VIVA LAS VEGAS

US, 1964, 85 minutes, Colour.
Elvis Presley, Ann- Margret, Cesare Danova, William Demarest, Nicky Blair.
Directed by George Sidney.

Elvis Presley made thirty-one films between 1956 and 1969. Many people said they were much of a muchness: a handsome crooner in an exotic setting with songs and a range of leading ladies, generally starlets. Viva Las Vegas is something of an exception. It is probably one of the best films to watch if one is to understand the Elvis Presley phenomenon. Here he is a speed car racer, genial personality, in love with Ann- Margret. He gets the opportunity for quite a few songs including The Yellow Rose of Texas. There are also some comic repartee songs with Ann- Margret.

The film also offers an opportunity to see Ann- Margret in her early years, a vivacious presence, and, in this film, in the atmosphere of rock and twist, a gyrating dancer. She is certainly full of energy.

Cesare Danova is the rival for her affections, another racing driver. William Demarest plays her father.

The film has minimal plot, Presley wanting to get a motor so that he can prepare his car for a race. There are various difficulties – including a lot of detours with days out with Ann- Margret. There is also some rivalry to get a bit of conflict into the film, and a falling-out with Ann- Margret. However, everybody collaborates with the building-up of the car, including Ann- Margret – and, of course, Elvis wins.

The film was directed by George Sidney, the only Presley film he directed. After many short films, he made an impact at MGM with a range of musicals including The Harvey Girls, Annie Get Your Gun, Kiss Me Kate. He also directed Ann-Margret? in Bye Bye Birdie and The Swinger.

The film is glossy, brightly Technicoloured, presents Elvis Presley in the most pleasant and positive way, gives him an equal sparring partner with Ann-Margret? – which makes this film one of the better Elvis Presley vehicles.