The early sixties offered a ton of musical films that
offered teen idols in various roles. This was the time of Frankie and Annette
at the beach, juvenile delinquents in hot rods and Elvis doing just about
everything from working a carnival to being in the Army. All of them made tons
of money and in the case of Elvis cemented him in mega league stardom.
This time around in KID GALAHAD Elvis is ex-G.I. Walter
Gulik heading home who stops in the small town of Cream Valley, NY to visit.
This was the town he was born in before he was raised by an aunt in KY after
his parents passed away. Looking for work as a mechanic he’s told he might want
to check in at Gaelic Gardens, a boxing camp run by Willy Grogan (Gig Young).
When he arrives looking for work he meets Dolly (Lola
Albright), Willy’s long time love who helps him around the place hoping for the
day they will marry. When Willy finally arrives he tells him he has nothing for
him until he realizes he has no one to spar with a fighter on hand. Willy’s
main trainer Lew (Charles Bronson) tells him this is murder but Walter needs to
money so agrees. The surprise of all times happens as Walter appears to be
getting beaten badly only to knock out his competition.
With dollar signs in his eyes Willy sees this as an
opportunity and offers to train Walter. In need of money Walter agrees. But
there is more to meet the eye in Willy. A terrible gambler he is in deep debt
and on the edge of losing everything. In addition to that a mobster involved in
the fight racket thinks he overheard a conversation that could land him behind
bars. To make sure this doesn’t happen he sends two thugs to watch over Willy.
Helping to keep the camp afloat is Willy’s sister Rose (Joan
Blackman) who sends him money. With his latest request she shows up herself to
make sure things are running smoothly. Along the way she catches the eye of
Walter and the two fall in love.
Walter begins to fight and does well for himself but you
know a conflict is coming up. As the town rallies behind the home town boy, the
mob wants to make sure their guy wins. They step in to let Willy know and now
he’s faced with the options of disappointing everyone in his life or bowing
before the mob.
The movie offers plenty of drama, a touch of romance for
Elvis and plenty of songs for him to sing. That was the standard formula for
most of the movies he made. A number of people would call his films, including
this one, hokey but you know what? It works. It makes for an enjoyable film that
doesn’t have to be taken seriously and can be watched over and over again. This
is not high drama or Oscar material. This is pure fun.
And interesting to watch in the film is Bronson in a side
role. For most of us growing up in the late sixties and into the seventies he
was a major star in Hollywood. He’d done solid work up to this point but he
shows here that he could actually act and wasn’t just a tough guy as he was
later portrayed. Elvis too does a fine job here. The role doesn’t call for
subtle nuance but he brings out the innocence of the character while at the
same time shows him as one not to take guff from anyone. All in all the movie
is just a good time to enjoy.
Twilight Time has brought the film to us in their usual well
done style with a great looking transfer. Extras include the original
theatrical trailer and an isolated score and effects track. As with all their
titles the movie is limited to just 3,000 copies so if you’re an Elvis fan make
sure to pick this one up before they’re no longer in stock.
Click here to order.
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