The Films of Elvis

The Elvis Film Legacy: 'B' Grade Formula Celluloid - Truth or Myth?

by Nigel Patterson

Abstract: This paper challenges the myth that Elvis' film career was shallow and one-dimensional, and that his body of work can be characterised as "the Elvis movie". It will highlight the four distinct phases to Elvis's film career by exploring essential elements that distinguish each phase and offer much needed fresh insight into the body of work that comprises the varied nature of his film legacy.

"Don't Pitch That Presley Picture Prop!"

(The disposable environment of Elvis Presley's cinematic occupation 1956-1969)

by Aaron Webster

Abstract: This paper addresses how elements of Elvis The Motion Picture Actor do not conjur up as much public fascination and memorabilia pursuit that Elvis The Concert Entertainer does. For example, if a venue where Elvis performed gets imploded, we feel sad for the historic loss. But if a set where Elvis made a movie gets bulldozed, it's not newsworthy and it doesn't seem to matter. In the film industry, it's a common practice to build sets and tear them down when no longer used. Why the double standard of what we deem worth preserving?

This is an analytical look at the disposable environment of the cinematic occupation Elvis Presley had 1956-1969. This questions why the studios/cast/crew apparently made no effort to salvage on-screen material from his films. Why was there no preservation of his movie props and wardrobe? And especially now with the advent of DVD, where are the outtake bloopers?

Were the "Return To Sender" black suit from "Girls! Girls! Girls!" or the blond wig from "Kissin Cousins" or the ukelee from "Blue Hawaii" or even the #7 racing car from "Via Las Vegas" saved when the films were completed? What happened to these items? Is it too late to learn their fate?

The on-going museuming of Elvis Presley's personal and professional effects doesn't seem to include many things from his thirteen-year film career. Why?