Change of Habit

Although I am not a fan of the legendary Elvis Presley (in music or on screen), I must say that after seeing his 1969 film, "A Change of Habit," I realized his talent as an actor was very underrated. Of course, he was placed in his share of cheezy B-movie musicals, some so terrible that, to quote the King himself, they made him "physically ill." But this film lets Presley perform in a more relaxed atmosphere, without the restrictions of having to have a guitar at his side every second (though he does sing a bit in this film, but not so much that it ruins the drama). The same year, Presley was offered Jon Voight's role in the Academy Award winning "Midnight Cowboy." This film has led me to believe that Elvis may not have been bad at all in that role. --Bud Sturguess, Texas

This movie is dated in a lot of ways, and not so dated in others. The fact that it was made at the end of the 60's comes out not only in the topics, but the way the movie was made, using modern (for the time--but maybe outdated for movies now) sets, filming techniques, and even story lines. Still, we see here that Elvis was an outstanding actor. It was not hard to think he was anything other than the character he played in this movie. I also have to add that he looks extremely cool in this movie!

The part that really shines in this movie is the last 20 minutes. The complicated love between Elvis' and Mary Tyler Moore's characters is NOT outdated at all. This part of the movie is played out really well. On top of this, finding out the destinies of the other sisters will leave us as viewers with a lasting impression.

Elvis Presley's 31st and last film at least tries to go into different territory as he plays a doctor working in a free clinic (!) working to help underprivileged people in the ghetto. Mary Tyler Moore is one of three nuns (her friends are singer Barbara McNair and newcomer Jane Elliot) who decide to forsake their traditional catholic garb and dress conventionally in order to go "undercover" as normal women to assist Presley in his cause. Understandably, this sets up the opportunity for them to get into all kinds of trouble in the hood, not the least of which is that Mary begins to fall for Dr. Elvis and must decide between Jesus or The King.

Presley only sings a few songs in this one, the best of which is the very bouncy "Rubberneckin' ", which I believe was revamped decades later to become a popular song all over again. Many people laugh at the idea of Moore as a Sister, but it works for me. Elvis' performance varies from time to time between rusty and competent, and at times I could accept him as a kind-hearted young doctor. It's refreshing to get something outside the usual Presley formula at this stage of his career, and the movie deals with social issues that were relevant at the time, though come off as rather stereotypical and politically incorrect when viewed today (and so what, the movie occurs in 1969). Some things are far-fetched -- did you know you could cure an autistic child by just holding her while she kicks and screams in rage, all the while assuring her "I love you"...? Even so, it's a strong scene in the film. Ed Asner, who would later star along with Mary in the classic "Mary Tyler Moore Show", has some scenes near the end as a policeman. **1/2 out of ****

A hip, young Dr. John Carpenter (Elvis Presley) comes to a bad neighborhood slum to manage a clinic. He hires three nurses, unknowing that they are nuns in plain clothes. One of the nurses (Mary Tyler Moore), falls in love with the guitar playing doctor and has to make up her mind to stay with him or go back to the church. This is Presley's last scripted movie and probably never looked better. Four songs make up the soundtrack featuring the million seller "Rubberneckin'". Also in the cast are Jane Elliot, Barbara McNair, Robert Emhart and Ed Asner. Great for repeat viewing.

Having worn the Habit, having gone through similar personal struggles and worked with inner city poverty and issues, I can attest to the accuracy of this movie. Also based on my own experiences, Elvis is also quite believable as the young inner city doctor trying to connect with his patients. It does accurately reflect the turbulence and changes of the 60s, besides being a fun movie. I identified with it, and feel that people who make fun of it don't really deeply understand the issues it's dealing with. I would especially recommend it to those who would like to understand that period better, plus the personal struggles of the inner city.