chooses to work in the coal yard, declining the cushy post office job run by Hank.
Hank, who is also the penitentiary entertainer, discovers Vince has musical talent and mentors Vince by giving him guitar lessons. When Hank is put in charge of a prison telecast to cover up the Warden's cruel prison abuses and violations, he convinces Vince to perform in the televised production. Vince becomes the hit of the show and fan mail pours into the prison for Vince, not Hank. An envious Hank who is in charge of prison mail pays off his flunkies to keep quiet about Vince's mail and assures them the warden won't tell Vince about his fan mail either. Following this devious act, Hank practices more trickery by conning young Vince into signing an entertainment contract for an equal partnership when they are both released from prison.
Upon Vince's release, Hunk puts him in contact with a buddy of his, Sam Brewster (played by Percy Helton), who owns the Club La Florita nightclub. Hunk assures Vince that Sam will give him a job.
Upon Vince's release, Hunk puts him in contact with a buddy of his, Sam Brewster (played by Percy Helton), who owns the Club La Florita nightclub. Hunk assures Vince that Sam will give him a job.
Movie Rental
JAILHOUSE ROCK
JAILHOUSE ROCK
PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED)
PLOT
PLOT (CONTINUES)
PHOTOGRAPH: Argument prior to barroom fight.
Finally free from prison, Vince rents a room, finds a pawn shop to acquire a guitar, and finds his way to Club La Florita. There he meets and lightly argues with Peggy Van Alden (played by Judy Tyler), a song promoter for a pop singer named Mickey Alba (played by Don Burnett). When Vince approaches club owner Sam Brewster for a singing job, Sam informs him the gig is not for an entertainer; it's for a bar boy. Not to be denied the opportunity to show Sam that he has talent, Vince jumps on the stage and performs "YOU'RE SO YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL." Peggy immediately notices something special about Vince's singing. When one of the male customers in the club continues to be disruptive during Vince's performance, Vince flies into a rage and smashes his guitar on the table where the rude customer is seated.
Leaving the club with no job and no guitar, Peggy chases after Vince coaxing, flirting, and offering him a ride. He accepts. While sitting in her parked car, Peggy convinces Vince to make a recording in the studio so he can assess his sound.
Later while Vince waits in the studio, Peggy shows up with a backup band (the Blue Moon Boys and Jerry Leiber on piano). Vince records "DON'T LEAVE ME NOW." Vince expresses how dissatisfied he is with the first recording, so he ditches the borrowed guitar he used in the first recording and re-records the song with a lot more sex appeal and gusto.
Peggy takes Vince to Geneva Records to pitch the song to Jack Lease (played by Peter Adams). Lease tells them he's not interested because they are only going with established artists. Upon hearing Peggy say she will pitch the song to MGM Records, Lease tells them he will play the song for D.L. in New York (I'm guessing D.L. is the prominent recording executive of Geneva Records?).
The fact that he bought drinks for the whole bar at the beginning of the movie, tells us his character is not a leech.) Irritated now over his lack of concern or care about being late, Peggy informs the unenthused Vince that she sold his record to a new label called Deltona, and how excited they were about the song. She attempts to lighten the mood by saying why don't the two of them just enjoy a nice meal and go to her parent's house afterward.
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In the next scene, while Vince sits in his room reading more of his prison fan mail, Peggy calls and informs Vince that New York didn't like the tape, but she would pitch the song to another record label. They make plans to meet for dinner.
Vince shows up late for dinner, asking Peggy if she's eaten yet when she complains about his tardiness. (Side Note: The movie line says Vince was sleeping but doesn't make it clear if Vince showed up late due to embarrassment over not being able to pay for the meal.
JAILHOUSE ROCK
PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED)
PLOT
PLOT (CONTINUES)
PHOTOGRAPH: Vince hosting a party with girlfriend, Sherry Wilson and personal assistant, Hunk Houghton.
away telling him his cheap tactics won't work with her. So he grabs her and kisses her again. When he lets her go, Vince lays on a classic film response, "It ain't tactics, honey; it's just the beast in me." Vince walks away, leaving Peggy stunned on the sidewalk.
Later when Peggy visits Vince at his hotel room, he tells her how he slapped Lease a few times and that he wanted to make another record. This time they would start their own record company, where Vince would get 51% and Peggy 49% because he was the artist as well. Peggy agrees to his terms. She begins flirting heavily with him by lying next to him on his bed asking him if he could dance. However, the only thing Vince is thinking about is getting a lawyer and building his new record company; leaving Peggy in need of a cold shower.
In the next scene, they approach Attorney Shores (played by Vaughn Taylor), who informs them that he won't manage their business until he is certain of their earning potential.
JAILHOUSE ROCK
Peggy and Vince arrive at her parent's during a party they're giving (it appears to be a party guest of professors like her father). The party's conversation turns to their objection to some of the modern jazz artists. One of the party guests asks Vince his opinion on the subject. Vince rudely tells her he doesn't know what the hell she was talking about, and storms out of the house. Peggy chases after him, angrily scolds him about his crude behavior, and says she's going to hate him. Vince tells her he "ain't gonna" let her hate him, grabs Peggy in his arms, and kisses her. She pulls
Peggy and Vince visit the record shop on the release date for Vince's record, "DON'T LEAVE ME NOW," when Vince apologizes for his behavior at her parent's house. When they see and hear the record, they are outraged that Jack Lease of Geneva Records stole the song and the arrangement, and gave it to Mickey Alba to record. Vince handles the situation by giving Lease a surprise visit. While he's there, he slaps Lease around, calls him a snake, and leaves Lease sitting in his office looking shocked and frightened.
