Change Of Habit (DVD)

...As is the case with Change of Habit, although an enjoyable drama, there is no real depth to the story and comes across as a rushed piece of movie making trying to capitalize on the popularity of its star. The story, which is supposedly a drama, lacks any real drama at all and the only real interest comes in the form of the relationship between Dr. Carpenter and Sister Gallagher, which although not used to its full potential, provides enough quality ...
...already mentioned the lead in Change of Habit comes from Elvis Presley (Jailhouse Rock) and marked the end of his career as a movie actor. Although his heart was not really in it, his performance is still enjoyable and I would love to know what would have happened if he had been given a better level of movie to make. Opposite Elvis is Mary Tyler Moore, who puts in easily the best performance in the film. Although she plays the romantic role opposite ... more

In an attempt to bring religion back to the streets of New York's roughest areas, the local Catholic Association decide to trial a new idea and sends a trio of nuns to work in the community as civilians in a small medical centre. The centre is run by young, hip doctor , John Carpenter (Elvis Presley) and as well as being popular amongst his patience for his easy going manner, his good looks and singing voice wins him a legion of teenage female groupies.

After shedding their religious shrouds, the nuns are thrown into the thick of things as their presence in the local community is far from welcome. With animosity coming from everyone, including Dr. Carpenter as well as the local priest, who is aware of their real identities, but opposes what they are trying to achieve. On top of this, the local money lender, who rules the neighbourhood with a rod of iron, tries to capitalize on their naivety.

Just as they start to win over the support of the locals, as well as the heart of Dr. Carpenter as he starts to have feelings for one of the nuns, Sister Michelle Gallagher (Mary Tyler Moore). They are ordered by the Catholic association to return to the convent, thanks to the complaints of the local priest. Will they return to their religious order? Or does their immersion into the world, provide more favourable?

This was Elvis's 31st film and the last proper film which he starred in, it was actually part of a deal which his manager struck with NBC in return for the 1968 TV special. To be honest, you can see through his performance, although enjoyable, that he didn't really care for films anymore and most of the films focus is on the nuns and in particular the character of Sister Michelle Gallagher played by Mary Tyler Moore. His lack of interest maybe more due to the weak storylines which he was being given rather than not wanting to be an actor. As is the case with Change of Habit, although an enjoyable drama, there is no real depth to the story and comes across as a rushed piece of movie making trying to capitalize on the popularity of its star. The story, which is supposedly a drama, lacks any real drama at all and the only real interest comes in the form of the relationship between Dr. Carpenter and Sister Gallagher, which although not used to its full potential, provides enough quality to keep you entertained. As with all Elvis films, there are the obligatory musical scenes, although quite surprisingly, they are very limited in this cinematic outing to just 3, Rubber Neckin', Have a Happy and Let us Pray.

As already mentioned the lead in Change of Habit comes from Elvis Presley (Jailhouse Rock) and marked the end of his career as a movie actor. Although his heart was not really in it, his performance is still enjoyable and I would love to know what would have happened if he had been given a better level of movie to make. Opposite Elvis is Mary Tyler Moore, who puts in easily the best performance in the film. Although she plays the romantic role opposite Elvis, there is a lot more to her character than just being all girlie, and at times comes over as a very strong minded character. In all honesty, the scenes which require interaction between Presley and Moore are good and very enjoyable. Sadly, the rest of the cast are purely there as support for Presley and Moore and never really get used to any great affect.

Change of Habit is directed by William A. Graham who up until a few years ago was directing TV movies at the ripe old age of 70. In all fairness, he has done a good job of turning what is essentially a weak story into a reasonable film. At times some of the plot lines are not exploited to their full potential, but this may be more down to the lack of a decent script than Graham's incapability. Some of the scenes which although are not intentionally created to upset you, do come over as quite harrowing. Especially the scene, where Dr. Carpenter is attempting to cure a small girl of her silence, by holding her until she got so angry that she shouts out in rage. All in all, he has done an admirable job of creating a film with a disenchanted star and a weak script.

As with all Elvis's films, you would expect to watch a whole host of musical scenes and outrageous dance routines. Surprisingly, there are only 3 such musical scenes which although are overly produced do not end up in a huge song and dance performance. The 3 performances include the songs Rubber Neckin', Have a Happy and Let us Pray.

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The Cast
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Elvis Presley .... Dr. John Carpenter
Mary Tyler Moore .... Sister Michelle Gallagher
Barbara McNair .... Sister Irene Hawkins
Jane Elliot .... Sister Barbara Bennett
Leora Dana .... Mother Joseph
Edward Asner .... Lt. Moretti
Robert Emhardt .... The Banker
Regis Toomey .... Father Gibbons
Doro Merande .... Rose
Richard Carlson .... Bishop Finley
Nefti Millet .... Julio Hernandez
Lorena Kirk .... Amanda

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Technical Details
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Certificate: PG
Length: 88 mins
Originally released: 1969

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The Message

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Follow your heart. In all honesty, this film doesn't really explore any themes to any great length.

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Conclusion

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As a die hard Elvis fan, I love this film, but for someone who may not have my fondness for the King, they may find this a bit disappointing. This is by no means his best ever film and has far too many flaws in it, to make it his most memorable. Probably the most disappointing element is the lack of any decent story line, which is surprising as it was the culmination of 5 acclaimed screen writers, which then went onto much greater works with the likes of "Shogun" and "Roots". This is one purely for fans of Elvis, as it will more than likely bore anyone else with its weak plot.

Change of Habit is available on Amazon for just £4.97.
 

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