Elvis Presley plays Mike McCoy, the leader of a small time combo on the road. Millionaire Howard Foxhugh played by Carl Betz wants McCoy to sing solo for his daughter's birthday. Daughter Cynthia is aptly played by Shelley Fabares. Entering the plot further, Foxhugh wants the singer to drive his new race car in an up and coming race. Deborah Walley plays the drummer in the combo and has a mad crush for her boss. Diane McBain plays an author looking for a subject for her next book; guess who? Auto racing, light comedy and plenty of music helps McCoy dodge the girls. Highlights from the soundtrack are "I'll Be Back", "All That I Am" and the title tune. This one made an Elvis movie fun again. Also in the cast are Will Hutchins, Dodie Marshall and Jimmy Hawkins.
39 Reviews
Not Elvis' best, but some good moments
funkyfry3 August 2003
This is not one of Elvis' best or most memorable films, but it is pretty good. For one thing, we get to see Elvis in his most suitable film role, as a racecar driver caught up with multiple ladies (seen that before? You have, but it's all good). Walley is great as his tomboyish drummer who hides her crush from him but ends up falling convincingly for policeman Hutchins. Fabares is always a good match for Elvis, and here as a scheming heiress she is virtually his film nemesis. The songs are generally poor, but there are a few highlights.
All in all, your basic Elvis movie, not harmful to the brain cells but certainly providing as little stimulation as possible to the nerves.
All in all, your basic Elvis movie, not harmful to the brain cells but certainly providing as little stimulation as possible to the nerves.
Matrimony On Their Minds
bkoganbing11 January 2009
Spinout is somewhere in the middle of the pack of the Elvis Presley cinema output. It's an amiable comedy with the King about a singer with a group who is a celebrity racer. Along the lines of Paul Newman before and Tom Cruise afterwards. I don't include Steve McQueen because that man was serious about the sport and had he entered it earlier might have had that as a career.
Anyway Elvis is the target of three women with matrimony on their minds. Rich girl Shelley Fabares, Jacqueline Susann like author Diane McBain, and the drummer in the King's own group, Deborah Walley who is a gourmet cook on the side.
As usual Colonel Tom Parker got quality help for his boy behind and in front of the camera. Norman Taurog ended his career directing a series of Presley pictures and this is one of them. Such movie veterans as Frederic Worlock and Cecil Kellaway have small roles and this is the farewell big screen appearance of Una Merkel. Also in the cast is Carl Betz once again playing Shelley Fabares father as he did on the Donna Reed Show. Will Hutchins, television's Sugarfoot is also around as a policeman who appreciates good cooking and Jack Mullaney and Jimmy Hawkins are the other members of Elvis's group. Note that they play electric guitars or simulate playing them while Elvis sticks with a regular model.
Of course Spinout ends with the Big Race and I don't think I have to tell you who wins, but the race itself is 3/4 of the fun. No big songs came out of the score for Elvis, but he acquits himself in the vocal and comedy department. Spinout should please his fans.
Anyway Elvis is the target of three women with matrimony on their minds. Rich girl Shelley Fabares, Jacqueline Susann like author Diane McBain, and the drummer in the King's own group, Deborah Walley who is a gourmet cook on the side.
As usual Colonel Tom Parker got quality help for his boy behind and in front of the camera. Norman Taurog ended his career directing a series of Presley pictures and this is one of them. Such movie veterans as Frederic Worlock and Cecil Kellaway have small roles and this is the farewell big screen appearance of Una Merkel. Also in the cast is Carl Betz once again playing Shelley Fabares father as he did on the Donna Reed Show. Will Hutchins, television's Sugarfoot is also around as a policeman who appreciates good cooking and Jack Mullaney and Jimmy Hawkins are the other members of Elvis's group. Note that they play electric guitars or simulate playing them while Elvis sticks with a regular model.
Of course Spinout ends with the Big Race and I don't think I have to tell you who wins, but the race itself is 3/4 of the fun. No big songs came out of the score for Elvis, but he acquits himself in the vocal and comedy department. Spinout should please his fans.
Above-average Elvis comedy with music
BrianDanaCamp23 August 2008
Elvis Presley spent most of the 1960s making fluffy lightweight romantic comedies with music, all constructed on a studio assembly line during the waning days of the old Hollywood studio system. These films tended to sap Elvis of the energy he could have devoted to better films and better roles, all of which he was capable of. Having said that, some of these films were more tolerable than others.
SPINOUT, made at MGM, is one of the most entertaining thanks to its teaming of Elvis with three colorful and delightful leading ladies, all of whom more than hold their own with their charismatic leading man. Deborah Walley plays the tomboyish redhead drummer in Elvis' band and has a secret crush on him; Diane McBain plays a sexually voracious best-selling author on the hunt for the perfect American male; and Shelley Fabares plays the heiress of an auto fortune who thinks she's entitled to whatever she wants and whose father wants Elvis to race a car for him. In the course of it, Elvis encounters rivals for each of the girl's affections, leading to a set of romantic entanglements that are ultimately resolved in an inspired and original ending. The plot is packed with lots of clever twists, thanks to a script co-written by Theodore J. Flicker who would write and direct the cult hit, THE PRESIDENT'S ANALYST, the following year. Fortunately, the film's racing angle is downplayed in favor of comic situations and a set of enjoyable songs.
The supporting players deserve singling out, including Jack Mullaney as Elvis' comical bandmate; Carl Betz as Shelley's father (a role he played with Shelley on "The Donna Reed Show" as well); Warren Berlinger as Betz's loyal assistant; TV cowboy Will Hutchins as a highway cop with a penchant for gourmet cooking; and Hollywood veterans Cecil Kellaway and Una Merkel as an elderly rich couple who allow Elvis and his band to take over their house when they go on vacation. (This latter touch is representative of the film's Hollywood fantasyland approach to life, but it's all so well played by such skilled hands that it's difficult not to get sucked into the fun of it all.)
