You can watch *Love Me Tender* for free on YouTube, Elvis Presley’s 1956 acting debut originally titled *The Reno Brothers* but renamed after his hit song. Set after the Civil War, Elvis plays Clint Reno and, though only third-billed, impressed the crew by memorizing everyone’s lines. At its New York premiere,
over 1,500 fans screamed so loudly many of his lines were drowned out. Producers had not planned for him to sing, but quickly added songs to showcase his star power. Off-screen, Elvis grew close to co-star Debra Paget and even proposed, though she declined; years later, Priscilla Presley copied Paget’s hairstyle to attract Elvis. His character’s death upset his mother, leading producers to add a final singing silhouette despite continuity issues. The film also has amusing bloopers, like zippers and cars in Civil War scenes, but it remains a cultural milestone, marking the beginning of Elvis’s Hollywood journey
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