Elvis in the movies

Elvis' film debut in Love Me Tender (1956) saw the nascent rock and roll singer as Clint Reno, who marries his brother Vance's ladyfriend after the latter is reported dead in the American civil war. The movie ends with a shoot out between the two brothers (Vance being very much alive, not to mention a little miffed) but Presley still has time to croon his way through the title song, a reworded version of the civil war ballad Aura Lee and a huge No 1 hit in the US. Photograph: Public domain

In Jailhouse Rock (1957) Presley is Vince Everett, an ex-con wannabe pop star and icon of 50s teen rebellion who swaggers his way to surly success before a fight with his former friend brings him back down to earth. Photograph: Public domain

In King Creole (1958) Presley played Danny Fisher, a rough-around-the-edges young singer making his way in the New Orleans music scene. Co-stars included such luminaries of the time as Walter Matthau and Dean Jagger. Directed by Michael Curtiz of Casablanca fame, this is considered by many to be Elvis' best movie. Photograph: Public domain

Blue Hawaii (1961) was Elvis' most successful film so far, despite the featherweight storyline and songs, and probably set the tone for his strictly lowbrow later movie career. Presley plays a young man returned home after service in the army who just wants to hang with his surfing buddies. Unfortunately his father has other ideas. Photograph: Public domain

A rare, more-than-watchable late effort, Viva Las Vegas (1964) saw Presley as a racing car driver struggling to raise the funds to compete in Sin City's first annual Grand Prix. The film soundtrack includes a number of songs considered to be among the best recorded for an Elvis film for a number of years, although several never actually made it onto the final cut. Photograph: Public domain

That's the Way it is (1970) is Denis Sanders' documentary about Elvis' return to the live arena after a period of making increasingly anodyne movies in the late 60s. It would prove to be his last appearance on film. Photograph: Public domain