SPINOUT, made at MGM, is one of the most entertaining thanks to its teaming of Elvis with three colorful and delightful leading ladies, all of whom more than hold their own with their charismatic leading man. Deborah Walley plays the tomboyish redhead drummer in Elvis' band and has a secret crush on him; Diane McBain plays a sexually voracious best-selling author on the hunt for the perfect American male; and Shelley Fabares plays the heiress of an auto fortune who thinks she's entitled to whatever she wants and whose father wants Elvis to race a car for him. In the course of it, Elvis encounters rivals for each of the girl's affections, leading to a set of romantic entanglements that are ultimately resolved in an inspired and original ending. The plot is packed with lots of clever twists, thanks to a script co-written by Theodore J. Flicker who would write and direct the cult hit, THE PRESIDENT'S ANALYST, the following year. Fortunately, the film's racing angle is downplayed in favor of comic situations and a set of enjoyable songs.
The supporting players deserve singling out, including Jack Mullaney as Elvis' comical bandmate; Carl Betz as Shelley's father (a role he played with Shelley on "The Donna Reed Show" as well); Warren Berlinger as Betz's loyal assistant; TV cowboy Will Hutchins as a highway cop with a penchant for gourmet cooking; and Hollywood veterans Cecil Kellaway and Una Merkel as an elderly rich couple who allow Elvis and his band to take over their house when they go on vacation. (This latter touch is representative of the film's Hollywood fantasyland approach to life, but it's all so well played by such skilled hands that it's difficult not to get sucked into the fun of it all.)
Pretty Fabares in harmless Elvis romp **1/2
JoeKarlosi8 August 2004
Elvis juggles a career as singer/race car driver in this typical but harmless '60s Presley vehicle. Looking more pudgy than usual, he is an unmarrying kind of guy contending with the attentions of three beautiful women.
Shelley Fabares is one delicious cutie I could stare at all day long, and Diane McBain exudes sophisticated beauty. But putting up with the over-animated antics of Deborah Walley as Presley's jealous tomboy drummer wears on my nerves.
This one's got a ton of Elvis songs, none of which are great but range from pretty good ("Spinout" "All That I Am") to unbearable ("Beach Shack", "Smorgasbord").
Shelley Fabares is one delicious cutie I could stare at all day long, and Diane McBain exudes sophisticated beauty. But putting up with the over-animated antics of Deborah Walley as Presley's jealous tomboy drummer wears on my nerves.
This one's got a ton of Elvis songs, none of which are great but range from pretty good ("Spinout" "All That I Am") to unbearable ("Beach Shack", "Smorgasbord").
fine for Elvis
SnoopyStyle9 July 2021
Mike McCoy (Elvis Presley) is the lead singer of a rock and roll band. He's also a race car driver. He insists on being single despite some very fetching women in his life. Cynthia Foxhugh (Shelley Fabares) is a poor little rich girl. He's stalked by Diana St. Clair (Diane McBain) who is the author of girls getting the guy books. Les (Deborah Walley) is the female drummer but the guys see her as just one of the boys.
It's minor fun. It's fine. It's an Elvis movie. Don't expect more and you're fine. His band is fun especially Les. It's funny that nobody sees her as a girl. Elvis' chemistry with Fabares fails him in this movie. In a way, she gets blocked by Diane McBain. It may be better if those two characters are combined into one. As for the car racing, I wish to have more. Obviously, Elvis in a race car in the real world is the best option but I don't expect anything actually dangerous. I just want his face in a hot-looking fast car in the exterior real world. All in all, it is an Elvis movie from the Elvis factory production line.
It's minor fun. It's fine. It's an Elvis movie. Don't expect more and you're fine. His band is fun especially Les. It's funny that nobody sees her as a girl. Elvis' chemistry with Fabares fails him in this movie. In a way, she gets blocked by Diane McBain. It may be better if those two characters are combined into one. As for the car racing, I wish to have more. Obviously, Elvis in a race car in the real world is the best option but I don't expect anything actually dangerous. I just want his face in a hot-looking fast car in the exterior real world. All in all, it is an Elvis movie from the Elvis factory production line.
Was expecting more spin
TheLittleSongbird18 March 2017
Elvis Presley was a hugely influential performer with one of the most distinctive singing voices of anybody. He embarked on a film career consisting of 33 films from 1956 to 1969, films that did well at the box-office but mostly panned critically (especially his later films) and while he was a highly charismatic performer he was never considered a great actor.
As far as Elvis films go, 'Spinout' belongs in neither extreme of best or worst. It's average fare that serves as a serviceable enough one-time watch, but not particularly distinguished and one for completests intent on checking out all of Elvis' films (like me). It's no 'King Creole', 'Flaming Star', 'Jailhouse Rock', 'Viva Las Vegas' and 'Loving You', but it is far better than 'Kissin' Cousins', 'Frankie & Johnny', 'Paradise Hawaiian Style' and particularly 'Harum Scarum' as well as his later efforts.
'Spinout' benefits in particular from the climactic big race, an incredibly fun scene that is the most energetic everything gets, and a generally polished supporting cast (with Shelley Fabares, Diane McBain, Dodie Marshall and Carl Betz lighting up the screen and Cecil Kellaway and Una Merkel nearly stealing the show).
It is a decent looking film, there are better-looking Elvis films but it is a long way from cheap apart from the racing footage looking artificial but the photography and sets are fine. The soundtrack is generally unimpressive (though there are far worse Elvis film soundtracks), but there are a few standouts, such as the title song, "I'll Be Back" and "All That I Am". Usually a hit and miss director, Norman Taurog gives some of his most enthusiastic directing of his numerous collaborations with Elvis.
However, there are exceptions with the supporting cast and they are Jack Mullaney and Deborah Walley, both very annoying in roles written in a way that grates on the nerves fast. Most of the soundtrack is forgettable at best, with "Beach Shack" and "Smorgasbord" being disposable songs that one can easily do without.
Regarding Elvis himself, he has certainly been far more disengaged before and since but he has also been much more enthusiastic and it was like he didn't trust the material. Not that one can blame him, because the script is more cringe-worthy than funny and flags in energy. The story has its slow spots, but also suffers from being too busy.
