Heartbreak Hotel

Last Updated on: October 18th, 2023

Here is everything you need to know about the amazing movie Heartbreak Hotel including casting, reviews, fun facts and more. I hope you find this listing informative and helpful!

Heartbreak Hotel Description

Heartbreak Hotel touchstone movie

“Heartbreak Hotel” is a comedy film released in 1988, directed by Chris Columbus. The movie stars David Keith, Tuesday Weld, and Charlie Schlatter in the lead roles.

The story centers around Johnny Wolfe (played by Charlie Schlatter), a young and ambitious teenager who is obsessed with rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley. He lives in a small Ohio town and dreams of becoming a famous rockstar himself. One day, Johnny learns that Elvis Presley is staying in a nearby hotel while filming a movie.

Determined to meet his idol, Johnny hatches a plan to kidnap Elvis (played by David Keith) and bring him to his town, hoping that the encounter will change his life forever. With the help of his friends and family, Johnny executes his plan, and much to everyone’s surprise, he succeeds in capturing Elvis.

As the plot unfolds, Johnny and Elvis form an unexpected friendship. The legendary singer becomes a mentor to Johnny, sharing life lessons and wisdom gained from his own experiences. Along the way, the film explores themes of friendship, dreams, and the influence of idols on one’s life.

“Heartbreak Hotel” captures the essence of the 1950s rock ‘n’ roll era and pays homage to the legacy of Elvis Presley. The film features iconic Elvis songs and recreates the magic of his performances. David Keith’s portrayal of Elvis is praised for its authenticity and respect towards the beloved musician.

The movie strikes a balance between comedy and heartfelt moments, making it a heartwarming and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages. It celebrates the impact of music and the dreams of young individuals, reminding viewers to follow their passions and embrace the power of inspiration.

While “Heartbreak Hotel” may not be as well-known as some of Chris Columbus’s later works, it remains a charming and enjoyable film that entertains both fans of Elvis Presley and those who appreciate feel-good comedies. It’s a nostalgic trip back to the era of rock ‘n’ roll and a celebration of the timeless influence of music on people’s lives.




Heartbreak Hotel Cast
  • David Keith: Elvis Presley
  • Tuesday Weld: Marie Wolfe
  • Charlie Schlatter as Johnny Wolfe
  • Angela Goethals as Pam Wolfe


Heartbreak Hotel Crew
  • Director: Chris Columbus
  • Producers: Debra Hill and Lynda Obst
  • Writer: Chris Columbus



Additional Details


Heartbreak Hotel Trailer:




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Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.