Elvis – always the main draw in these films – practically sleep-walks throughout in a visible haze of narcotics and contractual obligations.

Harum Scarum is particularly poor, with even Elvis appearing bored by all the soggy shenanigans.

MGM provides lush sets, bosomy gals, colorful costumes, and Elvis, which is probably all it needs to get the throng of Elvis fans into the theaters.

_**Elvis goes to a hidden Middle Eastern kingdom to fight assassins**_ An American actor and martial arts expert (Presley) is kidnapped and forced by a sinister group of assassins to execute the king of a secret kingdom in the Middle East (Phillip Reed). During the course of events he falls in love with the King’s daughter (Mary Ann Mobley) and hooks up with an entertainment troupe that are thieves on the side. “Harum Scarum” (1965) was Elvis’ 19th movie of the 31 in his acting filmography. Many say it’s his worst, but it’s not. It’s a tuneful frolic and sendup of Middle Eastern swashbucklers, like Sinbad or even Conan, but more amusing, cheaper and without the sorcery & monsters. You’re supposed to roll with it and have fun, not take it seriously. For a ballpark parallel, think Star Trek’s “Plato’s Stepchildren” but with a comedic flair and songs. Speaking of the original Star Trek, Michael Ansara is on hand as the king’s brother; he of course played the Klingon Kang in “Day of the Dove.” The colorful cast also includes Jay Novello as little person Zacha. Aside from winsome Mobley, the feminine department features the stunning Fran Jeffries and several other beauties. Too bad their lovely forms are largely hidden by Arabian-styled apparel, but that’s to be expected. I’m glad “Harum Scarum” is in Elvis’ oeuvre. It’s fun and not the same-old, same-old. The film runs…