Overall, you can certainly do with far worse but Elvis and the cast did deserve better. 5/10 Bethany Cox
As far as Elvis films go, 'Spinout' belongs in neither extreme of best or worst. It's average fare that serves as a serviceable enough one-time watch, but not particularly distinguished and one for completests intent on checking out all of Elvis' films (like me). It's no 'King Creole', 'Flaming Star', 'Jailhouse Rock', 'Viva Las Vegas' and 'Loving You', but it is far better than 'Kissin' Cousins', 'Frankie & Johnny', 'Paradise Hawaiian Style' and particularly 'Harum Scarum' as well as his later efforts.
'Spinout' benefits in particular from the climactic big race, an incredibly fun scene that is the most energetic everything gets, and a generally polished supporting cast (with Shelley Fabares, Diane McBain, Dodie Marshall and Carl Betz lighting up the screen and Cecil Kellaway and Una Merkel nearly stealing the show).
It is a decent looking film, there are better-looking Elvis films but it is a long way from cheap apart from the racing footage looking artificial but the photography and sets are fine. The soundtrack is generally unimpressive (though there are far worse Elvis film soundtracks), but there are a few standouts, such as the title song, "I'll Be Back" and "All That I Am". Usually a hit and miss director, Norman Taurog gives some of his most enthusiastic directing of his numerous collaborations with Elvis.
However, there are exceptions with the supporting cast and they are Jack Mullaney and Deborah Walley, both very annoying in roles written in a way that grates on the nerves fast. Most of the soundtrack is forgettable at best, with "Beach Shack" and "Smorgasbord" being disposable songs that one can easily do without.
Regarding Elvis himself, he has certainly been far more disengaged before and since but he has also been much more enthusiastic and it was like he didn't trust the material. Not that one can blame him, because the script is more cringe-worthy than funny and flags in energy. The story has its slow spots, but also suffers from being too busy.
Overall, you can certainly do with far worse but Elvis and the cast did deserve better. 5/10 Bethany Cox
Elvis Sings & Drives Race Cars
kz917-131 August 2017
In this Elvis outing not only does he sing lead in a band, but he also drives race cars!
Two ladies are out walk down the aisle with Elvis, which one will win him over? Or will Elvis win the race and avoid the marriages?
Cute, but at some point all the Elvis movies seem like a carousel. Nonetheless enjoyable!
Two ladies are out walk down the aisle with Elvis, which one will win him over? Or will Elvis win the race and avoid the marriages?
Cute, but at some point all the Elvis movies seem like a carousel. Nonetheless enjoyable!
mindless and harmless
planktonrules18 October 2008
Elvis Presley was not a bad actor. I've seen him do competent jobs in several films and he had a very likable screen persona. However, despite his box office appeal, he seemed willing to star in some of the slightest and silliest films of the 1960s. Some of the films have a bit more depth to them though most are just familiar mindless drivel--like SPINOUT. Harry Medved listed it among the movies in his "Fifty Worst Movies" book, though it isn't that bad--though it certainly wasn't very good either.
In SPINOUT, we find Elvis as a struggling rock 'n roll star AND champion race car driver! If only he were a scientist, too, and he'd be Buckaroo Bonzai (see THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BONZAI ACROSS THE 8TH DIMENSION). Unlike the real life Elvis, his character shuns glamor and glitz and travels with his three musicians--camping out and living a bohemian life while STILL managing to have clean clothes, multiple wardrobes, gourmet meals, a race car and a 1929 Duesenberg! Their "camping out" was pure hooey and the camp sites bore an amazing similarity to the sound stage.
Well, because he can sing and drive fast cars and is Elvis, it's not surprising that he's pursued by some hot ladies. What makes this different from some of his movies is that three different (and very clichéd) ladies all want to marry him and he wants nothing to do with this. One is the rich "princess" played by Shelly Fabares. In an interesting casting nod, her father is played by Carl Betz--the same guy who played her father in "The Donna Reed Show". The second is a pretty but rather cold writer played by Diane McBain. The third is a "kooky" girl played by Deborah Walley. All three are very, very broad stereotypes and probably the worst of these was the role given to Ms. Walley. That's because she was supposed to be part comic relief, musician, gourmet chef and vamp--though no one seemed to realize she was a hot and happenin' chick until late in the film (what, were they all blind?!?). Considering how beautiful these ladies were in the film AND how much Elvis avoided them and preferred to hang out with the guys, I really think some might watch this film and wonder if his character was supposed to be gay. I particularly wondered about the two guys in his band.
I could say more about the plot, but frankly it all was too trivial and silly to mention in detail, though it was occasionally accidentally entertaining. However, what was not entertaining were the many songs Elvis sang as well as the "kooky" race at the end of the film. As for the songs, Elvis does have a lovely voice but every one of the 1,893 songs he sings in the film is completely forgettable and insipid. None have decent lyrics or are memorable in any positive way. I would have preferred if he'd just sung a few of his old familiar favorites. Instead, it often just seemed like padding. The race at the end of the film was a major letdown as well. While auto races can be exciting, having it be comedic really didn't work well at all and having a complete and total idiot nearly win a professional auto race strained credibility to new lows. It was just embarrassing and tended to bring the whole production to a grinding halt--yet it was intended as the highlight of the film! So what's to like about the film? Well, Elvis is pleasant in a plastic sort of way and the ladies quite lovely (particularly the radiant Ms. Fabares) and it was nice to see Una Merkel, Cecil Kellaway and a 1929 Duesenberg. Otherwise, there isn't much to recommend this dull little film. Overall, a mindless and harmless sort of film--mostly of interest to Elvis worshipers. Any one else would be bored by it.
