It Happened at the World's Fair (1963)

17% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
69% of users liked it
(6,018 ratings)

This Elvis Presley vehicle is close to a lemon, even for his die-hard fans. Elvis is Mike Edwards, a pilot of a small plane who has a faithful sidekick, Danny (Gary Lockewood), and a penchant for singing. The story, such as it is, takes place in-between a total of ten different songs, the most… More This Elvis Presley vehicle is close to a lemon, even for his die-hard fans. Elvis is Mike Edwards, a pilot of a small plane who has a faithful sidekick, Danny (Gary Lockewood), and a penchant for singing. The story, such as it is, takes place in-between a total of ten different songs, the most memorable being "One Broken Heart for Sale". Mike is tough on the outside but he is willing to take up a good cause when he finds Sue Lin (Vicky Tiu) temporarily abandoned at the Seattle Worlds Fair. Aside from Sue Lin, he also finds an attractive nurse who is not abandoned but might still need attention. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Norman Taurog
Written By: Simon Rose, Seaman Jacobs
Genres: Action & Adventure, Musical & Performing Arts, Classics

In Theaters: Apr 3, 1963 Wide
On DVD: Aug 3, 2004
Studio: MGM Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Bill Chambers, Film Freak Central
...It's probably expecting too much to call It Happened at the World's Fair uninspired...
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
For die-hard Elvis fans and for lovers of flicks that are set at a World's Fair.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Typical Presley vehicle that's no better than the others, but not much worse either.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
A bizarre little film, strictly for Elvis completists.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bently L

I'm not a big Elvis Presley but I enjoy some of his music. I saw this at my Grandparents' house (huge Elvis fans there) and this one was quite enjoyable. Toe-tapping tunes and cute tender moments. I guess this is what we expect from Elvis' films. The film is about… More
I'm not a big Elvis Presley but I enjoy some of his music. I saw this at my Grandparents' house (huge Elvis fans there) and this one was quite enjoyable. Toe-tapping tunes and cute tender moments. I guess this is what we expect from Elvis' films. The film is about Mike Edwards, a cropduster pilot whose plane gets be repossessed. He then goes to the World's Fair where he believes he can get money. Then some dude drops some Asian girl in his care. He takes her to the fair and they have fun. He takes her to the nurse there and he begins to hit on her. The funny part of the film is how Mike keeps going to the fair so he can more chances to score. Thats the plot in a nutshell. So its got cute moments and some good songs. The little girl was funny as well. I'm pretty sure the inspiration for Lilo in "Lilo and Stitch" came from here. But its quite forgettable. If you like Elvis, give it a go. If not, I don't. Its an okay film. "How would I like to kick you in the shin?"

Cast

            Elvis Presley as Mike Edwards

            Joan O'Brien as Diane Warren

            Gary Lockwood as Danny Burke

            Vicky Tiu as Sue-Lin

            H.M. Wynant as Vince Bradley

            Edith Atwater as Miss Steuben

            Yvonne Craig as Dorothy Johnson

            Guy Raymond as Barney Thatcher

            Dorothy Green as Miss Ettinger

            Kam Tong as Walter Ling

            John Day as Charlie

            Jacqueline de Wit as Emma Johnson

            Evelyn Dutton as Rita

            Sandra Giles as June

            Linda Humble as Redhead

            John Indrisano as Poker Player

            Troy Melton as Poker Player

            Kurt Russell as Boy Who Kicks Elvis

            Olan Soule as Henry Johnson

            Russell Thorson as Sheriff Garland

            Ginny Tiu
            
            Red West as Fred

            Robert B. Williams as Mr. Farer

            Wilson Wood as Mechanic

            Joan O' Brien
            
See full cast