Frankie & Johnny (1966)

This musical comedy-drama stars Elvis Presley as a Mississippi riverboat entertainer who’s in love with his (female) partner, Frankie (Donna Douglas).

But Johnny is a compulsive gambler whose losing streak changes dramatically when lady luck smiles on him in the attractive shape of Nelly Bly (Nancy Kovack).

This is gaudy and bright, but, like most of Presley’s films from this period, it has an air of having just been thrown together.

The Mississippi riverboat setting is undeniably attractive, but it’s simply inexcusable to use repeat footage of the title number in the finale reprise.

Presley and Douglas (best known as Elly May in the Beverly Hillbillies TV series) pair sweetly together, and the songs pass muster, with Hard Luck being the standout, but really this is merely a pleasant time-filler, and the King was worthy of so much more.

Johnny
Elvis Presley
Frankie
Donna Douglas
Nelly Bly
Nancy Kovack
Mitzi
Sue Ane Langdon
Braden
Anthony Eisley
Cully
Harry Morgan
Peg
Audrey Christie
Blackie
Robert Strauss

Director
Frederick De Cordova