“Elvis speeds up his legend in a lively musical comedy”
Spinout (1966) Technical Details
- Original Title: Spinout
- Director: Norman Taurog
- Screenplay: Theodore J. Flicker and George Kirgo
- Producer: Joe Pasternak
- Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
- Genre: Musical comedy
- Runtime: 93 minutes
- Release Date: November 2, 1966 (USA)
Plot Summary
In Spinout, Elvis Presley plays Mike McCoy, a charming band leader who also happens to be a race car driver. Mike and his bandmates travel in a van, performing at different venues, until they get caught up in a whirlwind of romantic entanglements and racing challenges.
The comedic twist arises when three very different women — a wealthy heiress, a thrill-seeking young woman, and a sophisticated writer — all try to win Mike’s heart. But he must choose between love and his true passion: music and freedom.
Main Cast
- Elvis Presley as Mike McCoy
- Shelley Fabares as Cynthia Foxhugh
- Diane McBain as Diana St. Clair
- Deborah Walley as Les
- Carl Betz as Howard Foxhugh
- Jack Mullaney as Curly
- Jimmy Hawkins as Larry
Shelley Fabares, who had starred with Elvis in other films, became one of the fan-favorite female leads in his Hollywood career.
Music and Soundtrack
The movie’s soundtrack is one of its highlights, featuring twelve Elvis tracks blending rock and roll, ballads, and lighthearted mid-60s pop.
Key Songs Include:
- Spinout
- Stop, Look and Listen
- Adam and Evil
- All That I Am
- Never Say Yes
- Am I Ready
- Smorgasbord
- I’ll Be Back
The title track, “Spinout,” became especially popular and is remembered as one of Elvis’s strongest film-related songs.
Production and Trivia
- Directed by Norman Taurog, who had previously worked with Elvis on Blue Hawaii and other films.
- It was Elvis Presley’s 22nd motion picture, part of his prolific Hollywood period.
- Filming took place mainly in California, with racing sequences adding dynamism to the story.
- The film reflects the image of Elvis in the mid-1960s: a youthful, rebellious but lovable character.
- Spinout was one of three Presley films released in 1966, alongside Frankie and Johnny and Paradise, Hawaiian Style.
Reception and Legacy
At its release, Spinout received mixed reviews: some critics dismissed it as a lightweight comedy, while Elvis fans embraced its humor, soundtrack, and his natural charisma.
At the box office, it performed solidly, proving once again Elvis’s commercial appeal in cinema during the mid-60s.
Today, Spinout is remembered as a fun entry in Elvis’s filmography — not as critically acclaimed as Jailhouse Rock or King Creole, but a cult favorite among collectors and fans of the King.
Conclusion
Spinout (1966) perfectly reflects Elvis Presley’s Hollywood era: a mix of rock and roll, romance, and lighthearted fun. While not the deepest of his films, it highlights his charm, versatility, and youthful energy. With catchy songs, romantic entanglements, and high-speed action, Spinout remains a colorful piece of the King’s cinematic legacy.
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