In SPINOUT, we find Elvis as a struggling rock 'n roll star AND champion race car driver! If only he were a scientist, too, and he'd be Buckaroo Bonzai (see THE ADVENTURES OF BUCKAROO BONZAI ACROSS THE 8TH DIMENSION). Unlike the real life Elvis, his character shuns glamor and glitz and travels with his three musicians--camping out and living a bohemian life while STILL managing to have clean clothes, multiple wardrobes, gourmet meals, a race car and a 1929 Duesenberg! Their "camping out" was pure hooey and the camp sites bore an amazing similarity to the sound stage.
Well, because he can sing and drive fast cars and is Elvis, it's not surprising that he's pursued by some hot ladies. What makes this different from some of his movies is that three different (and very clichéd) ladies all want to marry him and he wants nothing to do with this. One is the rich "princess" played by Shelly Fabares. In an interesting casting nod, her father is played by Carl Betz--the same guy who played her father in "The Donna Reed Show". The second is a pretty but rather cold writer played by Diane McBain. The third is a "kooky" girl played by Deborah Walley. All three are very, very broad stereotypes and probably the worst of these was the role given to Ms. Walley. That's because she was supposed to be part comic relief, musician, gourmet chef and vamp--though no one seemed to realize she was a hot and happenin' chick until late in the film (what, were they all blind?!?). Considering how beautiful these ladies were in the film AND how much Elvis avoided them and preferred to hang out with the guys, I really think some might watch this film and wonder if his character was supposed to be gay. I particularly wondered about the two guys in his band.
I could say more about the plot, but frankly it all was too trivial and silly to mention in detail, though it was occasionally accidentally entertaining. However, what was not entertaining were the many songs Elvis sang as well as the "kooky" race at the end of the film. As for the songs, Elvis does have a lovely voice but every one of the 1,893 songs he sings in the film is completely forgettable and insipid. None have decent lyrics or are memorable in any positive way. I would have preferred if he'd just sung a few of his old familiar favorites. Instead, it often just seemed like padding. The race at the end of the film was a major letdown as well. While auto races can be exciting, having it be comedic really didn't work well at all and having a complete and total idiot nearly win a professional auto race strained credibility to new lows. It was just embarrassing and tended to bring the whole production to a grinding halt--yet it was intended as the highlight of the film! So what's to like about the film? Well, Elvis is pleasant in a plastic sort of way and the ladies quite lovely (particularly the radiant Ms. Fabares) and it was nice to see Una Merkel, Cecil Kellaway and a 1929 Duesenberg. Otherwise, there isn't much to recommend this dull little film. Overall, a mindless and harmless sort of film--mostly of interest to Elvis worshipers. Any one else would be bored by it.
Expressly Presley
atlasmb16 August 2017
In this film, Elvis "does battle" with Shelley Fabares (again) and two other women who are determined to marry him. In fact, the entire film is about whether or not Elvis will wed. His bandmates want him to stay single so that their band will remain intact.
The film includes fast cars, of course, and some of them are impressive, but the big road race scene feels like a cartoon.
Carl Betz, who plays Shelley Fabares' father in "The Donna Reed Show" from 1958-1966, plays her father in this film as well.
Sometimes I cringe when films include those scenes on the beach or around the pool where bunches of bikini-clad girls go-go dance, but it did not bother me in this film. The dancing styles are like a time capsule of current choreography.
Some of the supporting cast are used for (more) comic relief. The comedy is fairly sophomoric, but Jack Mullaney and Jimmy Hawkins have some genuinely funny moments.
Does anyone care if Elvis marries or who he marries? Not really. Well, maybe his young female fans who want to carry the illusion of his availability. Maybe that's why the film ends as it does.
The film includes fast cars, of course, and some of them are impressive, but the big road race scene feels like a cartoon.
Carl Betz, who plays Shelley Fabares' father in "The Donna Reed Show" from 1958-1966, plays her father in this film as well.
Sometimes I cringe when films include those scenes on the beach or around the pool where bunches of bikini-clad girls go-go dance, but it did not bother me in this film. The dancing styles are like a time capsule of current choreography.
Some of the supporting cast are used for (more) comic relief. The comedy is fairly sophomoric, but Jack Mullaney and Jimmy Hawkins have some genuinely funny moments.
Does anyone care if Elvis marries or who he marries? Not really. Well, maybe his young female fans who want to carry the illusion of his availability. Maybe that's why the film ends as it does.
SPINOUT (Norman Taurog, 1966) **
Bunuel197627 May 2008
This wasn't shown in time for the 30th anniversary from Elvis Presley's passing, but it did turn up on TCM UK some time later; still, it took me this long to watch and, as a matter of fact, only opted to check the film out alongside two contemporary vehicles by fellow singers Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin – that said, it can't really compare with them!
It's the second of three Presley titles with a racing milieu, though this element isn't as much to the fore here as in the others; conveniently, he doubles as a swooning singer/guitarist with a band – and most of the running-time sees him dodging a couple of marriage proposals from eminent figures in the community! It transpires that even the tomboyish female drummer in his outfit secretly pines for him…but, given the film's jejeune nature, everything is neatly sorted out by the end – as a writer researching The Perfect Male eventually hitches up with Presley's proposed racing employer (played by a U.S. TV stalwart who was completely unknown to me but is a real dead ringer for Darren McGavin!), the latter's young daughter (Shelley Fabares, from the star's earlier vehicle GIRL HAPPY [1965]) realizes she loves her father's goofy secretary after all, and the drummer (who's something of a gourmet) finds a like-minded soulmate in, of all things, a highway policeman! Not that it matters much given their thankless roles but two veteran character actors from Hollywood's Golden Age - Cecil Kellaway and Una Merkel - also appear in this film.
