SCRIPT CHANGES ELVIS ROSE TO THIS DRAMATIC CHALLENGE, PROVING HE WAS A FIRST-RATE ACTOR. Glenn Tyler played by Elvis in the beginning scene knocking out his alcoholic lazy brother, Hank Tyler, played by Red West. MOVIE TRAILER - CLICK HERE WILD IN THE COUNTRY "WILD IN THE COUNTRY" was Elvis's seventh feature film. His portrayal of Glenn Tyler was one of his best performances. It is unfortunate that Elvis would only receive one additional dramatic role ("CHARRO!") during the remainder of his acting career. MOVIE DIRECTORY SCRIPT CHANGES This scene was removed from the ending to change Irene Sperry's suicide to a suicide attempt. WILD IN THE COUNTRY "WILD IN THE COUNTRY" is a portrait of a dysfunctional family based on the 1958 novel "THE LOST COUNTRY" written by J. R. Salamanca. In the original script which kept the storyline intact, Irene Sperry commits suicide. However, when preview audiences were disturbed by the original script, the scene was reshot making it a suicide "attempt" rather than the actual suicide. With that change, they changed the ending as well. Originally Millie Perkins's character, Betty Lee Parsons, and John Ireland's character, Phil Macy, were at the train station seeing Glenn Tyler off to college. This part of the script was changed to Irene Sperry seeing him off instead. MOVIE DIRECTORY The original screenplay was written by the playwright, Clifford Odets, who followed the storyline of the book. PREVIOUS MISSING SCENE Strangely, Hope Lange was cast for the role of Irene Sperry, a much older woman in the story. Lange was only two years older than Elvis, making the casting of Lange a bit ridiculous, but that's Hollywood. "THE LOST COUNTRY" (Click Here) WILD IN THE COUNTRY In one scene, Betty Lee slaps Glenn. Millie Perkins suffered a broken arm while doing the scene, and before the film was released, the scene ended up being cut out of the movie. MISSING SCENE SCRIPT CHANGES LOCATION MOVIE DIRECTORY LOCATION WILD IN THE COUNTRY "WILD IN THE COUNTRY" has a complex number of social ills which include adultery, single motherhood, incest, child neglect and abuse, suicide, and alcoholism. In the midst of all of these human misfortunes, 20th Century Foxs' filmmakers included some very memorable and breathtaking scenery. MISSING SCENE The story took place in what was supposed to be Shenandoah Valley, Virginia but was filmed on location in Napa Valley, California, and 20th Century Fox Studios. During filming, most of the cast and crew were able to stay at Casa Beliveau (which has since been torn down) in Napa Valley, but Elvis created such an uproar at the motel that he had to be moved to the St. Helena home. BOX OFFICE The opening scene was filmed along portions of the Napa River which in 1979 was renamed Casa Nuestra Winery. Calistoga's downtown Main Street was used as the hometown and residence of Rolfe and Noreen Braxton. The St. Helena home was used to film Irene Sperry's house and is presently one of Napa Valley’s top-rated inns. It has been renamed The Ink House where the room Elvis resided during filming can still be rented. The hospital fundraiser dance was filmed at the Cameo Cinema, an old movie theater still in operation in downtown St. Helena. An 1885 barn near The Ink House was used to film the garage where Irene Sperry attempts suicide. MOVIE DIRECTORY BOX OFFICE WILD IN THE COUNTRY Twentieth Century Fox released the film on Thursday, June 8, 1961, in Memphis, Tennessee, which Elvis did not attend. It is rumored that Elvis chose not to attend because of the expectation for him to perform, and if that were the case, Elvis would have to be paid $25,000, his standard fee for small-town shows. LOCATION CAST It was released in New York City on Friday, June 9, 1961, and nationally on Thursday, June 15, 1961. Elvis received a salary of $300,000 plus fifty percent of net profits. Per his contract, filming had to be completed by January 21, 1961, or his rate would increase to nearly $3,500 per day. MOVIE DIRECTORY Elvis Presley as Glenn Tyler Millie Perkins playing girlfriend, Betty Lee Parsons. BOX OFFICE CAST CONTINUES Hope Lange as Irene Sperry Tuesday Weld as Noreen Braxton Millie Perkins as Betty Lee Parsons John Ireland as Phil Macy Gary Lockwood as Cliff Macy William Mims as Uncle Rolfe Braxton Christina Crawford as Monica George CAST Harry Shannon as Sam Tyler Will Corry as Willie Dace WILD IN THE COUNTRY MOVIE DIRECTORY Irene Sperry played by Hope Lange in an intimate scene with Glenn Tyler played by Elvis Presley. BOX OFFICE CAST CONTINUES Raymond Greenleaf as Dr. Underwood CAST (CONTINUED) Red West as Hank Tyler Jason Robards, Sr. as Judge Tom Parker Ruby Goodwin as Sarah Doreen Lang as Mrs. Parsons Charles Arnt as Mr. Parsons