dglink Headed by a cast that includes Richard Eagen, Debra Paget, Mildred Dunnock, Bruce Bennet, James Drury, and, oh yes, a young crooner making his film debut, Elvis Presley, "Love Me Tender" is a tidy post-Civil War western. Directed by Robert D. Webb from a screenplay by Robert Buckner, the story follows the Reno family in the period just after the War between the States. Four of the Reno brothers were Confederate soldiers, who, on the day after Lee's surrender, steal the Union payroll from a military train. When the brothers realize that the war is over, rather than deliver the cash to their Confederate superiors, they decide to keep it as spoils of war. When the three brothers reach home, they face several unexpected changes that propel the rest of the film.Without Presley as Clint, the youngest Reno brother, who stayed home with their mother, "Love Me Tender" would likely have gathered dust in the vaults of Twentieth Century Fox. Not that the film lacks merit. Ruggedly handsome Eagen is a strong lead as the eldest brother, and the story holds viewers' attention, as does solid acting from veteran actress Dunnock as the boys's mother. Another major asset is Leo Tover's luscious black and white cinematography, which captures the period in images that often merit freezing and framing. However, even before the inclusion of Presley, the film had anachronisms with Paget, whose hair, costumes, and demeanor have more to do with the mid-1950's than the post-civil-war era.While Elvis Presley is the film's major asset, he is also a major detriment to credibility. As an actor, the young rock and roll singer is quite good in the dramatic scenes; he has an easy natural quality, and the camera loves him. Unfortunately for the film, but fortunately for his fans and music history, "Love Me Tender" features several songs by Presley, which have nothing to do with the Civil War. He delivers the rock songs with his trademark hip swiveling, which sent audiences wild on the Ed Sullivan show, but might have merited strong disapproval from Ante-Bellum Southerners. Only the title tune, beautifully sung to Clint's mother and wife on the family porch, arguably fits into the film. However, without Presley and his songs and his hip swivel, "Love Me Tender" would not have received the care and visibility that it has. A mixed bag, but all on the positive side, "Love Me Tender" showcases a young actor with dramatic potential, some 1950's rock and roll hits, and an engaging western story. That's good entertainment value for 52 cents, the average cost of a movie ticket in 1956.

wes-connors As the US Civil War ends, three Confederate brothers and their gang rob a Union train. They split the money and return to Texas. Arriving home, they find little brother Elvis Presley (as Clinton "Clint" Reno) has grown up and married. Older brother Richard Egan (as Vance) is hit hard by the news, because pretty Debra Paget (as Cathy) was waiting to be his bride. As it turns out, the family was falsely informed of Mr. Egan's death. There are hurt feelings all around, occasionally tempered when Mr. Presley sings songs. While the three lovers work out their marriage problem, others are looking for the missing money...The first Presley film has the "rock 'n' roll" superstar taking over the screen. When he sings, the plot stops. In a couple of emotional scenes, he shows a little promise as a dramatic actor. Presley sings the multi-million selling classic "Love Me Tender" (which replaced "The Reno Brothers" as the film's title). Of the other soundtrack songs, "Poor Boy" led in airplay. The pleasant production receives a lift from Presley's participation, but his 1950s style appears anachronistic. Sad-eyed mother Mildred Dunnock (as Martha) does well, and Dick Sargent has a good bit announcing General Robert E. Lee's surrender. **** Love Me Tender (11/15/56) Robert D. Webb ~ Elvis Presley, Richard Egan, Debra Paget, Mildred Dunnock

Aida Nejad "Vance, I didn't mean it! I swear I didn't mean it!" This was a pretty nice start at Elvis' career, spanning over 30 films. His first film performance was good, not great and not bad, just good. One problem was that he and Debra Paget, who played Cathy Reno, lacked chemistry. I actually found the rest of the actors in this films pretty boring and forgettable, but I think it was made that way so the focus would be on the rising star at that time, Elvis Presley. The ending was actually my favorite part of the movie, where Clint (Presley) has just been shot and he begs of forgiveness to his brother. It's pretty sad, really. Anyway, you should definitely watch this film, but don't expect a masterpiece of some sort.

Michael_Elliott Love Me Tender (1956) ** (out of 4) Over-dramatic film set at the end of the Civil War about a family torn apart due to stolen money and a love triangle. I guess this film is best remembered for being the screen debut of Elvis and he delivers a decent performance during the first half of the film but once his character has his breakdown I found his performance quite laughable. The rest of the cast is pretty good with Richard Egan stealing the show. There are some nice music numbers, although they stick out like a sore thumb.