The songs aren't exactly memorable either and, while the film's certainly harmless in itself, it's also not engaging enough to warrant more than a cursory viewing (I, for one, was greatly surprised to learn that it was co-scripted by Theodore J. Flicker – who, soon after, would write and direct the cult political satire THE PRESIDENT'S ANALYST [1967] with James Coburn)…
It's the second of three Presley titles with a racing milieu, though this element isn't as much to the fore here as in the others; conveniently, he doubles as a swooning singer/guitarist with a band – and most of the running-time sees him dodging a couple of marriage proposals from eminent figures in the community! It transpires that even the tomboyish female drummer in his outfit secretly pines for him…but, given the film's jejeune nature, everything is neatly sorted out by the end – as a writer researching The Perfect Male eventually hitches up with Presley's proposed racing employer (played by a U.S. TV stalwart who was completely unknown to me but is a real dead ringer for Darren McGavin!), the latter's young daughter (Shelley Fabares, from the star's earlier vehicle GIRL HAPPY [1965]) realizes she loves her father's goofy secretary after all, and the drummer (who's something of a gourmet) finds a like-minded soulmate in, of all things, a highway policeman! Not that it matters much given their thankless roles but two veteran character actors from Hollywood's Golden Age - Cecil Kellaway and Una Merkel - also appear in this film.
The songs aren't exactly memorable either and, while the film's certainly harmless in itself, it's also not engaging enough to warrant more than a cursory viewing (I, for one, was greatly surprised to learn that it was co-scripted by Theodore J. Flicker – who, soon after, would write and direct the cult political satire THE PRESIDENT'S ANALYST [1967] with James Coburn)…
One of my favorite Elvis movies
Jerry Ables3 October 2001
This movie was released in a year that wasn't a particularly good one for Elvis Presley but it's still, in my opinion, an excellent film. I like it because I think it has some very funny moments and an awesome movie sound track. Very much enjoyed from start to finish.
Elvis playing yourself among three applicants and car racing!!!
elo-equipamentos11 April 2020
It was the third Elvis movie on my teenager wandering years, a typical vehicle on the peak Elvis's career, unfortunately he had to make movies and albums on an industrial scale, letting the Singer produces quite often bad songs to fill out the long play, of course Elvis Presley was enough skillful to put this odd songs overcoming by your unmatched voice by the way, silly sex comedy where the hero has three applicants for marry him, a successful writer Diana St. Clair (Diane McBain), a spoiled rich girl Cynthia Foxhugh (Shelley Fabares) and Les his Band's drummer (Deborah Walley) among countless performance Elvis has time to win the race cars, so predicable picture, everybody already knows that Elvis will be continues single, also he pitifully plays himself on movie, so bad temper, snobby, selfish and those old-fashioned stylized hair, a good surprise by me an uncredited appareance of Deanna Lund as redhead beauty blinking your eyes to Elvis!!!
Resume:
First watch: 1976 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 6.
Resume:
First watch: 1976 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 6.
Scary stuff as Elvis fades!
shepardjessica2 September 2004
Most Elvis flicks were pretty lame but this one is at the bottom of the stack. The few good things are the women - cute Dodie Marshall (who made two Elvis films), Diane McBain (Claudelle English), Deborah Walley, and Shelley Fabares who always lights up the screen. Carl Betz who played Fabares' Dad on The Donna Reed Show on TV is also in it.
A 2 out of 10. Best performance = Dodie Marshall (what ever happened to her?) Bad songs, bad race car jokes and meandering "NON-PLOT" puts this in a category of it's own. The world was going through major changes in '66, but you'd never know it from this throwback to banality. But Shelley and Dodie are spark-plugs!
A 2 out of 10. Best performance = Dodie Marshall (what ever happened to her?) Bad songs, bad race car jokes and meandering "NON-PLOT" puts this in a category of it's own. The world was going through major changes in '66, but you'd never know it from this throwback to banality. But Shelley and Dodie are spark-plugs!
Not a bad entry in Elvis's resume despite detractors
Poseidon-310 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
A bevy of game females, sharing chemistry with The King, give this potentially ordinary film a boost. Presley plays the lead singer of a band that includes Hawkins, Mullaney and girl drummer Walley. When millionaire Betz decides he wishes Presley to not only sing for his daughter Fabares' birthday, but also to drive his car in an upcoming race, a battle of wills begins which results in Presley living next door to Betz and playing cat and mouse with him and his daughter. Meanwhile, Walley nurses a crush on Presley and seductive researcher and authoress McBain decides that, she, too, must have Presley as a mate! In between Presley's juggling of the ladies, he sings his usual retinue of songs, though in this case they tend to be livelier and more engaging than in some of his lesser screen efforts. At this stage in his career, Presley was on a cinematic treadmill, churning out movie after movie, many times with middling results. Here, he is fortunate to be working with charismatic people instead of unseasoned starlets as he was sometimes paired with. Fabares does a good job as the spoiled, but caring, socialite. Walley hams it up and overacts as the tomboyish drummer, but at least has pizazz and energy. McBain is sultry and lovely, portraying her rather voracious character with a wink and a sparkle. Betz (who had played Fabares father in a far different way for years on "The Donna Reed Show") isn't particularly challenged in his role, but lends solid support. Former child actor Hawkins and Mullaney's comedic contributions are a matter of taste. Also in the cast are Berlinger, as a weak-kneed associate of Betz's, and Hutchins, as a policeman who spends his spare time cooking gourmet food. Appearing briefly as a couple who leave their home in Presley's care are film veterans Kellaway and Merkel. It's almost never believable, but that isn't the point. It's just frothy, colorful, tuneful fluff that's stacked with entertainingly mod hairdos and clothes with hip-swinging "teens" flailing away at any opportunity. One peculiar set piece includes a campsite and meal preparation that predates "The Young Girls of Rochefort" and has Presley & Co. moving in choreographed synchronization to the music as they set up the tents, table and food. Former Warner Brothers contractees Hutchins and McBain (who had starred together in "Claudelle Inglish") don't really share any scenes here. Fabares made three Elvis films in all.
1960s Elvis
gavin69425 July 2017
Band singer/race driver Mike McCoy (Elvis Presley) must choose between marrying a beautiful rich girl and driving her father's car in a prestigious race.
The script was written by Theodore Flicker and George Kirgo. They originally pitched the idea of a film based on Presley's life, but this was vetoed by Col. Parker, who had control of Presley's career. Working titles included "Never Say No", "Never Say Yes", and "The Singing Racing Car Driver". Flicker eventually left the project to work on "The President's Analyst" and Michael Hoey worked on the script uncredited with Kirgo.
