Do the Clam

Whiting Award-winning author of ANIMALS STRIKE CURIOUS POSES and public radio personaliy Elena Passarello's exploration of the Elvis myth as a lens on American pop culture, the South, and the allure of performance

Fifty years after his death, Elvis Presley remains one of America’s strongest cultural exports—an indelible musician who started a youthquake and redefined the concert stage. What’s forgotten, however, is that Elvis spent half his professional life in Hollywood, acting in 31 films that have all but disappeared.

Elvis’s movie career began in 1956 with Love Me Tender—a period drama about train robbers—and ended in 1969 with Change of Habit—a wrongheaded social justice flick co-starring Mary Tyler Moore as an undercover nun. He sings for every movie, tunes ranging in quality from Fun in Acapulco’s rollicking “Bossanova Baby” to Girl Happy’s mollusk-inspired clunker “Do the Clam.” Most of his films were money-makers, but few were critically favored (Pauline Kael ranked them “from mediocre to putrid”).

But what do we miss when we count out the movies? A hunk-a-hunk of a lot. Elvis worked with Oscar-winning directors, former silent film stars, and child actors who grew up to be screen legends. He made Westerns, melodramas, and one decidedly trippy sex farce. And if you look closely, you can see Presley’s life story woven throughout these movie plots.

In this gonzo trip through Elvis’s filmography, award-winning writer and one-time (well, maybe two-time) Elvis impersonator Elena Passarello finds Presley’s persona, his motley impact, and his defining performance style. These 31 Elvis flicks become keys to understanding the postwar pop culture that fueled his celebrity, the fan obsessions that keep him “alive” today, and the conflicted feelings of folks who, like the author, were born after Presley’s reign but still feel the divisive pull of his legend.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs