Kid Galahad

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For other uses, see Kid Galahad (disambiguation).
Kid Galahad
Directed by Phil Karlson
Produced by David Weisbart
Written by Francis Wallace
William Fay
Starring Elvis Presley
Lola Albright
Gig Young
Joan Blackman
Charles Bronson
Music by Jeff Alexander
Cinematography Burnett Guffey
Editing by Stuart Gilmore
Studio The Mirisch Company
Distributed by United Artists
Release date(s) August 11, 1962 (1962-08-11)
Running time 96 minutes
Country United States
Language English

Kid Galahad is a 1962 musical film starring Elvis Presley as a boxer. The film was released by United Artists. The film opened at #9 at the box office when released in the United States in August 1962. Variety ranked the film at #37 on the list of the top-grossing films of 1962.

The film was shot on location in Idyllwild, California and is noted for having a strong supporting cast. Most critics rate it as one of Elvis Presley's best performances.

The film is a remake of the 1937 original version starring Edward G. Robinson, Bette Davis, and Humphrey Bogart and directed by Michael Curtiz, who also directed the Elvis Presley 1958 film King Creole.

Contents

[edit] Synopsis

Willy Grogan is a small-time boxing promoter, based in the Catskills resort region of Green Valley, New York. He owns the Grogan's Gaelic Gardens inn. He has debts to pay and often pays too little attention to the woman who loves him, Dolly. Into their midst comes Walter, a young man recently discharged from the Army who loves the peaceful setting almost as much as he loves working on old cars. Walter's simple goal is to go into business as a mechanic at a nearby garage.

One day he intercedes on a lady's behalf and decks one of Willy's top fighters. Willy is persuaded to let this "Galahad" take a shot in a legitimate ring. Both men are reluctant, but each has a need for the money. Walter begins working out under the watchful eye of Willy's top trainer, Lew.

The attractive Rose, younger sister of Willy, shows up unexpectedly. She and Walter almost immediately hit it off. The obsessively protective Willy doesn't want his kid sister falling for some "grease monkey" mechanic and two-bit boxer. Dolly is envious of the young couple's romance and resents Willy's interference.

After several successes in the ring, Walter is readied for his biggest fight. Gangsters want him to take a dive so that Willy can pay off his debts to them, but "Galahad" throws his muscle behind Willy and emerges victorious. He wins the big fight against Ramon "Sugar Boy" Romero as well as Willy's approval, retiring undefeated to his vintage car and his new love.

Charles Bronson and Elvis Presley on a 1962 United Artists 11" x 14" lobby card.

[edit] Primary Cast

[edit] Background

For this role Presley was tutored in the arts of pugilism by former world junior welterweight champ Mushy Callahan, who appeared in the film.[1] Reigning welterweight champion Orlando De La Fuente also appeared as Ramon "Sugar Boy" Romero. Shooting began in early November of 1961 in Hidden Lodge, Idyllwild, California, before a storm forced a move to Hollywood. Director Phil Karlson directed Walking Tall in 1973 and the Matt Helm films The Silencers (1966) and The Wrecking Crew (1969) starring Dean Martin. Gig Young won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in the 1969 film They Shoot Horses, Don't They?.

[edit] Soundtrack

Kid Galahad
EP by Elvis Presley
Released August 1962
Recorded October 1961
Genre Soundtrack
Length 14:03
Label RCA Records
Producer Jeff Alexander
Elvis Presley chronology
Follow That Dream
(1962)		 Kid Galahad
(1962)		 Viva Las Vegas
(1964)

Recording sessions took place on October 26 and 27, 1961, at Radio Recorders Studios in Hollywood, California. At this point in his career Presley had a proven sales track record, and up to 300 demos were often submitted for a single film, even given the requisite publishing arrangements favorable toward the companies owned by Elvis and the Colonel, Elvis Presley Music and Gladys Music.[2] As the plots for Presley films became interchangeable, songs rejected for a certain storyline could later be used for an entirely different film, as with "A Whistling Tune" which had been omitted from Presley's previous film but found a place here instead.[2]

Six songs were recorded for the film and the soundtrack issued as an extended play single in August 1962 to coincide with the film's premiere. The soundtrack EP reached #30 on the Billboard Hot 100.[3]

[edit] Personnel

[edit] Track listing

[edit] Side one

Track Recorded Song Title Writers Time
1. 10/27/61 King Of The Whole Wide World Bob Roberts and Ruth Bachelor 2:44
2. 10/27/61 This Is Living Fred Wise and Ben Weisman 1:43
3. 10/26/61 Riding the Rainbow Fred Wise and Ben Weisman 1:37

[edit] Side two

Track Recorded Song Title Writers Time
1. 10/26/61 Home Is Where the Heart Is Sherman Edwards and Hal David 2:32
2. 10/27/61 I Got Lucky Fred Wise, Dolores Fuller, Ben Weisman 2:10
3. 10/26/61 A Whistling Tune Sherman Edwards and Hal David 3:17

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Victor, p.284
  2. ^ a b Jorgensen, Ernst. Elvis Presley A Life in Music: The Complete Recording Sessions. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1998; p. 163.
  3. ^ Jorgensen, Ernst. Elvis Presley A Life in Music: The Complete Recording Sessions. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1998; p. 415.

[edit] External links

Films directed by Phil Karlson
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
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