Elvis in the 1960s is already a step away from the wholesome Elvis of the 1950s. Girls are shaking their bottoms, Elvis is offering to spank them... and multiple women are trying to get Elvis to go to bed with them. This is the free love 1960s with Elvis running the show. I have to wonder if this somehow influenced "Speed Racer", as that show came out shortly after and featured a very similar car.
The script was written by Theodore Flicker and George Kirgo. They originally pitched the idea of a film based on Presley's life, but this was vetoed by Col. Parker, who had control of Presley's career. Working titles included "Never Say No", "Never Say Yes", and "The Singing Racing Car Driver". Flicker eventually left the project to work on "The President's Analyst" and Michael Hoey worked on the script uncredited with Kirgo.
Elvis in the 1960s is already a step away from the wholesome Elvis of the 1950s. Girls are shaking their bottoms, Elvis is offering to spank them... and multiple women are trying to get Elvis to go to bed with them. This is the free love 1960s with Elvis running the show. I have to wonder if this somehow influenced "Speed Racer", as that show came out shortly after and featured a very similar car.
Solid Presley vehicle
ODDBear26 January 2015
Elvis is Mike, a racer/singer/gypsy living free soul who impresses a spoiled rich girl (Fabares) and her dad (Betz), who desperately wants Mike to race his car and NOT marry his daughter. Along for the ride is an author (McBain) who also wants to marry Mike and a tomboy drummer in his band (Walley) who's quite obviously vying for his affections.
As formulaic as Elvis's later flicks tended to be; but somehow a little better. The goofy atmosphere is energetically played out by a willing cast, the slapstick humor works surprisingly well and the songs aren't too shabby. Granted; "Adam and Evil", "Beach Shack" and "Smorgasboard" are no "Love Me Tender", "Jailhouse Rock" or "King Creole" but they're quite fun and fit well in the movie.
Elvis isn't quite as front and center here as in most other flicks and supporting players get room to breathe and develop a little. The racing scenes here, as was the case with "Viva Las Vegas", are fairly impressive as well.
Make no mistake; this is pretty shallow stuff and Elvis looks a little bored at times. But as far as Elvis's later flicks go; "Spinout" rates pretty high.
As formulaic as Elvis's later flicks tended to be; but somehow a little better. The goofy atmosphere is energetically played out by a willing cast, the slapstick humor works surprisingly well and the songs aren't too shabby. Granted; "Adam and Evil", "Beach Shack" and "Smorgasboard" are no "Love Me Tender", "Jailhouse Rock" or "King Creole" but they're quite fun and fit well in the movie.
Elvis isn't quite as front and center here as in most other flicks and supporting players get room to breathe and develop a little. The racing scenes here, as was the case with "Viva Las Vegas", are fairly impressive as well.
Make no mistake; this is pretty shallow stuff and Elvis looks a little bored at times. But as far as Elvis's later flicks go; "Spinout" rates pretty high.
It doesn't spin, swivel or sway...
moonspinner5511 January 2002
Elvis Presley as a rock 'n roll crooner playing clubs with his goofy musical trio (two men and drummer Deborah Walley, who dresses like a man for no particular reason); he attracts the attention of a wealthy man's daughter who schemes to keep Presley in town--to drive her father's car in an auto-race AND possibly walk her down the aisle! A few funny little touches keeps this one light (such as the gang's way of decorating a dinner table in the middle of nowhere) but all of Presley's songs are duds and the racecar stuff is just a drag. Walley adds some bounce, but Shelley Fabares gets a thankless role. *1/2 from ****
It's okay, but it will never be my favorite Elvis film.
lindsay_duke5 January 2008
This film was rather a disappointment to me. I was expecting a movie similar to Speedway, another film where Elvis is a race car driver. Surprisingly, the fact that Elvis was a race car driver really didn't have that much to do with the movie except at the end. I was also disappointed with Jack Mullaney's performance. I was expecting him to be as funny as he was in Tickle Me when he played Elvis's half-witted sidekick Stanley. Unfortunately, Mullaney had a minor role in this movie, and in my opinion wasn't very funny but just acting stupid. The movie had some good quotes, but the music wasn't all that good, although I love the song "All That I Am". The acting in the movie wasn't the greatest I've seen, but who watches an Elvis movie expecting Oscar grade performances? I think that when watching any Elvis movie one must remember that the movies were made to be funny, light-hearted and showcase Elvis' musical talents; not to be dramatic or violent like other movies. One thing I did like about this movie is that it wasn't particularly dirty. There were a few words that didn't need to be in there, but it wasn't bad in any other way. I wouldn't mind watching it again, but I'd rather watch Follow That Dream or Blue Hawaii if I had a choice.
could have been worse
beauzee21 December 2014
remove 2-3 very silly songs...add some funny jokes...and it's watchable. but no...reality says, another Elvis coulda-shoulda mediocrity, utilizing 40% of his talent.
gonna cut to the chase...in this case, a racing car track: has a lot of groovy stuff: (it appears) that RCA insisyed Elvis use a Producer to oversee his recording sessions, which were yielding less and less good stuff (Elvis stuck with picking the best of mediocre demos). here we can actually hear the band, and there are some nice touches by running a guitar through a Leslie speaker here and there. we have a real rock and roll song called STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN, also recorded by fellow '50s rockers, BIll Haley & Ricky Nelson. a terrible tune, SMORGASBOARD is somehow made audible by a great bass arrangement, well mixed. Elvis' voice is too far forward again but there's some real "pop" to the soundtrack on film and on record. we also have a real hit record AL THAT I AM...a huge hit in UK, a modest B-sider here...but it was pretty darn good, and the violins actually worked! I read that Tony Bennett even covered it...can't find any evidence yet.
