TCM Greatest Classic Films: Elvis Presley (Jailhouse Rock / Viva Las Vegas) (2-DVD)

JAILHOUSE ROCK: After learning to play guitar and sing during a stint in the Big House, a minor-league punk kid becomes a rock star, with a little help from a beautiful agent. But the pressures of fame wear him down. Considered by many to be Elvis Presley's best film because of its eerie narrative prescience, noirish setting, and quality songs, especially the poolside performance of "You're So Square."

VIVA LAS VEGAS: Elvis Presley is Lucky Jackson, an aspiring auto racer with a dream of winning the Grand Prix. Sexy, spunky Ann-Margret is Rusty Martin, the swimming instructor who falls for him against her will, hating the idea of her man risking his life in a race car. Lucky struggles to raise the money to buy a new engine while Rusty tries to convince him to give up racing for her.

George Sidney, a seasoned veteran of the lavish Hollywood musical, proves the perfect helmsman for this high-voltage Elvis vehicle. The King croons, shakes, and shimmies while Ann-Margret shows her mastery of 1960s-style gyrations in the glitzy, electric production numbers. The two charismatic stars are at their best during a hilarious first date, which includes dancing, motorcycling, dressing up at a wild West show, skiing, and going for a ride in a helicopter. How could they not hit it off' Their powerful magnetism centers this glittering, extravagant treasure chest of a film that ranks among Elvis's best.