Elvis Presley's film career, while commercially successful, was often criticized for its formulaic plots and predictable narratives. "The Trouble With Girls (and How to Get into It)," released in 1969, stands out as an anomaly. This late-career film marked a departure from the usual Elvis vehicle, offering a comedic romp with a touch of mystery and a surprising lack of musical numbers.
The film centers around Walter Hale (Elvis), the beleaguered manager of a traveling Chautauqua show struggling to stay afloat in small-town America. The show features a motley crew of performers, including a grumpy magician (John Carradine), a flamboyant lecturer (Vincent Price), and a story lady (Marlyn Mason) on the verge of quitting. Amidst the chaos, Walter finds himself entangled in a local murder investigation involving a missing necklace and a suspicious pharmacist (Dabney Coleman).
"The Trouble With Girls" leans heavily on slapstick humor. Elvis, known for his charismatic swagger, gets to showcase his comedic timing as he dodges pratfalls, fumbles with disguises, and contends with the show's eccentric performers. The film also throws in a healthy dose of romance, with Walter falling for Nita (Nicole Jaffe), a local reporter investigating the murder.
Despite the comedic elements, the film isn't without its darker moments. The Chautauqua show itself represents a fading era in American entertainment, struggling to compete with the rise of television and rock and roll. Elvis, at this point in his career, was also grappling with his own changing image as he transitioned away from his rock and roll roots.
One of the most striking aspects of "The Trouble With Girls" is the relative absence of music. Elvis, known for his electrifying performances, only sings a handful of songs, mostly covers of well-known standards. This shift away from music underscores the film's attempt to break the mold of the typical Elvis movie.
The critical reception of "The Trouble With Girls" was lukewarm. Some reviewers praised the film's humor and Elvis's comedic timing. Others found the plot convoluted and the humor dated. However, the film did find an audience, particularly among fans looking for a lighter side of Elvis.
Today, "The Trouble With Girls" remains a curious footnote in Elvis's cinematic legacy. It stands as an experiment in genre, a comedic whodunit with a dash of romance, all wrapped around a fading form of American entertainment. While not a critical darling, the film offers a glimpse into Elvis's willingness to try new things and explore different facets of his acting abilities.
Looking deeper, the film can be seen as a reflection of Elvis's own career trajectory at the time. He was transitioning away from his rock and roll persona, searching for a new direction. The fading Chautauqua show could be seen as a metaphor for Elvis's own struggle to remain relevant in the changing cultural landscape.
In conclusion, "The Trouble With Girls" is a film that defies easy categorization. It's a comedic mystery with a touch of melancholy, a showcase for Elvis's comedic talents with a hint of self-reflection. While not a commercial or critical smash hit, the film holds a certain charm for its unique blend of humor, mystery, and a fading glimpse of an American entertainment tradition.