I'LL BE BACK was arranged by Charlie HOdge and it captures some real '50s walking blues flavor, not dissimilar to MONEY HONEY, from 1956! to the frames: great to watch under rated Debbie Waley as the girl drummer and the sensuous Shelly Fabares (like Elvis) playing a not very hip 20 year old.
there's even a real Duesenberg on hand....great performance....sorry yes we have CArl Betz , Shelly's real TV Father from the Donna Reed show, playing her Dad here. of course he's the backer for Elvis' racing gigs...and she's the sorta spoiled rich kid...but guess what? the ending is NOT what you might expect!
gonna cut to the chase...in this case, a racing car track: has a lot of groovy stuff: (it appears) that RCA insisyed Elvis use a Producer to oversee his recording sessions, which were yielding less and less good stuff (Elvis stuck with picking the best of mediocre demos). here we can actually hear the band, and there are some nice touches by running a guitar through a Leslie speaker here and there. we have a real rock and roll song called STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN, also recorded by fellow '50s rockers, BIll Haley & Ricky Nelson. a terrible tune, SMORGASBOARD is somehow made audible by a great bass arrangement, well mixed. Elvis' voice is too far forward again but there's some real "pop" to the soundtrack on film and on record. we also have a real hit record AL THAT I AM...a huge hit in UK, a modest B-sider here...but it was pretty darn good, and the violins actually worked! I read that Tony Bennett even covered it...can't find any evidence yet.
I'LL BE BACK was arranged by Charlie HOdge and it captures some real '50s walking blues flavor, not dissimilar to MONEY HONEY, from 1956! to the frames: great to watch under rated Debbie Waley as the girl drummer and the sensuous Shelly Fabares (like Elvis) playing a not very hip 20 year old.
there's even a real Duesenberg on hand....great performance....sorry yes we have CArl Betz , Shelly's real TV Father from the Donna Reed show, playing her Dad here. of course he's the backer for Elvis' racing gigs...and she's the sorta spoiled rich kid...but guess what? the ending is NOT what you might expect!
Moves along at a brisk pace with some funny comedy moments
Colbridge12 August 2022
I have seen all 31 movies that Elvis Presley made between 1956 and 1969 and I will prefix all of my reviews with the following: The first thing to say is how good an actor Elvis actually was, with early aspirations to be like James Dean he was more than capable of holding his own against seasoned actors and has a captivating on-screen presence, not to mention his natural ability to sing and dance. Secondly despite the critical mauling his films have received over the years they are not as bad as they would have you believe. Of course the majority followed a formula but if you like Elvis in exotic places surrounded by beautiful women singing a variety of songs then what is there not to like. Elvis movies are on the whole fun, family feel good movies for all to enjoy with their innocent charm, bright and breezy songs and light hearted brand of entertainment. Of course Elvis deserved better scripts, better songs and better directors to work with but we should be thankful to have this collection because it captures Elvis in the prime of his life doing what he does best, showing all the personality and charisma that made him, and continues to make him, such an enduring star and icon of the 20th Century. So no matter what the varying quality of the films maybe Elvis is always good in them and showed commitment to the character in every role he took on.
Spinout is the 22nd Elvis Presley film to be theatrically released and Director Norman Taurog's 6th Elvis film which began with G. I. Blues (1961). Out of the 9 songs featured in this musical comedy the only hit song is the title number Spinout. The other songs are forgettable but slightly above average as soundtrack fillers.
Elvis plays Mike McCoy part time singer and racing car driver. He is targeted by three women who all want to win his affection, in particular a spoiled rich girl whose Father owns a prestigious sports car who wants Mike to race for him in the annual Santa Fe race in New Mexico but Mike wants to do things on his own terms.
This is an enjoyable Elvis movie nicely produced by Joe Pasternak, the prolific producer from the golden age of Hollywood musicals, that moves along at a brisk pace and has some funny comedy moments thanks to a good supporting cast, in particular the Jerry Lewis inspired turn by Jack Mullaney and the three female leads Shelley Fabares, Diane McBain and Deborah Walley.
There were times when I wondered if the filmmakers of Grease (1978) got inspiration from the car renovating scenes as I could hear echoes of Greased Lightning as I was watching it, after all John Travolta does sing it in the style of Elvis.
Spinout is the 22nd Elvis Presley film to be theatrically released and Director Norman Taurog's 6th Elvis film which began with G. I. Blues (1961). Out of the 9 songs featured in this musical comedy the only hit song is the title number Spinout. The other songs are forgettable but slightly above average as soundtrack fillers.
Elvis plays Mike McCoy part time singer and racing car driver. He is targeted by three women who all want to win his affection, in particular a spoiled rich girl whose Father owns a prestigious sports car who wants Mike to race for him in the annual Santa Fe race in New Mexico but Mike wants to do things on his own terms.
This is an enjoyable Elvis movie nicely produced by Joe Pasternak, the prolific producer from the golden age of Hollywood musicals, that moves along at a brisk pace and has some funny comedy moments thanks to a good supporting cast, in particular the Jerry Lewis inspired turn by Jack Mullaney and the three female leads Shelley Fabares, Diane McBain and Deborah Walley.
There were times when I wondered if the filmmakers of Grease (1978) got inspiration from the car renovating scenes as I could hear echoes of Greased Lightning as I was watching it, after all John Travolta does sing it in the style of Elvis.
Spinning Out of Control
wes-connors16 August 2007
Elvis Presley is an out-of-shape rock 'n' roll singer who digs girls and race cars. His musical group dreams of appearing on "The Ed Sullivan Show"; but, they don't look bookable, despite some nice songs. The group's visual "gimmick" is Deborah Walley as its "tomboy" drummer. She can't get the guys to notice her. Diane McBain is a writer interested in Mr. Presley's sex life. Best of the women is Shelley Fabares, the spoiled rich girl interested in Elvis. She, and the man who plays her father (Carl Betz) were both on "The Donna Reed Show". Ms. Fabares, Mr. Betz and flunkie Warren Berlinger are more entertaining than the others.
