Rating: 
Summary: Elvis' Best Dramatic Film
Review: "Flaming Star" proves that Elvis Presley could handle a straight dramatic role. This is a downbeat, yet provocative Western -- sensitively directed by Don Siegel with an excellent cast. Elvis sings only a brief song during the first 10 minutes, which probably accounts for the film's weak showing at the box office. Nevertheless, Presley delivers a strong, affecting performance as a half-breed Indian forced to take sides in a deadly conflict. The final scene is particularly memorable. Because it was filmed in Cinemascope, "Flaming Star" should be reissued on video in a letterbox format -- along with Elvis' other dramatic effort, "Wild in the Country."
Rating:
Summary: BIG dramatic role and shows what Elvis was aiming for
Review: "Flaming Star" was a deeply moving picture that shows what Elvis would have really gone if it wasn't for the reoccuring musical comedy roles...but I'M NOT COMPLAINING! I like all of Elvis' movies. This is one that is little too violent, although Elvis probably appreciated a dramatic role. The acting done by Elvis is superb, and so is Barbara Eden's and Dolores Del Rio's. Elvis only sings two songs and that's it. Very violent since it deals with fighting indians and arrows hitting people in the back and blood surging out. That's not for me, but the only reason it's good is the acting and of course, Elvis.
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Movie
Review: Barbara Eden is Great in the movie playing Steve Forrest's character's girlfriend.Elvis sings the theme song and in the square dance scene he sings a song though he doesn't sing any other songs after that.The movie is a western drama and a good movie.Dolores Del Rio is in the movie also.Directed by one of the best directors Don Seigel who directed Clint Eastwood.The DVD has the original movie commercial.
Rating:
Summary: Elvis at his best!
Review: Best Elvis movie ever! Good storyline - fine director and great co-stars, many of them western veterans. Pity, that his fans wouldn't let him do more real movies like this one instead of lousy sing-and-dance films which followed. It's known that Malon Brando was considered for the part which Elvis played but did you know that Frank Sinatra was concidered for the part of the big brother which Steve Forrest played?
Rating:
Summary: IT WAS THE BEST FILM ELVIS MADE
Review: ELVIS WAS VERY CONVINCING AS AN INDIAN HALF BREED. IT WAS VERY HEART FELT THE WAY HE PLAYED PACER. I TRULY LOVED IT THE OTHER MOVIES WERE TO MUCH OF A "PRETTY FACE" KIND OF FILM. THIS ONE IS HIS BEST WORK OTHER THAN THE LIVE PREFORMANCES HE DID. THANK YOU.
Rating:
Summary: Great Movie!
Review: Flaming Star is one of Elvis' best screen performances. He plays Pacer Burton, a half breed Kiowa Indian who is torn between fighting for his mother's people, whose land was taken away from them, or his father's people, the whites. It has a very good storyline and is interesting to watch. I just bought this video from Hastings a few days ago and I loved it. It showed Elvis' great acting talent and I believe if he had been given more roles like this one, he could have been able to show these qualities more and might have a great actor. If you are a big Elvis fan like I am, this video is a must have for your collection.
Rating:
Summary: Elvis shines
Review: Flaming Star was the meat on Elvis' spartan movie output of fluffy musicals and inane "comedies" throughout the larger part of his career. Alongside Jailhouse Rock and King Creole this film reassured the doubters that Presley could act, proving that he had an instinctive talent for creating troubled, but sympathetic, anti-heroes.Originally written for Marlon Brando, the role of the "half-breed" Kiowa-white man Pacer Burton is well realised by credited writers Clair Huffaker and Nunnally Johnson, and aided by terse direction from Don Siegel. Veteran actors Dolores Del Rio and John McIntire are excellent as Pacer's parents, trapped in an unforgiving society which refuses to recognise the sanctity of marriage between a white man and native American woman. At the core of this film is the unrelenting antagonism between two cultures: one fighting to preserve its centuries-old values and birth rights, the other equally claiming the land as its own. Both sides of this complex problem are presented starkly as Pacer is forced to ultimately decide which side he must represent: his mother's native people, or those of his father. The resolution is appropriately ambiguous. Pacer's declaration that he can no longer live in a void but must follow his instincts leads to tragedy. The Burton family - father, mother and mixed-blood son - are pawns in the larger politics of 19th century America, and pay the ultimate price. As the only "pure" white in the family, Pacer's half-brother Clint (Steve Forrest in solid form), must ensure that the future lies in reconciliation not destruction. The final scene belies this hope however as Pacer has "seen" the future and knows he (and his "people") no longer belong. While there is little sermonising or use of analogy to portray the conflict, the "message" is nevertheless profound, and heart-breaking. Perhaps a gentler, more reflective approach may have provided audiences with a deeper appreciation of the undercurrents which led to the eventual dispersal of the native people from their homes. However in its stark portrayal of people fighting for their heritage Flaming Star is an excellent historical document.
