This Is Elvis (1981)

Though several actors portray Elvis Presley at different stages of his life, this documentary is comprised mostly of actual performance footage and interviews with Elvis, his fans and those... See full summary »

Directors:

Malcolm Leo, Andrew Solt

Writers:

Malcolm Leo, Andrew Solt

Stars:

David Scott, Paul Boensch III, Johnny Harra

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Scott	...	Elvis - Age 18
Paul Boensch III	...	Elvis - Age 10
Johnny Harra	...	Elvis - Age 42
Lawrence Koller	...	Vernon Presley
Rhonda Lyn	...	Priscilla Presley
Debbie Edge	...	Gladys Presley
Larry Raspberry	...	Dewey Phillips
Furry Lewis	...	Bluesman
Liz Robinson	...	Minnie Mae Presley
Dana MacKay	...	Elvis - Age 35
Knox Phillips	...	Sam Phillips
Cheryl Needham	...	Linda Thompson
Andrea Cyrill	...	Ginger Alden
Jerry Phillips	...	Bill Black
Emory Smith	...	Scotty Moore

Storyline

Though several actors portray Elvis Presley at different stages of his life, this documentary is comprised mostly of actual performance footage and interviews with Elvis, his fans and those close to him. His arrival on the national scene ,in 1956, is highlighted by clips from "Stage Show", "The Milton Berle Show" and "The Ed Sullivan Show". Scenes from several of his 33 films are highlighted including his screen debut in "Love Me Tender" (1956) and the critically acclaimed "King "Creole"(1958), his last film prior to a 2 year hitch in the military. From 1960-68 he kept busy by making films and soundtrack albums, as well as some Gospal albums. After an absence of almost 9 years from live performing, Elvis returned in 1968 to do a TV Special titled "Elvis" and in 1969 performed in Las Vegas for the first time since 1956. His Vegas appearances, along with his nation wide concert tours, continued for the remainder of his career. A clip from his 1973 TV Special,"Elvis Aloa", is featured. ...

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Plot Keywords:

film set | phonograph record | hospital | performer | u.s. army | 

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Taglines:

The rare personal films never before seen by the public.

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Genres:

Biography | Music

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 April 1981 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Life of Elvis Presley

Filming Locations:

Graceland - 3734 Elvis Presley Boulevard, Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros., David L. Wolper Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min 144 min (video)

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Black and White Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The expanded home video version contains rare footage such as the "Sagebrush Presley" comedy skit from The Steve Allen Show and Elvis Presley's compelling 1956 performance of a The Four Aces-style ballad, "I Was The One", which hinted an appeal to a wider audience or another musical direction even then.

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Goofs

In a scene, shown here, from Loving You, when Deke Rivers (Elvis) fights with a heckler in front of a juke box, we hear Elvis singing "Mean Woman Blues, written by Roy Orbison and later singing "Trouble", in the background. "Troubl3" was first performed by Elvis in King Creole, one year later. In the actual film "Loving You", the juke box was playing only "Mean Woman Blues".

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Quotes

Pauline Nicholson: [Elvis and Ginger prepare to go upstairs to his bedroom, passing the kitchen doorway, where Pauline is seated at the table] Mr. P, can I get you some sandwiches?
Elvis at 42: [waves] That'd be fine, Pauline.

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Crazy Credits

Certain sequences in this film were recreated.

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Connections

Features Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962)

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Soundtracks

"Big Hunk O'Love"
By Aaron Schröder (as Aaron Schroeder) and Sid Wyche
Elvis Presley Music
Performed by Elvis Presley (uncredited)
(extended video version only)

User Reviews

Tremendous documentary spotlighting a dynamic Icon.

Malcolm Leo and Andrew Solt: enough said. These guys do deep research and do everything first class. This will be one of the best documentaries of an entertainer ever put on film. Elvis Presley meant so many different things to so many different people. He effected society, hair and clothing styles like no one before him. He changed the music world with the power of an Atomic Bomb. He has sold over one billion records and was the first visual founding father of the phenomenon that became rock 'n' roll. His influence will live for decades to come. This is a personal look as well as a tribute to the world's most loved entertainer.

I have the expanded 144 minute version of THIS IS ELVIS and watch it at least once a year. The soundtrack is like a history and not a greatest hits project. Even the non Elvis fan will be impressed with this entertaining look at musical history.