The King and I: Star-Turned-Nun Tells All in ‘God is the Bigger Elvis’
In just ten films, Dolores Hart established that legacy, working with some of cinema's most notable individuals, none more famous than Elvis Presley, her co-star in 'Loving You' (her first picture) and 'King Creole'. (Charmingly, she recalls that their first screen kiss caused them both to blush at every take.)
By 1959, her career had taken off with steady film work and a Tony nomination, but, feeling burned out, she visited the Connecticut abbey on a recommendation. Though she returned to acting, Hart followed her calling in 1963, leaving Hollywood and ending an engagement to an architect (who poignantly remained unmarried and a lifelong friend). Despite initially struggling with cloistered life, Hart never regretted her decision, finding her vocation as fulfilling and rich as performing.
Of Hart's ten pictures, eight were adaptations. Here are a few of her most notable:
Wild is the Wind (1957)
Based on the novel Furia, George Cukor's film stars Anthony Quinn as a widowed sheep farmer who marries sister-in-law Anna Magnani, who, in turn, falls for a ranch hand. A departure from Cukor's stylish oeuvre, the drama features sweeping shots of the Nevada landscape and naturalistic moments such as the birth of a lamb. In a small role as the daughter Angie, Hart has little to do, but offers an innocent contrast to Magnani's earthy Giola.
Elvis' second movie and his first in color was the 1957 Paramount film 'Loving You'. Elvis Presley felt more comfortable in the role of Deke Rivers in Loving You than he had as Clint Reno since the role was based on his real-life career experiences. The musical drama opens as Deke -- a truck driver with a natural talent for really belting out a song -- teams up with press agent Glenda Markle, played by Lizabeth Scott, in hopes of becoming the next singing sensation. Deke begins his new singing career as the opening act for a down-and-out country-and-western band headed by Glenda's ex-husband.
Dolores Hart and Elvis Presley : Loving You.
Lonelyhearts (1958)
In this version of Nathanael West's 1933 novel Miss Lonelyhearts, Montgomery Clift plays aspiring reporter Adam White, hired by an embittered editor to write the paper's popular advice column. Burdened by the problems he encounters, Adam sinks into alcoholism. Hart plays Clift's determined girlfriend Justy, a supporting role that earned her a name above the title alongside Clift, Robert Ryan, and Myrna Loy.
King Creole (1958)
Directed by Michael Curtiz ('Casablanca'), this New Orleans-set picture loosely adapts A Stone for Danny Fisher. In his favorite role, Elvis Presley stars as a teenage ne'er-do-well pulled between Walter Matthau's criminal world and nightclub singing, surprising critics with his deft handling of a complex part. Hart again plays his love interest, the nice girl to Carolyn Jones' troubled gangster moll.
Where the Boys Are (1960)
]The story of four Midwest college girls seeking sun and romance in Florida, this adaptation of a popular novel is possibly the first spring break movie. Leading a young ensemble cast, Hart shines as the outspoken, progressive Merritt Andrews, romanced by an ironically pre-tan George Hamilton. Despite some tragedy, the movie is a fun satire of spring break and features a great jazz soundtrack and famous theme song by co-star Connie Francis.
Francis of Assisi (1961)
Curtiz again directed Hart in an adaptation of The Joyful Beggar, with Bradford Dillman as Francis, the son of a wealthy merchant who forms a religious order after hearing the voice of God. Hart plays Francis' childhood friend Clare, an aristocrat so inspired by his teachings that she renounces her privileged life to become a nun. During the production in Rome, Hart met Pope John XXIII, who prophetically told her that she was Clare.
By Click Here
An Interview with Mother Dolores Hart
King Creole : Paramount 1958
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Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD
Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Until Now! The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio.
This is an excellent release no fan should be without it.
The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. Highly recommended.
Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound.
