Follow That Dream, the 1962 film starring Elvis Presley, holds a special place in the hearts of many fans, often cited as his finest cinematic effort. Beyond the movie itself, the title Follow That Dream Song, performed by Elvis, is a memorable part of its legacy. Released by United Artists, this film was Elvis’s ninth, and it offered something different from his earlier roles. This article explores why Follow That Dream is considered a standout in Elvis’s filmography and examines the role of its popular title track.
A Unique Blend of Comedy and Heart
The film is best described as a “romantic, musical, hillbilly comedy,” with the hillbilly element being particularly prominent. As the Kwimper family’s unique vehicle rolls into town in the opening scene, their backwoods innocence, lack of formal education, and inherent honesty are effectively used to create both humor and moments of drama throughout the story.
Many subtly amusing scenes are spread throughout the film, never becoming overwhelming. For example, when Toby and Holly visit the bank hoping to secure a $2,000 loan, their search for a parking meter with remaining time is simple, but the humor lies in their naive assumption that 15 minutes will be sufficient time to complete a bank loan application process.
Other comedic moments include the confusion that arises in the bank when Toby’s attempt to borrow money is misunderstood as a bank robbery. The recurring joke involving the Kwimper family’s outhouse, referred to as the “john,” and the conflict with a group of gangster gamblers also contribute to the film’s subtle humor, creating a lighthearted atmosphere that sets it apart. The unique charm of the Kwimper family and their interactions provide ample opportunity for both gentle laughs and situational comedy, demonstrating a different side to Elvis’s cinematic vehicles at the time.
Promotional poster featuring Elvis Presley for the 1962 film Follow That Dream
Critics Divided: “Follow That Dream” vs. the Status Quo
Contemporary reviews offered differing perspectives on Follow That Dream. Variety‘s review from March 28, 1962, praised the work of screenwriter Charles Lederer, who adapted Richard Powell’s novel Pioneer, Go Home, and director Gordon Douglas for successfully translating the novel’s comedy into a fast-paced visual experience.
Variety also felt that Follow That Dream provided a suitable context for Presley’s acting style. The review noted, “Presley buffs figure to take very kindly to the David Weisbart production, which displays their hero in good form in the kind of vehicle in which the record shows him to be salable—the light romantic comedy with songs.” Compared to previous “Presley pix,” Variety judged it to be “above average,” acknowledging its flaws but highlighting its strengths within the context of Elvis’s film output.
In contrast, The New York Times critic Bosley Crowther, known for his generally unfavorable views on Presley’s films, offered a dismissive review on August 9, 1962. His brief critique compared Follow That Dream unfavorably to Blue Hawaii, labeling it “laboriously homespun and simple-minded” and suggesting it was a step down in glossiness. Crowther’s review seemed to miss the film’s intentional tone and the nuances of Elvis’s performance.
The Music: Impact of the “Follow That Dream” Song and Soundtrack
While the original article argues that Follow That Dream is Elvis’s best film cinematically, it acknowledges that it didn’t achieve the massive commercial success of Blue Hawaii. A key reason identified was the difference in the amount of music featured. Blue Hawaii included 14 musical numbers with minimal time between them, whereas Follow That Dream featured only 5 songs, averaging 30 minutes between tunes.
The songs in Follow That Dream include the title track, “Follow That Dream,” along with “Angel,” “What a Wonderful Life,” “I Feel So Bad,” and “Sound Advice.” Variety‘s review noted that Elvis delivered these five songs competently but without his signature stage wiggles, suggesting the songs, while potentially commercially successful as recordings, hampered the film’s comedic flow.
This highlights a key tension in Elvis’s film career: whether the movies should prioritize narrative and acting or serve primarily as vehicles for showcasing his numerous songs. The immense popularity of the Blue Hawaii soundtrack proved that audiences eagerly consumed Elvis’s music from his films. However, the approach taken in Follow That Dream, with fewer songs, allowed for more focus on the story and character development. Despite the limited number, the Follow That Dream Song itself is a beloved and enduring track, representative of the film’s optimistic spirit and a notable entry in the extensive catalogue that would make you show me a list of elvis presley songs.
Candid photo showing Elvis Presley interacting with fellow actors on the set of the movie Follow That Dream
Elvis’s Standout Performance as Toby Kwimper
One of the most compelling arguments for Follow That Dream being Elvis’s best film is his performance as Toby Kwimper. Unlike the often aggressive or rebellious young men he played in his first eight movies, Toby is portrayed as a slow-talking, calm country boy possessing a unique blend of innocence and innate intuition. Elvis conveyed this character through a vacant, questioning facial expression and a deliberate, monotone vocal delivery, resulting in a relaxed and believable performance. Variety specifically noted that “Presley conveys the right blend of horse sense and naiveté in his characterization.”
The film effectively showcases Elvis’s natural comedic timing in its earlier sections. The picture then transitions into a more dramatic interlude during a courtroom scene where the Kwimpers’ custody of their adopted children is decided. Presley’s speech to the judge in this scene is frequently cited as the finest dramatic moment of his entire film career, delivered with a sincerity that resonates with viewers. It demonstrated a potential for dramatic acting that was often underutilized in his subsequent films. Those interested in exploring the range of his vocal talent beyond his dramatic roles might want to check out elvis presley old songs.
Notable Supporting Performances
As with many of Elvis’s early 1960s films, Follow That Dream benefited from a strong supporting cast. Arthur O’Connell received praise for his role as Pop Kwimper, the family patriarch, and was integral to the running gag involving the outhouse. Anne Helm was noted as “decorative and able” in her role opposite Elvis, described as the “Daisy Mae to his Abner.” Joanna Moore effectively played the welfare worker, bringing a touch of authentic Georgia accent to her character. Additionally, Howard McNear as the bank vice-president and Simon Oakland as Nick the gangster contributed chipper and effective supporting work, rounding out a capable ensemble that elevated the film’s overall quality.
Movie still from Elvis Presley’s 1962 film Follow That Dream, showing Elvis as Toby Kwimper and Anne Helm as Holly Jones
The Legacy of “Follow That Dream”
Elvis Presley’s work for United Artists in 1962, encompassing both Follow That Dream and the subsequent film Kid Galahad, represents a high point in his acting career. Follow That Dream is arguably his best film, showcasing his potential when given a strong script and a character that allowed for more depth than his typical roles.
While the commercial pressures that prioritized music over narrative, heavily influenced by the success of Blue Hawaii, ultimately steered Elvis’s Hollywood career in a different direction, Follow That Dream remains a shining example of his capabilities as a dramatic and comedic actor. Coupled with the popularity and enduring appeal of the follow that dream song and its associated soundtrack, the film holds a special place in the history of classic entertainment and Elvis Presley’s diverse legacy, offering a glimpse of what might have been. Exploring his broader musical impact often leads to discussions of his elvis presley biggest songs.
