Change Of Habit

I know its dated and tacky in some ways, but I always liked this movie. In these times of rapant autism, this movie becomes more relevant than it did years ago. You can keep Clambake locked away forever, I'll watch this one again. (also love the Rubberneckin scene)

This is one of my favorites. Elvis looks so great! I agree, I love the "Rubbereneckin'" scene, and a few others, too. I think I'll watch my DVD tonight.

I like it. When I saw this in the movies (double feature with Let It Be!) and Rubberneckin came on, I was amazed at Elvis's new look. Hip, mod and oh so far removed from Clambake and the other films. Very powerful scene and you knew this would be a different movie. Unfortunately over time, this movie is dated, but I agree with dgirl about the autistic girl in the film. Back then, we didnt hear much about it and today it is all over the news. Very ahead of its time in that regard.

While others are waiting for a On Tour box we here in germany still wait to see this movie's first release in german language. To hell with the entertainment industrie. You know what I did? I ripped it without region code from a friend's copy and burned it. That's what they want me to do obviously, so they could continue their moaning about 'how bad the pirates are'. Go on this way industry. Saves me a lot of money :-). I'm tired of getting commands from them about what I'm allowed to watch and what not.

I certainly agree with everyone on how Elvis looked in this movie! And it was in keeping with a new more socially aware Elvis. But, yes, the movie is really dated and always felt like a made-for-tv-movie to me, much moreso than some of his worst films. All the songs from this movie were good though. There's some very interesting direction at the very end as Elvis sings "Let Us Pray" (love this song, btw). Mary Tyler Moore is trying to decide between Jesus and Elvis and it's a tough choice! Those shots back and forth between Elvis singing and Jesus on the cross are.....kinda surreal. I mean it is undercut by Elvis singing a song in favor of Jesus/God, but the scene itself is almost shocking...Elvis or God, God or Elvis....or God ...is Elvis? Nah. But you have to admit, that's a weird scene!

Kingkreole hit the nail on the head, the feature is very much in line with the made for TV movies of the time. Elvis films had by this time lost all credibility and Change of Habit didn't even get shown in the cinemas first run. The movie got it's first showing on televison in the UK. I'ts been some time since I watched the film even though the songs are played every so often. I think i'll go for this release though. Elvis did look good in the role,lets see if the story still holds up.

This is a movie far removed from the formula presley movie vehicles of the 60's. Brave and daring in bringing attention not only the autism issue but the temptations and choices faced by by those who choose to follow their God. The film looks at racism, business riding rough shod over its customers (Ajax market) and the perils of organised crime (protection racket). If you told somebody about this movie, they would never believe it starrred Elvis. A shame that his movie career did not continue along this path.

Back in the day I saw this movie as a first run film and not as part of a double bill. Theater was packed. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. This is one of those types of movies (dealing with topcial issues) that I really enjoyed then, but find very dated now. This holds true for non-Elvis movies as well. Songs were good. Elvis looked great.

Dated? Really? When I go to work tomorrow, I will still be dealing with poverty, racism, autism & other child related illness & social problems. I have been dealing with these issues before Change of Habit came out. The only things "dated" about this movie are the hair styles & clothes. The other issues don't go away.

I agree, Ruthie, I do not find "Change of Habit" dated at all. Nothing much in this world changes. I have very strong memories of seeing this film for the first time. It was not released to cinemas in the United Kingdom and had it's premiere here on television in 1971. It was a very different Elvis movie.

One of my favourite films, I remember seeing this as a kid on BBC Tv in the early 70's and just going wow through it all. Unfortunately it wasn't repeated much as the Beeb just kept preferring to show girls!girls!girls! all the time. I belive Todd said a while back that it was shame it wasn't realised into a series. Something like this would have been great for Elvis around '73/74 when he was tired of touring.

The subject matter is not dated at all, especially autism. By my 'dated & tacky' comment, I meant strictly the dialog. It even seemed force at times trying to be hip. You will not see a movie today with this type of dialog unless it took place in late 60's, early 70's. Other than that, the movie tackles problems that still exist.

Yes this movie was far ahead of its time dealing with a young girl that had autism. In the movie they treated autism with love, patience, and attention. Today doctors medicate the children with autism. Elvis and MTM really work well together in this movie and it seems like the audience is wishing for MTM to leave the Church and Jesus for Elvis. If RCA could have waited for In The Ghetto to be release it would have definitely been appropriate for the movie.