Half-breed Elvis Presley is caught between warring sides in the Old West circa 1870. Clair Huffaker's book, adapted by Huffaker and the esteemed Nunnally Johnson, has now become a vehicle for the leading man, and Presley the Actor never really did carve out his niche on the movie screen. He's a quiet, some may say stolid, presence, acting a great deal just with his eyes--though one aches for him to loosen up. The hot "Elvis Sings Songs From Flaming Star" album is much preferable to the movie, which cuts the musical performances down to a minimal two. The film has some action, a fine supporting cast, lots of melodrama; the critics liked it and certainly Charles G. Clarke's beautiful cinematography is worth seeing in widescreen. ** from ****
Review of Flaming Star
