Lately, I’ve been feeling like the universe is nudging me to spend some quality time with Elvis Presley. Maybe it’s the sudden flood of Elvis references in my feeds, or maybe it’s just that his music never really goes out of style. Either way, I’ve been diving deep into Elvis’s world—watching his films, flipping through biographies, and letting his voice soundtrack my days.
The thing about Elvis, beyond the music, is that he was endlessly stylish. Nobody—and I mean nobody—could wear clothes quite like he did. He had that rare combination of movie-star looks and pure charisma that made even the most eccentric outfits look iconic. His filmography, while sometimes uneven in plot, is an absolute goldmine for fashion inspiration. Most of his movies pair him with an array of stunning leading ladies, which only adds to the sartorial feast. Honestly, it’s no wonder I’m already plotting multiple Fashion in Film features on his movies.
Discovering Tickle Me
While combing through his filmography, I stumbled across the trailer for Tickle Me (1965), a film that, on the surface, seems to sell Elvis as a rodeo champ by day and saloon singer by night. Sounds fun, right? But here’s the catch—you don’t actually see him ride a horse or bull much at all. Instead, the movie pivots into something far quirkier: Elvis takes a job at a “weight loss ranch” exclusively for models and celebrities.
Yes, you read that right. A ranch full of glamorous women in bikinis, with Elvis conveniently plunked right in the middle. The premise is absurd in the best possible way. A weight loss ranch populated by women who clearly don’t need to lose weight? Perfectly logical… at least in the wacky universe of mid-’60s Elvis movies.
Fashion Highlights: Pajamas, Pastels, and Pure Elvis
As with so many of his films, Tickle Me is packed with style moments worth pausing on. Jocelyn Lane, who plays Elvis’s love interest, is utterly charming—and chic. There are two scenes where she wears fabulous pajama sets that look straight out of a vintage editorial, and another where she stuns in a split-color orange-and-yellow dress that deserves a place in fashion history. It’s bold, playful, and utterly perfect for the era.
Then there’s Elvis himself. His wardrobe here is pastel heaven: western-style shirts and slim-cut trousers in soft hues that only he could pull off without irony. The way he wears them makes you wonder why more cowboys didn’t dabble in sorbet tones. Around the ranch, the characters zip around in pastel Jeeps, which somehow makes the whole set feel like a technicolor fever dream.
And of course, Elvis’s musical numbers are where his style truly shines. Early on, there’s a scene where he takes the stage at a saloon, crooning in that easy, magnetic way of his, while every woman in the audience falls under his spell—much to the irritation of their male companions. It’s peak Elvis: charming, mischievous, and impossibly stylish.
Plot Twists and Scooby-Doo Antics
As if the weight loss ranch premise weren’t enough, the film throws in a subplot involving buried treasure and a haunted hotel. Think Scooby-Doo hijinks, complete with secret passageways and goofy villains. It’s campy, yes, but it’s also undeniably fun.
The movie itself was something Elvis made quickly to resolve some financial woes with the IRS, and in some ways, you can feel that haste in the storytelling. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter. Tickle Me might not be high cinema, but it’s exactly the kind of breezy, playful Elvis movie that delivers on entertainment—and style.
Why It’s Worth Watching
If you love fashion, vintage films, or just need a dose of lighthearted escapism, Tickle Me is a delight. Elvis’s wardrobe alone is worth the rental, but add in Jocelyn Lane’s chic ensembles, the pastel ranch aesthetic, and a treasure-hunt subplot, and you’ve got a film that’s far more fun than it has any right to be.
What really stands out, though, is how much Elvis seems at home in his role. Even in a film built on an almost absurd premise, he brings that unmistakable presence—half rock star, half movie idol—that makes it all work. He’s effortlessly magnetic, whether he’s crooning in a saloon, strutting around the ranch, or unraveling haunted hotel mysteries.
Final Thoughts
Tickle Me might not be Elvis’s most famous film, but it’s one of the most charming. The mix of campy plot, stylish costumes, and Elvis’s undeniable charisma makes it an underrated gem. And really, the idea of a weight loss ranch for models and celebrities—complete with pastel Jeeps, pajama chic, and a pastel-clad Elvis—feels so wonderfully mid-’60s it almost circles back to genius.
If you’re in the mood for something fun, stylish, and a little absurd, give Tickle Me a try. Rent it on iTunes or Amazon, and let yourself fall down the Elvis rabbit hole. Trust me, you won’t regret it—and you’ll probably come away with a new appreciation for pastel western shirts.
