Elvis Presley, Mary Tyler Moore, Gordon MacRae, Gene Nelson. In his final feature film, Elvis plays a doctor in a free urban clinic, falling for one of his nurses who turns out to be a nun. Includes Rubberneckin', Let Us Pray and more. 1969/color/93 min/NR/widescreen.

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CHANGE OF HABIT is a good movie. It has an interesting plot, most of the characters aren't just paper mache blowing in the wind, and the movie deals with social issues that are still relevant even today. Many people suggest that Mary Tyler Moore is miscast in this film, but I found her believable in her role as a nun. Also, the supporting cast does a good job given their limited screen time.

As is the case in all Elvis' movies, there are tunes. However, unlike the other Elvis' films I have seen, the movie isn't structured around the songs. The songs that you actually see Elvis singing appear more natural than staged and a couple of them are really memorable, e.g. "In the Ghetto".

I haven't seen very many Elvis' films, but out of the ones I have viewed, this is the best. I wish Elvis would have been allowed to make more films like this. He could have ended up being remembered as much for his acting as his singing and that would have really been a change of habit.

13 of 13 found the following review helpful:

Dr Elvis - MagnificentOct 30, 1999

This is a truly magnificent movie and represents a change from the racing driver come hotel employee that Elvis usually play. In the opening scene, the King is surrounded by a group of hippies whilst he plays guitar and sings a great song called 'Ruberneckin'.

The title track is an attempts to cash in on the folk scene in the vein of Dylan's 'Blowin in the Wind'.

Elvis playing a doctor is a genius stroke of scriptwriting as is a romantic involvement with a nun (Mary Tyler Moore) who eventually turns away from the Church to be with Elvis.

This film also has a social conscience and like 'Edge of Reality' has a sixties feel about it.

There is something great about this film, I can't put it into words. Maybe it is so bad that it is good, I am not sure.

I would recommend that anyone see this.

10 of 10 found the following review helpful:

Serious Movie Deserved Better ProductionJun 16, 2000
By plsilverman
While his "new" music, including the very important title "In The Ghetto", was getting good notice across the world, this socially-conscious movie was in release. Unfortunately, the "Made For TV" quality made this respectable effort a minor work, which did showcase strong performances by Presley as an inner city Doctor and by Mary Tyler Moore as a Nun who wants to try a different approach in a complex setting. The music is very agreeable and is well interpolated - dig Elvis on piano ("Lawdy, Miss Clawdy") and singing along with Darlene Love ("Rubberneckin'"). The somewhat non-traditional "Let Us Pray" number might suggest the controversial "gospel rock" of future decades. The difficult physical/spiritual theme warranted more time and attention than was presumeably allowed and perhaps accounts for the film's lesser-known status.

12 of 13 found the following review helpful:

Presley's Final Screen RoleNov 12, 2004
By Scott T. Rivers
"Change of Habit" (1969) will not be remembered as one of Elvis Presley's best efforts, but this socially conscious drama represents an admirable change of pace. In his last fictional film, Elvis gives a believable performance in the improbable role of a ghetto doctor. He actually fares better than Mary Tyler Moore - hopelessly miscast as a nun. Though ludicrous in spots, "Change of Habit" is easier to sit through than many of Presley's lame musicals. Elvis remains fascinating to watch and the climactic gospel-rock number is a must-see.

7 of 7 found the following review helpful:

Concentrates on his acting more then the MusicAug 19, 2002
By P. J Parrish "Pamela Parrish"
This film is not all that bad. I thought that it was rather nice to see Elvis as a no BS kind of guy that tells the three Nuns about the outs of working in an inner city doctors office. I Think that Elvis was at his best in this film.

It shows Mary Tyler Moore and 2 other ladies as nuns and they try to blend in with the outside world. Just when things start looking up, Mary Tyler Moore winds up in love with Elvis.

This film touches on 2 other subjects.. Rage Tharapy... Working with the little girl... I wonder if there is any truth if that really works. Rape is another touchy subject... I would prescreen this before showing this to younger Elvis fans out there.

Elvis loooked handsome in this one! I could not take my eyes off the screen... He had this look that you could not resist. I thought that this was worth a look... Rent it and see for your own opinion. If you like it... By all means, but it for your collection.

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