“The musical comedy directed by John Rich shows Elvis Presley as a former Navy man who, between songs and romantic entanglements, dives into the search for a lost treasure”
Introduction
In the midst of the musical film boom of the 1960s, Easy Come, Easy Go (1967) premiered as one of Elvis Presley’s final films for Paramount Pictures. With the usual blend of romance, humor, and songs, the movie placed the “King of Rock and Roll” in an unusual setting: the world of diving and underwater treasure hunts.
Although it didn’t achieve the significance of other Presley films, this lighthearted comedy has become, over time, a cinematic curiosity that reflects the style of fast-paced Hollywood productions of the era and the undeniable magnetism of its star.
Technical details
- Original title: Easy Come, Easy Go
- Release date: March 22, 1967 (USA)
- Director: John Rich
- Production company: Paramount Pictures
- Screenplay: Allan Weiss
- Genre: Musical comedy
- Running time: 95 minutes
- Main cast:
- Elvis Presley as Ted Jackson
- Dodie Marshall as Jo Symington
- Pat Priest as Dina Bishop
- Elsa Lanchester as Madame Neherina
- Skip Ward as Judd Whitman
- Frank McHugh as Judd Whitman Sr.
Plot
The story begins with Ted Jackson (Elvis Presley), a former Navy frogman who, on his last mission, discovers an ancient chest sunk in the ocean. After leaving the service, Ted takes up work as a commercial diver, but the mysterious treasure continues to haunt him.
Between dives, songs, and romantic entanglements with Jo (Dodie Marshall) and Dina (Pat Priest), Ted sets out to recover the chest, only to face competition from rival treasure hunters and a string of comic mishaps. The story unfolds in a light tone, with Elvis’s music and charisma serving as the film’s true driving force.
Production and filming
Easy Come, Easy Go was produced by Hal B. Wallis, a familiar name in Presley’s film career. Filming took place in California locations, including underwater sequences shot at Paramount Studios and in specially built tanks designed to simulate deep-sea dives.
The film was part of Presley’s contract with Paramount, which required him to shoot several titles per year. This fast-paced production schedule contributed to the simplicity of the screenplay, which was focused more on serving as a vehicle for Presley’s songs than on creating a complex narrative.
Trivia and curiosities
- The film was shot in color using Panavision technology, following the trend of the era.
- The soundtrack included six songs, among them “Easy Come, Easy Go” and “Yoga Is As Yoga Does,” now considered rarities in Elvis’s discography.
- Elsa Lanchester, best remembered for her role in Bride of Frankenstein (1935), adds an eccentric touch as Madame Neherina.
- The film coincided with a transitional period in Elvis’s career, as he sought a new artistic direction away from Hollywood’s formulaic productions.
Awards and recognition
Although Easy Come, Easy Go didn’t receive major awards or particularly favorable reviews, it reinforced Elvis Presley’s commercial appeal on the big screen. Its release kept the singer among the most recognizable faces of 1960s musical cinema, even if it did not reach the box office success of some of his earlier films.
Conclusion
Easy Come, Easy Go is a clear example of the lighthearted films that defined Elvis Presley’s Hollywood years. While it lacks a deep storyline or truly memorable musical numbers, its value lies in showcasing the “King’s” screen presence, wrapped in a playful and carefree atmosphere.
Reason to watch
Because it’s a nostalgic snapshot of 1960s musical cinema, a time capsule where Elvis Presley—though in a minor project—still proves why he was a cultural icon capable of shining even underwater.
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