Viva Las Vegas (1964)

Race car driver Lucky Jackson goes to Las Vegas to earn money to pay for a new engine for his motor car. Working as a waiter, he still finds the time to court young Rusty Martin.

Director:

George Sidney

Writer:

Sally Benson

Stars:

Elvis Presley, Ann-Margret, Cesare Danova

3 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Elvis Presley	...	Lucky Jackson
Ann-Margret	...	Rusty Martin
Cesare Danova	...	Count Elmo Mancini
William Demarest	...	Mr. Martin
Nicky Blair	...	Shorty Fansworth

Storyline

Lucky Jackson arrives in town with his car literally in tow ready for the first Las Vegas Grand Prix - once he has the money to buy an engine. He gets the cash easily enough but mislays it when the pretty swimming pool manageress takes his mind off things. It seems he will lose both race and girl, problems made more difficult by rivalry from Elmo Mancini, fellow racer and womaniser. Perhaps some singing will help.

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Plot Keywords:

las vegas nevada | psychotronic film | rivalry | waiter | racer | 

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Taglines:

It's that "go-go" guy and that "bye-bye" gal in the fun capital of the world!

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Genres:

Comedy | Musical

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 May 1964 (USA)

Also Known As:

Only Girl in Town

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Jack Cummings Productions, Winters Hollywood Entertainment Holdings Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Among the bevy of beauties with whom Elvis co-starred, it is generally conceded that Ann-Margaret came closest to equaling his charisma on screen.

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Goofs

When the race starts, the black #49 car is tapped by the rear of the red #22 car as all cars pull out of their starting positions. The driver of #49 is wearing a red top. When #49 crashes through the barrier and off the road the driver is wearing a white top.

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Quotes

Lucky Jackson: [singing] Well, there ain't nothing wrong with long-haired music, Like Brahms, Beethoven and Bach, But, I was raised with a guitar in my hand, And I was born to rock...

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Connections

Referenced in The Best Damn Internet Show: Abbe Davis (2019)

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Soundtracks

Appreciation
(uncredited)
Written by Marvin More & Bernie Wayne
Performed by Ann-Margret

User Reviews

Good Music, Great Cinematography, Great Chemistry

Watch the section where Ann-Margaret sings "Her Rival" Song in a letterbox format. The camera starts from above and does remarkable movement (before the age of computer controlled cameras) and Ann-Margaret does all the choreography (including catching the toast and making sandwiches) to the beat all in one shot! Possibly the best single-camera sequence of all time!

The movie only really slows down during the obligatory tourist travelog while in the helicopter scene.