Main Cast: Elvis Presley, Gig Young, Lola Albright, Joan Blackman, Charles Bronson
Release Year: 1962
Country: US
Run Time: 95 minutes
Plot
This musical boxing drama finds Walter (Elvis Presley) as a recently discharged soldier looking forwork in New York's Catskill Mountains. He happens across Grogan's Gym, a boxing emporium that helps perfect the "gentle art." Proprioter Willie Grogan (Gig Young) and trainer Lew (Charles Bronson) run the camp for aspiring pugilists. Walter saves Grogan's long suffering girlfriend Rose (Joan Blackman) from an assault by a gangster when he knocks out the goon. He earns the nickname "Kid Galahad" and a chance to show off his talents in the boxing ring. While Walter trains for the big fight, Lew is approached by unsavory gamblers, who want Lew to be lax in repairing any cuts Walter sustains in the ring for a slice of the economic pie. Lew refuses and has his hands broken by the gambling goons. Although Walter knows the fix is on, he battles his way to victory against overwhelming odds and an intimidating opponent. Walter exacts revenge on the men who broke Lew's hands, which may be the first and only time in cinematic history that Charles Bronson needs any outside help. Presley delivers seven songs, the most memorable being "I Got Lucky." United Artists got lucky with the release of Kid Galahad, which drew legions of loyal Presley fans at the box office. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
Cary O'Dell - Art Director, Phil Karlson - Director, Stuart Gilmore - Editor, Jeff Alexander - Composer (Music Score), Hal David - Songwriter, Ben Weisman - Songwriter, Ruth Batchelor - Songwriter, Fred Wise - Songwriter, Sherman Edwards - Songwriter, Dee Fuller - Songwriter, Sharon Silbert - Songwriter, Bob Roberts - Songwriter, Lynn Reynolds - Makeup, Burnett Guffey - Cinematographer, David Weisbart - Producer, Edward Boyle - Set Designer, Milt Rice - Special Effects, William Fay - Screenwriter, Francis Wallace - Short Story Author
The movie was filmed on location in Idyllwild, California and is noted for having a strong supporting cast. Most critics rate it as one of Presley's best performances.
Willy Grogan is a small-time boxing promoter, based in the Catskills resort region of New York. He has debts to pay and often pays too little attention to the woman who loves him, Dolly.
Into their midst comes Walter, a young man recently discharged from the Army who loves the peaceful setting almost as much as he loves working on old cars. Walter's simple goal is to go into business as a mechanic at a nearby garage.
One day he intercedes on a lady's behalf and decks one of Willy's top fighters. Willy is persuaded to let this "Galahad" take a shot in a legitimate ring. Both men are reluctant, but each has a need for the money. Walter begins working out under the watchful eye of Willy's top trainer, Lew.
The attractive Rose, younger sister of Willy, shows up unexpectedly. She and Walter almost immediately hit it off. The obsessively protective Willy doesn't want his kid sister falling for some "grease monkey" mechanic and two-bit boxer. Dolly is envious of the young couple's romance and resents Willy's interference.
After several successes in the ring, Walter is readied for his biggest fight. Gangsters want him to take a dive so that Willy can pay off his debts to them, but "Galahad" throws his muscle behind Willy and saves the day. He wins the big fight as well as Willy's approval, retiring undefeated to his vintage car and his new love.
The soundtrack songs were recorded in October 1961 at the Radio Recorders Studios in Hollywood, California. The soundtrack was released as an EP in September following the motion picture's debut.
Track listing
"King Of The Whole Wide World" (Bob Roberts, Ruth Bachelor)