Robin Raymond as Flossie (Phil Macy's Secretary) WILD IN THE COUNTRY MOVIE DIRECTORY WILD IN THE COUNTRY Scene still at High Tension Grove. CAST CAST (CONTINUES) Alan Napier as Prof. Joe B. Larson Linden Chiles as Doctor Walter Baldwin as Mr. Spangler (Spangler Motel Owner) Pat Buttram as Mr. Longstreet (Garage Owner) Chester Jones as Messenger CAST (CONTINUED) Rafer Johnson as Davis (Phil Macy's Intern) Mike Lally as Milk Bottle Bazaar Concessionaire Jack Orrison as Dr. Creston (Questioner at Inquest) MOVIE DIRECTORY Movie scene with Tuesday Weld. CAST PLOT NEXT CAST (CONTINUED) Tuesday Weld, Hope Lange, and Millie Perkins were chosen as Elvis's co-stars. Unlike most of the colorless co-stars of the blueprint musical comedies Elvis was later contracted to do, these three women were successful in their portrayals of the solid female characters in the film. WILD IN THE COUNTRY MOVIE DIRECTORY WILD IN THE COUNTRY PLOT: SPOILER ALERT CAST PLOT (CONTINUES) At the onset of "WILD IN THE COUNTRY," we find Glenn Tyler (played by Elvis Presley) in a fight with his brother, Hank Tyler (played by Red West). Their father, Sam Tyler (played by Harry Shannon), is joyful with laughter while Hank is getting the upper hand in the fight. His joy is cut short when Glenn knocks Hank out with a footstool which landed Glenn in jail. RENT OR PURCHASE MOVIE - CLICK HERE MOVIE DIRECTORY WILD IN THE COUNTRY PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED) PLOT PLOT (CONTINUES) On the day of Glenn’s court hearing, his father who shows up late writes him off as hopeless and in need of rehabilitation. However, the board discusses Glenn's predicament. How he was only nine years old when his mother died and his love for reading. As a result, the board decides to release Glenn in the custody of his mother's cousin, Uncle Rolfe Braxton (played by William Mims), a conniving tonic manufacturer who offers Glenn a place to live and a job at his distillery, Braxton Health Tonics. In addition, Glenn is ordered to report to his parole officer once a week and is assigned a psychiatrist, Irene Sperry (played by Hope Lange). MOVIE DIRECTORY PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED) BELOW: Another scene that was removed when the suicide attempt wasn't successful. WILD IN THE COUNTRY After the parole hearing, Phil Macy (played by John Ireland) and Irene Sperry lightly discuss Glenn's case and Phil's empathy towards Glenn because of his own experience. Phil also tries to spark up his former adulterous relationship with Irene, but she declines and lets him know it is over between the two of them. When Glenn and his uncle arrive at the combination home and distillery, the job with Braxton Health Tonics and living conditions are less than ideal. With only a bunk in the basement where the distillery is located, his uncle promises to build a shower for Glenn. Fast-talking Braxton gives Glenn a brief explanation of how the business works. PLOT PLOT (CONTINUES) Rolfe Braxton and his daughter Noreen reside upstairs in the house where Glenn joins them for meals. That same evening, after settling down to dinner with his Uncle Rolfe and cousin, Noreen Braxton (played by Tuesday Weld), Glenn inquires about his wages. He asks several times and is displeased when his uncle tells him the pay is $12.50 a week. MOVIE DIRECTORY WILD IN THE COUNTRY PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED) PLOT MOVIE DIRECTORY PLOT (CONTINUES) Later that evening, Glenn's longtime girlfriend, Betty Lee Parsons (played by Millie Perkins), visits Glenn. He informs her how he is scheduled to visit his parole officer and psychiatrist, Irene Sperry, while the curious Betty Lee busies herself asking Glenn several questions about his cousin Noreen’s infant and missing husband. Glenn shows up extremely hostile to his first counseling session with Irene Sperry. When she gives back as good as she gets, his hostility subsides and he begins to open up about his family and his dreams. When the subject turns to his mother, he explains how his mother. How his mother was worked to death before his ninth birthday but wanted Glenn to attend college. When the memories of his mother begin to shed melancholy upon Glenn's mood, the meeting ends with Irene scheduling another appointment for Glenn to return. Elvis as Glenn Tyler in a scene with William Mims as Rolfe Braxton and Tuesday Weld as Noreen Braxton. Back at Braxton Health Tonic, Glenn inquirers about the much-needed shower. His uncle invites him to bathe upstairs where he and his daughter reside. Glenn takes his Uncle Rolfe up on the offer. WILD IN THE COUNTRY PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED) PLOT PLOT (CONTINUES) Elvis as Glenn