Remake of an old Wayne Morris/Edward G. Robinson melodrama restructured for singing star Elvis Presley. The early 1960s were very good for Presley in Hollywood, and his acting here as a garage mechanic turned lightweight boxer is far better than the performances he gave in his earliest films. Director Phil Karlson wisely keeps E.P. surrounded by terrific character actors, most of whom get just as much of a chance to shine on-screen as the star (this works to Presley's advantage, as too much of him isn't always a good thing). Gig Young plays the boxing manager who discovers Presley's right-hook talents, Charles Bronson (looking fit and handsome with gray streaks in his short hair) plays his trainer, Joan Blackman is the love-interest and Young's sister. Nice music numbers like "A Whistling Tune" are casually added to the mix (they don't overpower the narrative) and the boxing sequences are quite well done. **1/2 from ****