The long association between Curtiz and Warner Bros. eventually fell apart in a bitter court battle. After his relationship with Warner Bros. broke down, Curtiz continued to direct independently beginning in 1954. The Egyptian (1954) (based on Mika Waltari's novel about Sinuhe) for Fox starred Jean Simmons, Victor Mature, and Gene Tierney. He directed many films for Paramount, including White Christmas, We're No Angels, and King Creole. White Christmas (1954), Curtiz's second adaptation of an Irving Berlin musical, was a major box office success, the highest-grossing film of 1954. It starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen.
Another musical, King Creole (1958), starred Elvis Presley and Carolyn Jones. When asked to direct Elvis, who was then the “king of rock and roll,” Curtiz could only laugh, assuming that Elvis would not be able to act. However, after a few conversations with him, his opinion changed: “I began to sit up and take notice,” Curtiz said, adding, “I guarantee you saudi arabia email list will surprise everyone. You show a formidable talent. Plus, you will get the respect you so desire.” During filming, Elvis was always the first on the set. When told what to do, regardless of how unusual or difficult it was, he simply said, “You are the boss, Mr. Curtiz.”
No, this is a lovely boy, and he's going to be a wonderful actor.
– Michael Curtiz, after meeting Elvis for the first time
The script, music and acting came together to produce a remarkable picture, the likes of which Elvis never equalled in his career. It received good reviews: Variety magazine declared that the film "Shows the young star as a better than fair actor." The New York Times also gave it a favorable review: "As for Mr. Presley, in his third attempt at the screen, it is a pleasure to find him a little more than on Bourbon Street shouting and swaying. Acting is his task in this artfully hung showcase, and he does it, so help us, on a picket fence." Presley later thanked Curtiz for giving him the opportunity to show his potential as an actor; of his 33 films, Elvis considered this his favorite.