You can now watch *Love Me Tender* for free on YouTube — a rare glimpse into Elvis Presley’s first Hollywood role. Released in 1956, the film began as a Civil War-era Western titled *The Reno Brothers*, but was rebranded to highlight Elvis’s hit song “Love Me Tender” as his fame soared.

Elvis played Clint Reno, the youngest of four brothers, in a role that was rewritten to showcase his rising star power. “Though he was third-billed on paper, his star power dominated every frame,” the article notes. Elvis took acting seriously, even memorizing his co-stars’ lines, and won respect for his humility and dedication.

The film’s premiere drew over 1,500 screaming fans who “camped out overnight,” making it nearly impossible to hear dialogue inside the theater. Originally music-free, producers later added four songs, including the iconic title track, to capitalize on Elvis’s success.

Behind the scenes, Elvis proposed to co-star Debra Paget, who declined, though her image influenced Priscilla Presley years later. The film ends with Clint’s death, prompting Elvis’s mother to demand a softer ending—leading to the addition of Elvis’s ghostly final performance.

Despite flaws and mixed reviews, *Love Me Tender* launched Elvis’s film career and remains “a beloved treasure” nearly 70 years later.