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Parents' Guide to

Jailhouse Rock

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

'50s Elvis film still charms; some mild violence, smoking.

Movie NR 1957 96 minutes
Jailhouse Rock Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Matt19
Matt19 Adult
August 16, 2020
age 11+

Lovely Elvis classic but should have higher rating

I watched Jailhouse Rock tonight to remember Elvis who passed away 43 years ago today. Elvis plays a guy called Vince Everett. In my country this is rated U. I disagree. I think it should be rated PG because of some violent sequences and heavy drinking/smoking. Vince is violent sometimes in the movie. Vince gets lashed in prison for punching several prison guards. There is also lots of drinking and smoking in bars but that was what life was like back in the 1950s. Some kissing between Vince and Peggy but no sex or nudity is seen. There is no bad language in the movie. I would definitely recommend this classic to all Elvis lovers alike!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
Fairfax P.
Fairfax P. Adult
March 27, 2023
age 13+

rock n roll icon

I love this film. Elvis' friends said he sometimes acted like his character, Vince Everett, in real life(!) This movie is about a man who goes to prison (he was defending a woman), learns how to play guitar in prison, becomes a star after he is released, but Vince has a huge chip on his shoulder even after his success. This film has some smoking and drinking and many fight scenes. elvis gets in a fight in all his films and he usually has at least 2 girls fighting over him - this movie was no exception. There is no sex or nudity, but there are scenes where Vince and a female character are lying on a bed together really close and she seems to want more. In one scene, he looks at her from behind and calls her "sexy". very fantastic movie and the music is wonderful.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In JAILHOUSE ROCK, Vince Everett (Elvis Presley) is sent to prison for manslaughter. His cell mate Hunk inspires Vince to learn the guitar. Harsh conditions in prison make Vince ambitious for money and fame, and once he's released from prison, he immediately sets out to get as much of both as he can. After a record company steals Vince's song, he and his new-found friend Peggy decide to start their own record company. As Vince's fame and riches climb, so do Vince's ego and his shabby treatment of his only real friends. Vince's singing career is jeopardized after he gets punched in the throat. Is that what it takes for him to learn what's really important in life?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (2 ):

This classic Elvis Presley film is sure to delight fans, and maybe even create new ones, with Elvis's signature style, charm, and charisma on full display. The iconic Jailhouse Rock musical number is an infectious bit of fun. It's a great way for families to introduce their kids to the phenomenon that was Elvis. Use some of the times when the plot slows down to investigate the historical context of the movie, like imagining a time when people had never seen anyone on TV or in movies gyrate like Elvis did, or the ways some events parallel Elvis's real life, too.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether Jailhouse Rock glamorizes drinking. Have attitudes about drinking changed much since 1957?

  • Have you seen any other of Elvis Presley's movies? How much of his music have you heard? Which do you like best, and why?

  • Why do you think Elvis Presley was so popular? Can you see his appeal? How does he compare to popular actors and singers of today?

Movie Details

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