This Is Elvis (1981)

User Rating:

7.2/10   

Directors:

Malcolm Leo
Andrew Solt

Writers:

Malcolm Leo (writer)
Andrew Solt (writer)

Release Date:

4 April 1981 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | Music

Tagline:

The rare personal films never before seen by the public.

Plot Keywords:

Elvis Presley | Character Name In Title

Cast

David Scott	...	Elvis at 18
Paul Boensch III	...	Elvis at 10
Johnny Harra	...	Elvis at 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 at 35
Knox Phillips	...	Sam Phillips
Cheryl Needham	...	Linda Thompson
Andrea Cyrill	...	Ginger Alden
Jerry Phillips	...	Bill Black
Emory Smith	...	Scotty Moore

Also Known As:

The Life of Elvis Presley (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

101 min | USA:144 min (video version) | USA:110 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White | Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Australia:PG | Finland:S | UK:PG | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

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

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

At the time of releasing film included lots of very rare and never before seen footage of Elvis Presley.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Elvis pulls up to the house in the beginning his girlfriend gets out of the car wearing a maroon pantsuit; when he opens the door and they enter the house she is wearing blue shorts and a blue workout suit jacket

Movie Connections:

Features Elvis: Aloha from Hawaii (1973) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Viva Las Vegas

This is one of the best documentaries I've ever seen!

"This is Elvis" is an interesting and fantastic documentary to watch even if you are not an Elvis fan.

As an Elvis fan, I am very critical when it comes to inaccuracies about his life. I found this documentary to be very accurate and honest with the way it told the story of Elvis' life. The blend of actual Elvis footage along with very believable reenactments makes the documentary flow with continuity and excitement.

In addition, the song selections that accompanied the various video sequences were always right on the money. It was like watching Elvis' life story being told through entertaining and poignant music videos.

One thing I respected about the documentary, although difficult to watch, was the way the creators did not try to candy-coat the details of the sad way Elvis' life began to spiral down a self-destructive path during the 70's until his untimely death at the age of 42.

All in all, "This is Elvis" is a very entertaining, empathetic, and honest look at the life of Elvis Presley; the American Icon who rightfully earned the title as the King of Rock 'n Roll.