Elvis Presley’s cinematic career is as iconic as his music, with a range of films that showcase his charisma, charm, and musical talent. Among these films is Kissin' Cousins, a 1964 musical comedy that stands out for its lighthearted plot and Elvis’s dual role as two very different characters. While the film may not have reached the critical acclaim of some of his other works, it remains a beloved entry in his filmography.
A Dual Role for the King: The Characters of Josh and Jodie Tatum
In Kissin' Cousins, Elvis Presley plays dual roles, portraying two cousins who couldn't be more different from each other. On one side, there’s Lieutenant Josh Morgan, a clean-cut, by-the-book officer in the U.S. Air Force. On the other, there’s Jodie Tatum, a carefree, blond-haired hillbilly who lives in the Smoky Mountains. The contrast between the two characters is central to the film’s comedy, as Elvis seamlessly switches between the polished military man and the rough-around-the-edges country boy.
The plot kicks off when Josh Morgan is tasked with a unique mission by the U.S. Air Force. The military needs to acquire land in the Great Smoky Mountains for a missile base, but the land is owned by the fiercely independent Tatum family, who are reluctant to sell. Josh, being a native of the region, is seen as the ideal person to persuade the Tatum family to cooperate. However, when he arrives, he discovers that he is related to the Tatums, specifically to his look-alike cousin Jodie.
The Plot of Kissin' Cousins: A Comedy of Confusion and Romance
The central plot of Kissin' Cousins revolves around the cultural clash between Josh Morgan’s world of military discipline and the free-spirited, rural lifestyle of the Tatum family. The film uses this clash to set up a series of comedic situations, misunderstandings, and romantic entanglements.
Upon arriving in the mountains, Josh is greeted with suspicion and curiosity by the Tatums, who are not keen on selling their land to the government. The situation becomes even more complicated when Josh meets his cousin Jodie, who is his exact double, except for Jodie's blond hair and laid-back demeanor. The physical resemblance between Josh and Jodie becomes a running gag throughout the film, leading to several humorous situations where the two are mistaken for one another.
As the story unfolds, Josh finds himself caught in a love triangle with two of his cousins, Azalea and Selena Tatum, played by Yvonne Craig and Pamela Austin, respectively. Both women are immediately smitten with Josh, leading to a series of flirtations and comedic attempts to win his affection. Meanwhile, Jodie has his own romantic interests, adding to the film’s lighthearted romantic subplots.
Themes of Family and Identity
Kissin' Cousins plays with themes of family, identity, and the contrasts between urban and rural life. Josh’s journey to the mountains represents a return to his roots, a theme that resonates with the idea of finding one’s identity by reconnecting with family and heritage. The film humorously explores the idea that, despite their differences, family ties are strong, and there’s a bond that connects people, even if they live in vastly different worlds.
The film also touches on the idea of mistaken identity, with Josh and Jodie’s identical appearances causing confusion and misunderstandings. This theme adds to the comedic elements of the movie, as characters mistake one cousin for the other, leading to a series of entertaining mix-ups.
Musical Highlights: Elvis Presley's Performance in Kissin' Cousins
As with many of Elvis Presley’s films, Kissin' Cousins features a number of musical performances that highlight his talents as a singer and entertainer. The film’s soundtrack includes several catchy tunes, with Elvis delivering memorable performances in his dual role.
The title track, “Kissin' Cousins,” is a playful song that sets the tone for the film’s lighthearted and humorous atmosphere. The song became a hit, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and it remains one of the most recognized songs from Elvis’s film career. Other notable songs from the film include “Barefoot Ballad,” a lively tune that captures the spirit of the mountain setting, and “Tender Feeling,” a romantic ballad that showcases Elvis’s softer side.
Elvis’s ability to switch between the contrasting characters of Josh and Jodie is also reflected in the musical performances, with each cousin bringing a different style and energy to the songs they perform. This duality not only adds depth to the characters but also allows Elvis to showcase his versatility as a performer.
Reception and Legacy: How Kissin' Cousins Fits Into Elvis’s Filmography
When Kissin' Cousins was released in 1964, it received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised Elvis’s performance and the film’s lighthearted tone, others felt that it was formulaic and lacked the depth of his earlier work. However, despite the mixed critical reception, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $3 million at the box office.
Over the years, Kissin' Cousins has gained a cult following among Elvis fans, who appreciate the film’s humor, musical performances, and the novelty of seeing Elvis in a dual role. The film is often remembered for its entertaining plot, catchy soundtrack, and the unique dynamic between the two cousins, played by Elvis.
In the broader context of Elvis’s filmography, Kissin' Cousins is seen as part of a series of light-hearted, formulaic musicals that dominated his career in the 1960s. While it may not have the critical acclaim of films like Jailhouse Rock or King Creole, it remains an important part of Elvis’s legacy, showcasing his ability to bring charm and energy to even the most whimsical of roles.
Cultural Impact: Kissin' Cousins and the Elvis Phenomenon
Kissin' Cousins is also significant for its reflection of the Elvis phenomenon in the 1960s. By the time the film was released, Elvis was already a global superstar, and his films were a major part of his brand. Kissin' Cousins capitalized on Elvis’s appeal by featuring him in a dual role, doubling the star power and providing fans with twice the Elvis they loved.
The film also contributed to the image of Elvis as a multi-talented entertainer who could sing, act, and dance, all while maintaining his trademark charisma. This image was crucial to Elvis’s continued success in the 1960s, as he transitioned from the rebellious rock ‘n’ roll icon of the 1950s to a more polished and versatile performer.
Kissin' Cousins as a Unique Entry in Elvis’s Film Career
Kissin' Cousins may not be the most critically acclaimed of Elvis Presley’s films, but it remains a unique and entertaining entry in his filmography. The film’s plot, centered around mistaken identities, family ties, and romantic entanglements, provides a fun and lighthearted vehicle for Elvis to showcase his talents.
With its catchy soundtrack, memorable characters, and the novelty of Elvis playing dual roles, Kissin' Cousins continues to be a favorite among fans of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. It stands as a testament to Elvis’s ability to bring humor, charm, and musical talent to the big screen, solidifying his place as one of the most beloved entertainers of all time.