Harum Scarum (1965) [Warner Archive Blu-ray review]

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Harum Scarum is a later era Elvis Presley movie. Naturally, it doesn’t have a ton of fans. But, why is that? How much different is this Elvis movie than the other Ken doll style adventures he found himself entangled in after getting out of the Army? Was he a surfer? A race car driver? Was his job finally Beach? These questions and more will be answered in Harum Scarum.

The road to the Comeback Special begins

Let’s talk about Harum Scarum, Elvis Presley’s 1965 campy musical adventure that sits comfortably in the “so bad it’s good” camp. Directed by Gene Nelson, the film places Elvis in the role of Johnny Tyrone, a Hollywood action star swept into a real-life desert adventure full of intrigue, romance, and, of course, musical numbers.

Released during Elvis’s transition from gritty dramatic roles to lighter, formulaic musical-comedies, Harum Scarum is the epitome of escapist cinema. It’s got everything: a paper-thin plot, catchy tunes, exoticism, and a setting that stretches cultural credibility to its limits. But don’t get it twisted—this one’s a cult favorite precisely because of its absurdity and self-awareness.

What’s it all about?

Harum Scarum follows Johnny Tyrone, a martial arts expert and movie star, as he’s kidnapped while promoting his latest film in the Middle East. The rebels who capture him mistake Johnny’s on-screen persona for the real deal and enlist him to thwart an assassination attempt against King Toranshah. Along the way, Johnny teams up with Princess Shalimar (Mary Ann Mobley), and the two hatch a plan to save the kingdom. Naturally, Elvis sings through it all, engaging in sword fights, thwarting bad guys, and stealing hearts.

Johnny’s journey through the desert, palaces, and exotic locales is full of typical 60s Hollywood clichés about the Middle East. Yet, fans of camp love the over-the-top costumes and cartoonish action sequences. It’s goofy, it’s pure escapism, and it’s Elvis doing what he does best—winning over audiences with charisma and song.

Mister Freeze in a bit role

There’s no question that Elvis is the star here. His Johnny Tyrone is essentially a vehicle for the King to sing, smirk, and glide through the paper-thin plot with ease. The movie’s charm rests almost entirely on Elvis’s shoulders, and he delivers. His chemistry with co-star Mary Ann Mobley as Princess Shalimar is lighthearted and playful, adding a fun romance to the mix.

Supporting characters like Fran Jeffries as Aishah and Michael Ansara as the villainous Prince Dragna don’t add much depth, but they fit right into the tone of the film. Ansara’s Prince Dragna is a classic one-dimensional antagonist, providing enough conflict to keep Johnny hopping from one overblown plot point to the next.

Why are Elvis’s 50s movies so much better than the 1960s output?

By the mid-1960s, Elvis Presley’s film career had largely moved away from serious roles like those in King Creole (1958) or Jailhouse Rock (1957), and more toward these campy musical comedies that capitalized on his star power rather than his acting chops. Harum Scarum is the perfect example of this shift.

While it may not have been a critical darling, it’s important to remember that Elvis’s films still drew audiences in droves. Harum Scarum came during a time when musicals were transitioning out of vogue, but Presley’s devoted fans kept the formula working at the box office.

Let’s talk about the Harum Scarum Blu-ray

Needless to say, Warner Archive has another winner. The new 1080p transfer from the original Technicolor elements enhances Harum Scarum’s visuals dramatically. You get to see the lush desert landscapes, garish palace interiors, and vivid costumes in crystal-clear detail. It’s a visual feast, especially for fans of mid-century design and filmmaking aesthetics.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix ensures that Elvis’s iconic voice takes center stage. The musical numbers, including “Harem Holiday” and “So Close, Yet So Far (From Paradise),” sound crisp and resonant, preserving the charm of Elvis’s performances. Dialogue and sound effects also come through clearly, making for an overall balanced audio experience.

The special features you get are Tom and Jerry cartoons and a trailer. It’s a fun attempt to rebuild the original MGM Exhibition on Blu-ray. I dig that bit of historical deep-dive. Honestly, if you’re this committed to Elvis cinema at this point, go ahead and pick it up.

Harum Scarum is now available on Warner Archive Blu-ray at MovieZyng

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