KID GALAHAD
US, 1962, 96 minutes, Colour.
Elvis Presley, Lola Albright, Gig Young, Joan Blackman, Charles Bronson, Ned Glass, David Lewis, Robert Emhardt.
Directed by Phil Karlson.
Kid Galahad is a remake of a Humphrey Bogart vehicle of the '30s. This film was directed by Phil Karlson, director of many tough and taut action films. it is one of Elvis Presley's better films.
Presley is the prize-fighter and exercises his usual presence and charm. There is a strong supporting cast, especially Gig Young, Lola Albright and Charles Bronson. The film has the usual ingredients of Presley as the part-outsider who is put-upon but eventually makes good.
1. An entertaining boxing film? Elvis Presley vehicle? Quality?
2. Colour photography, the backwoods? The atmosphere of the training camp? The boxing bouts? The editing and pace? The musical score?
3. The title and its focus on Walter? His Southern background? His looking for work? The encounter with Willie Grogan, with Dolly? The job of sparring partner? Dolly's warning him against it? His success, knocking out Joie? The plans for him being a successful prize-fighter? The gangsters? Otto Danzig? Rescuing Dolly? His nickname of Sir Galahad -Kid Galahad? The success of his bouts? His falling in love with Rose? The rigged fight, Danzig's influence, Sugar Boy Romero? The fixing of the fight? The revenge by Willie? His success? The happy ending?
4. The world of boxing and training, Willie and his wheeling and dealing? His eye for boxers? His appreciation of Walter? His setting him up for success? Antagonism because of Rose? The bouts, the fixed fights, success?
5. Willie and his wheeling and dealing, his love for Dolly, success with Walter? The gangsters? His antagonism towards Walter because of Rose? The final reconciliation? Dolly and her presence, love for Willie, being rescued by Walter, the clash with Willie, reconciliation? Rose as Willie's sister, an attractive heroine?
6. Lew Nyack and his presence in the camp, help for Walter. boxing bouts, advice - in Charles Bronson's style?
7. The background of gangsters? Fixing of fights? Money deals?
8. A piece of Elvis Presley and boxing entertainment - and an exploration of traditional American themes and values?