Tyler in a scene with Hope Lange as Irene Sperry on their way to the University. Noreens’ protests fall on deaf ears, but when Glenn is out of earshot, it is revealed that Noreen never had a husband, but Braxton believes Glenn is gullible enough to become a husband and father to Noreen and her baby. Noreen is against the matchmaking idea and threatens to run away as her mother did. Betty Lee waits on her family's front porch for Glenn to show up. When he arrives late, he explains to her how his uncle embarrassed him by trying to pressure him into taking his cousin Noreen, to the picture show. Due to the lateness of the hour, they decide to go to High Tension Grove where they run into Cliff Macy (played by Gary Lockwood), Monica George (played by Christina Crawford), and Willie Dace (played by Will Cory). Cliff orders his flunky, Dace, to invite Betty Lee and Glenn to have a drink with them. The couple declines the offer. Betty Lee and Glenn settle into their own space and discuss how Cliff Macy with all of his money was jealous of Glenn courting Betty Lee. So furious about the reality of the couple that Cliff falsely reported to the police that Glenn stole a car after he loaned it to him. When Cliff interrupts the happy couple, Glenn argues with Cliff about the auto theft he lied about which resulted in a strike on his record. MOVIE DIRECTORY WILD IN THE COUNTRY PLOT SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED) PLOT (CONTINUES) PLOT MOVIE DIRECTORY During a therapy session with Irene Sperry played by Hope Lange. would mention how he would like to write, and how the dream was met negatively. As the meeting came to a close, Irene suggested to Glenn how he should write down the events of his date at High Tension Grove and to make sure he wrote it exactly as he described it to her. Irene visits Phil’s office. Outside of his failed attempt at reigniting their relationship, he states the reason he asked her to his office was to discuss his son, Cliff. Phil blames Cliff's behavior on his mother, Cliff has an athletic heart and is living too fast for his health. He asks Irene to talk to Cliff professionally, but she declines because of their past affair, how she would not be objective, and that she will find him a different psychiatrist for his son. That evening after Glenn takes his uncle to the bowling alley, he arrives back home to find Noreen on the stairs drinking her father's tonic. She tells Glenn all about the matrimonial plan her father has laid out for them. She admits the ring on her finger is fake and so is the story about having a husband. She reveals how she truly does have feelings for Glenn and proposes taking some of her father's money and running away together. Glenn declines the offer. Glenn takes his completed High Tension Grove story to his next meeting with Irene. They discuss the characters in his story. He explains how he has two girls, Betty Lee and Noreen, with two roads to choose from. Irene opens his eyes to a third road. The road his mother wanted for him, which was to get a college education because he is a brilliant writer; a gift that can't be taught. Glenn becomes unhinged when she discusses showing his writing to a professor friend of hers, but she asks him to at least think about showing his work. The dinner was burning the following Sunday at Betty Lee Parsons home because she skipped church to be with Glenn for the day. When her parents arrive back home and her father finds them making out, he chases Glenn off of his property and tells him never to return. At Glenn’s next meeting with Irene, he tells her of his altercation with Cliff Macy at High Tension Grove. He discloses his journals and Irene inquirers whether he ever thought to write seriously because he has a talent for words. He tells her how every once in a while he WILD IN THE COUNTRY PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED) PLOT CONTINUES MOVIE DIRECTORY After the horrible incident at the Parson's residence, Glenn takes up with Noreen. They get drunk and drive over to Irene Sperry's house. While in a drunken stupor, Glenn starts shouting about wanting his story back and how Irene doesn't care about him. The next day Irene returns Glenn's story to him. He apologizes for the night before and tells her he doesn't want to continue his meetings because gifted people get knocked around, and he doesn't want to be knocked around anymore. On the evening of Noreen's birthday, Noreen, Glenn, and Uncle Rolfe attend the Sycamore Hospital Fund Raiser. Uncle Rolfe believes his matchmaking scheme seems to be going his way. To move things along a little faster, Rolfe makes up a story about Noreen's husband passing away. He tells Glenn if he and Noreen