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Flaming Star
1960 92 min United States of America PG 16+
★7.2
Western
Director: Don Siegel
Trailers
Description
Sam Burton's second wife is a Kiowa, and their son is therefore born mixed-race. When a struggle starts between the whites and the native Kiowas, the Burton family is split between loyalties.
Budget:
$1.7M
US Gross:
$1.96M
Worldwide:
$2M
Starring
Elvis Presley
Actor
Barbara Eden
Actor
Steve Forrest
Actor
Key opinion
Flaming Star stands out as one of Elvis Presley's most grounded and serious dramatic performances, shifting away from his typical musical vehicles. While the film is praised for its gritty, unconventional narrative and realistic character portrayals, it is hampered by weak subplot development and strained interpersonal dynamics.
| Acting | The film marks a significant departure from musical tropes by limiting Elvis to only two songs, allowing him to focus on a serious dramatic performance. | |
| Originality | The narrative avoids traditional hero-villain archetypes, resulting in a refreshing and unpredictable story structure. | |
| Ending | The unconventional ending defies the standard expectations associated with Presley's filmography. | |
| Screenplay | The emotional depth of the film is hampered by poorly developed romantic subplots and unconvincing portrayals of sibling conflict. | |
| Culture | The film’s portrayal of interracial conflict is viewed as a compelling historical mirror by some, while others feel the plot ultimately remains a conventional take on the western genre. |