Viva Las Vegas Review

Viva Las Vegas

Release Date: 20th May 1964 - USA 


Production Companies

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (presents)

Jack Cummings Productions (Uncredited)

Winters Hollywood Entertainment Holdings Corporation (Uncredited)

Genre: Musical/Romance

 
Rating: G

Runtime: 85 minutes

Budget: $1,000,000 (estimated)

Box Office Gross: $9,442,967 (USA)

Plot Summary

Lucky Jackson, an all-musically gifted race car driver, is in Las Vegas and wants to score enough money to purchase a new engine for his race car so he can win the Grand Prix. After encountering a beautiful swimming instructor, Rusty and considering staying around longer, Lucky loses his winnings in the hotel pool, which forces him to remain in Vegas long enough to earn back his dough. Now, he also has to win Rusty's heart. Unfortunately, so does Elmo, his slick racing enemy.

Cast

Elvis Presley - Lucky Jackson

Ann-Margret - Rusty Martin

Cesare Danova - Count Elmo Mancini

William Demarest - Mr. Martin

Nicky Blair - Shorty Fansworth
Jack Carter - Casino Performer (Uncredited)
Teri Garr - Dancer (Uncredited)
The Jubilee Four - Themselves (Uncredited)

Crew

Producer/Director - George Sidney

Writer - Sally Benson

Producer - Jack Cummings

Art Directors - Edward C. Carfagno and
George Davis
Set Decorators - Henry Grace and George W. Davis

Costume Designer - Donfeld

Makeup Supervisor - William Tuttle

Hair Stylist - Sydney Guilaroff

Director of Photography - Joseph F. Biroc

Choreographer - David Winters

Film Editor - John McSweeney Jr.

Recording Supervisor - Franklin Milton

Music - George Stoll and
Robert Van Eps (Uncredited)

Review

I wasn't exactly into the legendary Elvis Presley, aka The King. He was one of the great musicians of rock and roll. I preferred Michael Jackson and The Beatles to hear their catchy tunes and inspiring ballads. I did listen to a few tracks of Elvis and covers from music streaming and a few mixed CDs, namely the title track from one of his lighthearted musical comedies, VIVA LAS VEGAS. I didn't even watch the movie before it was on a feature session at Parkes Shire Library when I first visited the Parkes Elvis Festival. A popular hit film of 1964, which came out with the King's few other musicals and A Hard Day's Night from The Beatles, VIVA LAS VEGAS is a wildly entertaining classic that many fans considered his all-time-best movie. The film is jam-packed with flashy musical numbers and a sensational racing climax from start to finish. Several people have seen Elvis sing and dance in films, televised appearances and stage concerts, but this is the most fun he ever had in a feature since Jailhouse Rock.

Elvis and Ann Margaret pulled the strings of their romantic chemistry. Based on what I have heard, they had an off-screen relationship. Although much of this is true, it works for the better.

In all, VIVA LAS VEGAS is a bonafide classic and brings out the best in his style of music. I highly recommend this film to those who are fans of Elvis's music.

Star rating: (8/10) Very Good Movie

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