Rating:
Summary: Elvis shines
Review: Flaming Star was the meat on Elvis' spartan movie output of fluffy musicals and inane "comedies" throughout the larger part of his career. Alongside Jailhouse Rock and King Creole this film reassured the doubters that Presley could act, proving that he had an instinctive talent for creating troubled, but sympathetic, anti-heroes. Originally written for Marlon Brando, the role of the "half-breed" Kiowa-white man Pacer Burton is well realised by credited writers Clair Huffaker and Nunnally Johnson, and aided by terse direction from Don Siegel. Veteran actors Dolores Del Rio and John McIntire are excellent as Pacer's parents, trapped in an unforgiving society which refuses to recognise the sanctity of marriage between a white man and native American woman. At the core of this film is the unrelenting antagonism between two cultures: one fighting to preserve its centuries-old values and birth rights, the other equally claiming the land as its own. Both sides of this complex problem are presented starkly as Pacer is forced to ultimately decide which side he must represent: his mother's native people, or those of his father. The resolution is appropriately ambiguous. Pacer's declaration that he can no longer live in a void but must follow his instincts leads to tragedy. The Burton family - father, mother and mixed-blood son - are pawns in the larger politics of 19th century America, and pay the ultimate price. As the only "pure" white in the family, Pacer's half-brother Clint (Steve Forrest in solid form), must ensure that the future lies in reconciliation not destruction. The final scene belies this hope however as Pacer has "seen" the future and knows he (and his "people") no longer belong. While there is little sermonising or use of analogy to portray the conflict, the "message" is nevertheless profound, and heart-breaking. Perhaps a gentler, more reflective approach may have provided audiences with a deeper appreciation of the undercurrents which led to the eventual dispersal of the native people from their homes. However in its stark portrayal of people fighting for their heritage Flaming Star is an excellent historical document.
Rating:
Summary: A billion, trillion stars!
Review: For the star to end all stars, Elvis, this movie is greatness among a movie career that's, well, not so great. Finally on DVD, with beautiful picture quality, I adore this movie. There is no cheese here.
This is not chock full of songs, this is not a musical, and the few musical numbers here are well-done and in context. You don't get a cheesy 1960's sounding song in this 19th century western, the songs actually sound like they belong. Again I must stress, there are only a few songs and they don't take anything away from, rather they add TO the film. That man could sing, but surprise surprise, he could also act.
He is a halfbreed. Part white, part Native American. Constantly he is torn between loyalties, but moreso from this deep desire to remain fair to all in his life. The scenes of tenderness are of the utmost affection, and the scenes of violence express the real anguish of such a life. I'm not exaggerating when I say that sometimes when I watch this movie I feel as if I'm spying on a 19th century scene, it's that convincing, friends.
There is such a magical quality about this movie. It's so different from anything Elvis had done before or since that it almost seems like he would have done the film for free...he loves what he's doing and puts his soul into it.
Note that Col. Parker scoffed at the idea of "his boy" Elvis doing a "political" film like this. The Colonel was not one who liked to stir the pot too much when he felt the mixture was just right. This is one of few occasions where Elvis went ahead and did what he thought was the right project. If anyone is curious, check into the numerous films that were offered to Elvis and refused by the Colonel. Least of which was the now legendary 1968 'Comeback' Special in which Elvis both re-invents and re-establishes his throne as the King of Rock and Roll. The Colonel wanted the 1968 special to be a cheesy xmas show with Elvis in a tuxedo singing to snowmen and Santa (which would have probably been the colonel in a red suit). What a disaster and a loss that would have been.
Anyway - Elvis shines like the bright star he is in Flaming Star. Absolutely terrific, wonderful movie that I can't say enough good things about. I have not one complaint except that there weren't more cast from this dye.
Rating:
Summary: Flaming Star Shines
Review: I have always had a fondness for "Flaming Star" since I was a kid. It is a film that gave Elvis some meat to chew into and I feel he shows his acting ability very well. Elvis actually had some indian blood in his veins,Blackfoot on his mother's side. I no doubt feel that Elvis looked deep within himslef and his role with dignity and passion to give us a very memorable performance. Elvis' favorite film as well as the critics is 1958's "King Creole" - however Elvis does a fine job in this adventure that has some great actors/actresses that are on this production. Dolores Del Rio and John McIntire are believable are Pacer's (Elvis) parents and Barbara Eden in a early role is The King's love interest. If I were to own only 5 film performances of Elvis' "Flaming Star" would be one. I am so glad that the film has made it to DVD and I know you will enjoy Elvis in the fine Western.
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