Elvis Presley starred in 31 movies, and two documentaries during his lifetime. A third documentary, which was in production at the time of his death, was later aired on CBS in October of 1977. There were also several television specials. I have compiled a list of Elvis’ on-screen performances, for those who may want to check out his movies.
During Elvis’ short 42-year life, he spent thirteen years in Hollywood, making movies for the silver screen. In 1956, his first movie Love Me Tender was released, followed by Loving You and Jailhouse Rock in 1957. Before he took a break for Army service in 1958, he filmed King Creole.
After Elvis finished up his Army stint, he filmed G.I. Blues and Flaming Star in 1960, followed by Wild in the Country and Blue Hawaii in 1961. 1962 was a busy year for the star, with the releases of Follow That Dream, Kid Galahad, and Girls! Girls! Girls! In 1963, It Happened At The World’s Fair and Fun In Acapulco were filmed. The rest of the 1960’s saw Elvis starring in three movies each year: in 1964, it was Kissin’ Cousins, Viva Las Vegas and Roustabout; in 1965 – Girl Happy, Tickle Me, and Harem Scarum (which was alternately titled Harem Holiday). In 1966, it was Frankie and Johnny, Paradise, Hawaiian Style, and Spinout, followed by Easy Come, Easy Go, Double Trouble and Clambake in 1967.
In the late 1960’s, Elvis was growing increasingly dissatisfied with the way his movie career was going, and wanted to get back to concerts. In 1968, he did film three more movies, which were Stay Away, Joe, Speedway, and Live a Little, Love a Little. 1968 also saw the television special entitled Elvis, or more commonly known as The ’68 Comeback Special. Many people say that some of the best music Elvis ever recorded came out of that simple television special.
1969 was Elvis’ last year on the big screen. Charro! and The Trouble With Girls were followed by his final film, Change of Habit, which co-starred Mary Tyler Moore.
In 1970, Elvis’ first documentary, Elvis: That’s The Way It Is was released. This documentary showed rehearsal footage, and concert footage from several concerts in Las Vegas. This is an in-depth look at the preparation and feeling that Elvis put into his work.
In 1972, another documentary was made, this one entitled Elvis On Tour, featuring rehearsal and concert footage from a concert tour that took place in fifteen different cities. This is a great view of the real, human Elvis.
In 1973, Elvis made television history with his Aloha From Hawaii special, which was simultaneously broadcast across the globe via satellite. In my opinion, this is one of his very best performances – he was at his peak here, both physically and musically.
In early 1977, CBS began production of a third documentary, with footage from some of Elvis’ final concerts in Rapid City, South Dakota, and Kansas City, Missouri. Unfortunately, this documentary would not be completed before Elvis passed away in August of 1977. The special was quickly put together, and aired on television in October of 1977. The estate has vowed not to release this special to the public on DVD, but you can find it from unauthorized sellers on the web.
You can see many of these on cable television. Others can be purchased online. Enjoy!
Some of this information was obtained from www.imdb.com, and www.elvis.com
