IN THE WILD ?60s, Hollywood was partial to youth-oriented movies, because filmdom?s biggest box-office attraction then was Elvis Presley, the hip-swiveling heartthrob from Memphis.

Elvis the Pelvis? closest competitor in the movie and music arenas was balladeer Pat Boone, who was his antithesis, in terms of musical approach, appeal and persona. Elvis was as far-out as Pat was conservative. But, the musicals they starred in were box-office bonanzas, and the songs from their popcorn flicks were jukebox favorites.

Promising talents

Competing with Elvis and Pat?s popularity were other promising talents like Tommy Sands, Bobby Darin, Fabian and Jim Hutton, who was that era?s Tom Hanks. But, alas, not everybody had Elvis and Pat?s pipes!

Dolores Hart was one the many young talents then. The pretty brunette from Chicago was discovered by producer Hal Wallis when she was barely out of her teens. Because of her wholesome, All-American charm, she was cast in youth-oriented films.

Cast opposite Presley, MGM?s biggest box-office star, Hart was the perfect foil for the singer?s bad-boy image. She was Presley?s first screen kiss (in ?King Creole?). She teamed up with Elvis again in ?Loving You.?

Hart seemed destined for bigger things: She also topbilled ?Where The Boys Are,? MGM?s biggest hit in 1960, which chronicled its young protagonists? search for love and romance in America?s sunny beaches. The actress represented the conservative celebrity whom young women could look up to. She shocked Tinseltown in 1963 when she decided to give up a flourishing career?to become a nun!

In 1985, Hart made a sentimental visit to the world?s film capital. When asked why she gave up Hollywood, she quickly replied: ?I have a contract with God.?