got together, he would give him a partnership in the Braxton business. Glenn tells his uncle he should let Noreen grieve, but his uncle insists how the news of matrimony could soften the blow. Glenn lets it be known that he knows the entire story is a lie. Uncle Rolfe becomes angry, loud, aggressive, and grabs Glenn. Glenn shakes him loose by knocking him down, running away, and taking his uncle’s truck. A scene with Irene Sperry played by Hope Lange. PLOT WILD IN THE COUNTRY PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED) PLOT PLOT (CONTINUES) With nowhere else to turn, Glenn runs to Betty Lee's house to borrow money to run away. Betty Lee talks Glenn into staying and fighting, so they phone Irene Sperry for help. We can assume that Irene asked a favor of Phil Macy because in the next scene Phil gives Rolfe Braxton a visit. When Rolfe insists on pressing charging against Glenn, Phil brings up a case of a recently widowed client of his, whom he convinced to drop charges against Rolfe, after being sold hundreds of dollars of a tonic Rolfe claimed would cure cancer. With the knowledge of the scam being known, Braxton backs down from pressing charges. Glenn procured other employment at an auto garage owned by Mr. Longstreet (played by Pat Buttram). Noreen who is still in love with Glenn stops by to bring him the guitar she gave him and warns him about her father still being angry. After the incident with his uncle, Glenn resumes his counseling sessions with Irene Sperry. At his next session, he takes Irene the polished-up version of his High Tension Grove story. She opens up to him and reveals she was once married to, Paul Sperry, who was young like Glenn when he died. Publicity still. MOVIE DIRECTORY WILD IN THE COUNTRY PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED) PLOT PLOT (CONTINUES) Irene and Glenn drive to State University in Radford, Virginia, to show her friend, Professor Joe B. Larson (played by Alan Napier), Glenn's work. Prof. Larson is pleasantly impressed with Glenn’s writing. It begins to rain heavily on the ride home, forcing the car to skid. Glenn takes the wheel. They decide to stop off at a motel overnight. They take separate rooms, but as luck would have it, Cliff Macy shows up at the same motel with Monica George. Not only does Cliff see Irene Sperry's and Glenn Tyler's names in the guest directory, but he also spots the shadows of Irene and Glenn in one of the rooms together. Meanwhile, Irene visits Glenn in his room only to suggest that they should drive home, but Glenn reminds her that her car is unsafe to drive. Before she leaves, Glenn opens up about loving her. Irene turns and leaves without responding. Glenn goes to Irene's room and they begin to get intimate. Before they let things get too far, Irene stops. Glenn asks if she wants him to leave, and she does. He leaves. Nothing happens. MOVIE DIRECTORY WILD IN THE COUNTRY PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED) PLOT PLOT (CONTINUES) When they get back to town, Irene refuses Glenns' calls, accepts Phil's marriage proposal, but lets him know she's running away from another man. A promotional shot for the movie, "Wild In The Country." A still angry Rolfe Braxton goes to Glenn's new employer and questions Mr. Longstreet about a guitar Glenn stole. Mr. Longstreet doesn't believe Glenn stole anything but was very open about the motel rumor Cliff Macy has been spreading around town. Upon hearing this juicy gossip, Rolfe gives Phil Macy a visit, letting him know of the rumor his son was spreading around town. MOVIE DIRECTORY WILD IN THE COUNTRY PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED) PLOT PLOT (CONTINUES) Scene with Betty Lee Parsons played by Millie Perkins. When Phil confronts his son, Cliff, about the rumor, Cliff lets his father know how angry he is about his cheating on his mother and how he feels about Irene Sperry. Phil loses his temper and he delivers a blow to his son. After leaving Irene’s house, Glenn collects Noreen to run away with him. They take her father's money. While on the road, Glenn decides to stop off at High Tension Grove where he gets into a heated argument with Cliff Macy. Glenn hits Cliff one time and down Cliff goes. After many unreturned calls, Glenn finally catches Irene at home. He confesses his love again and proposes, but she tells him it won't work and how he needs to concentrate on his future. She tells him that her first husband who was also very young went out on a rainy night and got into an accident that killed him. She blames herself and sees the same thing happening with Glenn. Glenn asks her if she loves him, but she doesn't answer. Right then Phil Macy enters telling Glenn that Irene