Charro DVD – Ina Balin, Victor French

When Elvis Presley first appeared on screen fans and critics alike called him the next James Dean. Everyone was shocked when ‘The King’ was actually a credible actor. His films exploited his youth appeal and crammed the running time with Presley music numbers and as time went on the plots became more and more ludicrous the songs less memorable.This was not lost on Presley who was getting more and more bored with his screen assignments. He wanted to do something more challenging a film befitting his early dramatic promise.He found that vehicle in one of his last screen appearances – Charro! This time he played it straight. Clearly influenced by the successful Clint Eastwood by the successful Clint Eastwood/Sergio Leone series this film is gritty and cynical. But most importantly Presley proved once again that he could act. Reviewers at the time were impressed with Presley’s performance and in retrospect it makes one wish Presley had more challenging acting opportunities.