Presley's good "Spinout" songs are not presented well, visually; the film attempts to hide his overweight status, with varying success. Presley's movements are noticeably stiff and ungraceful during the musical numbers. Ms. Walley, with her hair, make-up, and tight pants, does not look like a boy. Well past the point where he didn't need to, Elvis isn't trying.
** Spinout (10/17/66) Norman Taurog ~ Elvis Presley, Shelley Fabares, Diane McBain, Deborah Walley
Presley's good "Spinout" songs are not presented well, visually; the film attempts to hide his overweight status, with varying success. Presley's movements are noticeably stiff and ungraceful during the musical numbers. Ms. Walley, with her hair, make-up, and tight pants, does not look like a boy. Well past the point where he didn't need to, Elvis isn't trying.
** Spinout (10/17/66) Norman Taurog ~ Elvis Presley, Shelley Fabares, Diane McBain, Deborah Walley
Another Wonderful pairing of Elvis and the Lovely Shelley Fabares
RogerMooreTheBestBond12 May 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of my favorite Elvis films because of the humor, the cast, and the music. Elvis plays Mike Mccoy, a singer and race car driver. it also includes Jimmy Hawkins(my favorite male Elvis co-star), Jack Mullaney(comic relief) and Deborah Walley. They all do a nice job playing off Elvis. Shelley Fabares is one of the three women after Elvis in the film. She plays the spoiled rich girl Cynthia beautifully, and she has never looked prettier on film than she does here. Her father is played by Carl Betz, who as many know, played her father on the Donna Reed show for five years. He also does a great job trying to get Elvis to drive his car, but keep him away from his daughter. Warren Berlinger also plays a great comic relief role as Philip, who really likes Cynthia. Will Hutchins is very funny as the cop who tries to run Elvis and crew out of town. He would later star with Elvis in Clambake. Adding a nice touch to the film as well is Una Merkel and Cecil Kellaway. They play an elderly couple that Elvis meet and convinces them to let him and his band watch their house as they take a vacation in his car. The songs are wonderful. I especially love Spinout, Smorgasbord, Adam and Evil and the great I'll Be Back, sung at the end. All in all, a very entertaining film that has a good feel and good flow to it.
one of the films where elvis races cars
ksf-217 November 2023
The second of elvis' three race car driver films, in between viva las vegas and speedway; in this one, his leading lady is shelley fabares. Apparently, they couldn't think of any other occupations for elvis to portray! And the big conflict for mike (elvis) is which one of the girls chasing after him should he marry? Such a conundrum. Other stuff happens. It's an elvis movie. Una merkel plays violet; big star from the black and white movie days. She was nominated for summer and smoke, but was probably best known as bogie's secretary in maltese falcon. Or maybe destry. She even worked with bob hope! The plot is just okay, but it is elvis, so it's an interesting chunk of history. Lots of B side throw away songs, probably made just for the film. Directed by norman taurog, who directed elvis in nine films!
Typical Elvis fluff, but amusing when you need a fun mid-60's fix
Wuchakk1 June 2015
Released in 1966, "Spinout" was Elvis' 22nd movie. He would do nine more in the next three years before closing the door on cinema forever. I've seen most of his films and own many. Some are better than others depending on what you want. "Roustabout" (1964) is my favorite simply because it has the most compelling story, and the story – including the way it's told – is the most important part of a movie in my book.
In "Spinout" Elvis plays Mike McCoy, a singer/guitarist of a band that lives like well-to-do gypsies, living a nomadic life in tents. Amazingly, he also races on the side with his band members assisting in the pits. As usual, every woman is attracted to the character played by Elvis (McCoy). In this case there are three who desperately want to marry him: the tomboy drummer of his band (Deborah Walley), a spoiled heiress (Shelley Fabares) and a woman writing a book on him (Diane McBain). Carl Betz plays the heiress' rich father who wants McCoy to drive his fancy new racecar, but also to stay away from his daughter. Jack Mullaney, Will Hutchins and Dodie Marshall are also on hand.
These types of movies aren't meant to be taken too seriously. They exist as vehicles for Elvis' talents and to entertain with fun 60's shenanigans. You're not supposed to scrutinize 'em too closely. But sometimes the writing is so stoo-pid it takes you right out of the story. One quick example from "Spinout": McCoy (Elvis) wants to temporarily move into the mansion next door to the heiress and her rich dad so he charms the elderly neighbors and convinces them to immediately go on a second honeymoon while he and his bandmates – perfect strangers – stay at their mansion. Why sure! Elements like this make it seem like they enlisted a 14 year-old to assist with the script.
Still, "Spinout" fills the bill if you need a brainless-but-amusing mid-60's fix.
The film runs 90 minutes and was shot in Southern California.
GRADE: C
In "Spinout" Elvis plays Mike McCoy, a singer/guitarist of a band that lives like well-to-do gypsies, living a nomadic life in tents. Amazingly, he also races on the side with his band members assisting in the pits. As usual, every woman is attracted to the character played by Elvis (McCoy). In this case there are three who desperately want to marry him: the tomboy drummer of his band (Deborah Walley), a spoiled heiress (Shelley Fabares) and a woman writing a book on him (Diane McBain). Carl Betz plays the heiress' rich father who wants McCoy to drive his fancy new racecar, but also to stay away from his daughter. Jack Mullaney, Will Hutchins and Dodie Marshall are also on hand.
These types of movies aren't meant to be taken too seriously. They exist as vehicles for Elvis' talents and to entertain with fun 60's shenanigans. You're not supposed to scrutinize 'em too closely. But sometimes the writing is so stoo-pid it takes you right out of the story. One quick example from "Spinout": McCoy (Elvis) wants to temporarily move into the mansion next door to the heiress and her rich dad so he charms the elderly neighbors and convinces them to immediately go on a second honeymoon while he and his bandmates – perfect strangers – stay at their mansion. Why sure! Elements like this make it seem like they enlisted a 14 year-old to assist with the script.
Still, "Spinout" fills the bill if you need a brainless-but-amusing mid-60's fix.
The film runs 90 minutes and was shot in Southern California.
GRADE: C
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