has agreed to marry him. Glenn storms out of Irene's house but not before threatening Phil's son and telling Irene he never wants to see her again. Irene runs after Glenn with Phil close behind. He asks her if the motel rumors are true and she tells him no. He asks her if she's in love with Glenn, and she admits that she is. MOVIE DIRECTORY WILD IN THE COUNTRY PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED) PLOT PLOT (CONTINUES) Another scene with Millie Perkins that was cut from the movie. While back on the road, the state police catch up to Glenn and take him in for manslaughter from the blow he delivered to Cliff Macy. On the day of Glenn’s hearing, Irene goes to Phil Macy’s office where he tells her he wants Glenn punished. Everyone in town makes their way to the courthouse to see whether Glenn will be criminally charged. During the inquest, Irene tells the judge how Phil informed her that his son, Cliff, had a weak heart; Phil denies it. Irene leaves the courtroom and returns home. She sends her housekeeper Sarah (played by Ruby Goodwin), to the post office to mail a special delivery letter to Professor Larson. When Sarah leaves, Irene blames herself for the tragic turn of events, grabs her car keys, goes into the garage, closes the doors, and turns on her car's engine. MOVIE DIRECTORY WILD IN THE COUNTRY PLOT: SPOILER ALERT (CONTINUED) PLOT BACK TO MOVIE DIRECTORY Irene Sperry's suicide attempt. The courtroom messenger (played by Chester Jones) delivers a message to the hearing committee about Irene's suicide attempt. Upon this disastrous news, Phil recants his statement about his son's heart and admits he struck his son the same night Glenn did. Glenn is released and runs to Irene's side. When she is revived, Glenn begs her not to leave him. Noreen shows up at the train station but stays in the shadows as she looks on at Glenn and Irene saying their goodbyes. He boards the train for college. THE END In the very last scene, we see Glenn walking towards the university's entrance. SOUNDTRACK SOUNDTRACK Recording sessions took place on November 7 and 8, 1960, at Radio Recorders in Hollywood, California, under the supervision of producer Urban Thielmann. Five songs were recorded for the film, all ballads with "Lonely Man" and "Forget Me Never" left out of the film. Since "Wild in the Country" showcased Presley as the actor rather than the singing star, RCA elected to release neither a long-playing album nor an EP as the soundtrack for a Presley film. The Colonel promised 20th Century Fox to assist with promotion by releasing some songs on singles. Despite being cut from the film, "Lonely Man" was the first song from the score to be released, appearing on February 7, 1961, as catalog 47-7850b, the B-side of Presley's chart-topping hit single, "Surrender." The title track to the film, "Wild in the Country", was released on the very next single, catalog 47-7880b on May 2, 1961, as the B-side of the No.5 hit "I Feel So Bad." Both B-sides made the Billboard Hot 100 independently of their A-sides, "Lonely Man" peaking at No.32 and "Wild in the Country" at No.26. The songs "In My Way" and "Forget Me Never" would be included on the 1965 anniversary compilation album Elvis for Everyone, while "I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell" appeared on the 1961 album Something for Everybody. MOVIE POSTER PREVIOUS SOUNDTRACK (CONTINUES) MOVIE DIRECTORY CONTINUED The soundtrack was re-released on the "Follow That Dream" collectors label with unreleased outtakes of all the songs. "Wild in the Country" (George Weiss, Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore) "I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell" (Ben Weisman, Fred Wise) "In My Way" (Ben Weisman, Fred Wise) "Husky Dusky Day" (a cappella duet with Hope Lange) (unknown recording date and location) Elvis Presley – vocals, guitar The Jordanaires – background vocals Scotty Moore – electric guitars Tiny Timbrell – acoustic guitars Jimmie Haskell – accordion Dudley Brooks – piano Meyer Rubin – double bass D.J. Fontana – drums PREVIOUS SOUNDTRACK (CONTINUES) MOVIE DIRECTORY SOUNDTRACK SOUNDTRACK (CONTINUED) Serenading Noreen Braxton played by Tuesday Weld. WILD IN THE COUNTRY MOVIE DIRECTORY SOUNDTRACK Twentieth Century Fox insisted on inserting four songs into the script, but then the drama was not intended to be a musical. However clumsily the songs were inserted into the film, it didn’t take away from the seriousness of the storyline. "WILD IN THE COUNTRY" "I SLIPPED, I STUMBLED, I FELL" "IN MY WAY" "HUSKY DUSKY DAY" Movie theme song Sung along with the radio Serenaded to Tuesday Weld's character, Noreen Braxton Duet sung by Elvis and Hope Lange in road trip style