So they set out to build Laurel Records. Vince records his first single on their new label, "TREAT ME NICE." They pound the pavement nationwide plugging the song to record stores and radio stations. Finally, Peggy gets the attention of Deejay Teddy Talbot (played by Dean Jones), who not only airs the song for her but gets a date with her as well. Unfortunately, Talbot plays the song in the background of a dog food commercial. When he receives numerous calls complaining about how the song couldn't be heard over the dog food advertisement, he apologizes to his listeners and plays the record without interruption. The song becomes an immediate hit. When record sales rise, Atty. Shores accepts legal management of Laurel Records.
JAILHOUSE ROCK
PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED)
PLOT
PLOT (CONTINUES)
PHOTOGRAPH: Vince and Peggy meeting with Attorney Shores.
Celebrating success, Vince finally decides to take a romantic interest in Peggy but learns the hard way that she didn't wait around for him to notice her. As a result of stubborn behavior on both their parts, they build a thick barrier between each other, never admitting the strong feelings they have for one another.
After the hit record, better contracts came through the door building an even larger fan base. When a television show is planned, Vince throws a party (Lamar Fike shows his smooth moves, LOL). When Peggy unexpectedly shows up and sees Vince gnawing on the neck of a new singer, Laury Jackson (played by Anne Neyland), she becomes jealous, cold, and angry. Vince responds sarcastically but softens his demeanor when Peggy turns to leave. As she's walking out the door, Hunk Houghton, freed from prison is in the doorway. Hunk uses guilt to persuade Vince into giving him a spot on the upcoming television show even though Vince warns him that music has changed in the twenty years he's been out of the entertainment field; Hunk doesn't listen.
As Vince's star rises, he is approached by Climax Studios in Hollywood to film a movie. Upon meeting his co-star Sherry Wilson (played by Jennifer Holden), they are asked by the studio to drum up publicity for the film by being seen in public together. Vince courts her cheaply by taking her to Knott's Berry Farm, a racetrack, and out to dine on hamburgers at the zoo; not exactly what she expected because all of her reactions are filled with disgust. Later, her attitude changes when Vince lays a long and passionate kiss on her during movie rehearsals, resulting in the two of them seeing each other romantically outside of the studio.
JAILHOUSE ROCK
During the show's production, Vince performs "JAILHOUSE ROCK" and the famous dance scene. Following Vince's outstanding performance, Hunk sings an outdated country tune which the producers immediately drop from the program.
Back home after the show, Vince is upset that he has not received any news from Peggy regarding the success of his television special. Hunk, on the other hand, sits dejected because his act was cut. Hunk tries to con Vince into sticking to their prison contract. Wisely, Vince had already spoken to his lawyer, Mr. Shores, who informed him that the contract was not binding. In a moment of pity and poor judgment, Vince offers Hunk a job as his assistant for ten percent, not the original 50% they had agreed on in prison. Hunk considers Vince's high-earning potential and accepts the offer.
JAILHOUSE ROCK
PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED)
PLOT
BACK TO MOVIE DIRECTORY
PHOTOGRAPH: First day of prison life.
THE END
Vince throws a party and performs an upbeat tune "YOU'RE SO SQUARE, BABY I DON'T CARE," to party guests who stand as stiff as statues; not a finger-snapping or a hand-clapping, except for one woman in black pants.
After the performance, Hunk shows his envious colors again with a snide comment, which Vince blows off. While Sherry is vying for Vince's attention, he becomes shocked but happy when Peggy makes an appearance. Quickly he becomes irritated when she tells him she showed up seeking another song to record.
Later when Vince gives Hunk a request to order drinks for the staff, Hunk becomes angry and shows it with a snide "your majesty" remark. So Vince gives Hunk orders to walk his dogs. Hunk warns Vince that there is only so much a man will take. Again, Vince naively shrugs off Hunk's remarks.
Later that evening, Vince informs Peggy how he has decided to sell Laurel Records to Geneva. Peggy doesn't want to sell and is extremely upset over the news. She runs out crying. When Hunk sees how upset she is, he starts a fight with Vince who refuses to hit him back. In a final blow, Hunk socks Vince in the throat leaving Vince on the floor unable to breathe. Hunk realizes what he's done, calls for help, and Vince is rushed to the hospital.
Hunk and Peggy are informed by the operating surgeon (played by Francis De Sales) that Vince may not recover his singing voice. Hunk apologizes to Vince for what he's done and seems honestly remorseful. When Peggy visits Vince, they finally acknowledge their love for each other.
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Attorney Shores shows up to the party as well with news about an offer. Geneva Records wants to purchase Laurel Records with Vince being under an exclusive contract for recordings. The deal in their eyes is too good to pass up, but Vince insists on being the one to tell Peggy about the sale of their label.
When Vince is released from the hospital and comfortably back at home, he's hesitant about trying out his voice even though the doctor has assured him that he has fully recovered. With a solo piano accompaniment, Vince puts his voice to the test and burst into "YOUNG AND BEAUTIFUL" with Peggy at his side.
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