In 1958, Elvis Presley stood at the height of his fame - and at the crossroads of his career. Just as America's most electrifying star was about to be drafted into the Army, he delivered the finest performance of his Hollywood career in King Creole. This book is the definitive exploration of that landmark film. Across 35 in-depth chapters, it takes you inside the making of King Creole - from the origins of Harold Robbins's novel to Michael Curtiz's direction, the smoky French Quarter setting, and the unforgettable songs that blended jazz, rhythm and blues, and rock 'n' roll into something timeless. Discover the stories behind classics like "Trouble," "Hard Headed Woman," "Crawfish," and "King Creole," meet the legendary supporting cast of Walter Matthau, Carolyn Jones, and Dolores Hart, and see how the film's atmosphere of New Orleans shaped Elvis's most mature role. Along the way, you'll uncover how the looming shadow of the draft turned this movie into a symbolic farewell to the untamed Elvis of the 1950s. More than just a soundtrack or a film, King Creole remains a cultural milestone - the moment Elvis proved he was more than a teen idol. Critics hailed it as his best screen performance, fans saw a more serious artist emerging, and history now remembers it as his artistic peak before the Army years changed everything. Whether you're a lifelong Elvis fan, a student of rock 'n' roll history, or a lover of classic cinema, this book offers the ultimate deep dive into the one Elvis movie that mattered most.