d Train arrive
d sixteen coaches long '
d train arrive
d sixteen coaches long '
d well, that long black train
d got my baby and gone
d train, train
d running down, down the line
d train, train
d running down, down the line
d well, it took my baby
d cos she's mine, all mine
d train, train
d coming round, round the bend
d train, train
d coming round, round the bend
d well, it took my baby
d but it never will again
d train, train
d coming round, round the bend
d train, train
d coming round, round the bend
d well, it took my baby
d but it never will again
d whoo-oooh-hoo!
thank you.
He's on the phone again.
- What did he say? - He'll only speak to you.
I know who's gonna kill Elvis.
And I only want to speak to Vernon Presley.
This is Vernon Presley.
I know who he is, Mr. Presley, and I can intercept him.
But it'll cost you $50,000.
Just a minute, please.
He says he can... Stop the man for $50,000.
Whatever you want to do, Mr. Presley.
We'll pay him.
Yes, we're willing to pay.
Hello? Hello?
Baby bear.
Nine years.
Nine years since I've been in front of the people, Priscilla.
Live, breathing, reaching out to touch me and grab at me.
I'm kinda scared, i don't mind admitting it to you.
Man, I just hope i remember the lyrics.
You look wonderful. I've never seen you look better.
But can he still sing? Can the boy still cut it?
I ain't no Andy Williams, man.
Hey, Red.
First time here was with shecky Greene, remember, Red?
$10,000 for the week, man. I bombed.
That was way back.
1956.
- Almost 15 years ago. - Yeah.
We'll return to the 3 o'clock movie...
It wasn't... It wasn't your crowd that night, e.
Elvis Presley arrived here
this morning at the International
to appear at the first major hotel built off the strip.
It's Elvis's first public appearance after nearly ten years in seclusion.
These are years that have seen a decline
in popularity among rock and roll artists.
It isn't surprising, though. No rock act survives forever.
Maybe they're right, Red. Maybe it's all over.
Hillbilly cat was just a flash in the pan,
you know, a novelty that's wore off.
You wait. You're gonna knock 'em dead.
If that Lee Harvey Oswald doesn't get to me first.
They got FBI men all over the place.
Probably just a hoax anyway.
He's even lower in the polls than the Beatles.
And this surprising decision to do a comeback show at the international
seems to be do or die for Elvis.
It just could be the beginning or the end for a brilliant career.
He revolutionized the entire...
Whoa, whoa!
- That was gunfire! - I know now. It's alright. You be cool.
He, erm... he just shot up the TV set, that's all.
Elvis, honey, do you like your Christmas present?
Well, I wanted a bicycle, momma.
Elvis, you know we can't afford no $55 for no bicycle.
Baby, you like your guitar
and you learn to play it real good, huh?
And maybe next year we'll be able to get you a bicycle, huh?
- Okay, momma. - Alright.
And then you can wash your dirty face
and after supper we'll go sit out on the porch
and sing with our friends from down the road, alright?
Alright, momma.
Merry Christmas, Jesse Garon.
I brought you some flowers and some chocolate drops.
It sure looks like it's gonna rain, don't it?
Boy, I wish you could've been with us yesterday. We had a swell time.
Crazy old Elvis is talking to himself again.
- I wasn't talking to myself! - Who then, crazy?
I was talking to my twin bother, Jesse Garon.
Ha! You ain't got no brother.
I do too! Well, I did.
Crazy. Crazy! Momm’s boy, momm’s boy!
I ain't, I ain't!
That'll teach ya, momm’s boy!
Elvis!
- Elvis, baby! C'mere. - Momma!
- Come on, honey! - Momma!
Come on, honey. Come on. A storm's comin' up!
My goodness! I've been calling you.
I was so worried. Where was ya?
I don't think it's nice, honey,
for you to be worrying your momma like that.
- Where was ya? - I just been playin', momma.
Playin'? Look how you look.
You're all messed up. And you're damp!
Look at that eye... What happened to your eye?
- What happened to it, honey? - I fell down, momma.
Elvis Aaron, don't you lie to your momma.
You know the good Lord hates a liar. Was you fighting again?
Yes, momma. But it wasn't my fault. Honest it wasn't!
Alright, alright. Alright, honey.
Now come on, come on.
I brought you some flowers from the garden.
Oh, thank you, darlin'. Poor little battered things.
I'll put 'em in some water and they'll perk up.
Where was 'ya?
Momma, it was because of Jesse Garon.
Oh...
I see.
Honey...
You went and you was talkin' to your brother again?
Yes, momma. It makes me feel good.
I know. I know, baby.
- I don't wanna be just half a person. - Don't you think about it like that.
Come on. They... they say when one twin dies,
well, the other one grows up with all the strength and good sense for both.
d I am a poor wayfaring stranger
d wandering through this land of woe’
d and there's no sickness, d d toil or danger d
d in that land to which I go
d I'm going there to meet my mother
d she said she'd meet me when I come
d I'm only goin' over Jordan
d I'm only goin' over home
d I'll soon be free of every trial
d our bodies sleepin' i in the old graveyard
d I'll drop my cross of self-denial
d and enter on my great reward
d I'm goin' there to meet my father’
d I'm goin' there no more to roam
d I'm only goin' over Jordan
d I'm only goin' over home
dare you to.
Pretty boy! Hey!
He's like a woman!
He's a squirrel! Came out of a tree!
Look at his long hair.
Come on!
- Get him! Get him! - What the fuck is that?
Hey, what are you doing?
- Cuttin' his hair! - Well what for?
- Coach Boyce wants it cut. - Coach Boyce!
Boy wants to wear his hair that way, let him.
I don't see no reason to ride him about it.
Maybe they wear it like that in squirrel town,
but this is Memphis, boy!
Yeah, we're gonna give him a trim.
That's fine. That's just fine.
See, you cut his hair, you're gonna have to cut mine too.
And that's a whole different development now, isn't it?
Now go on, get outta here.
d Well...
d have you heard the news? d d there's good rockin' tonight d
d I'm gonna hold my baby d d as tight as I can d
d cos tonight I'm gonna be d d a mighty, mighty man d
d have you heard the news? d d there's good rockin' tonight d
d I'm gonna hold my baby d d as tight as I can d
d 'cause tonight I'm gonna be d d a mighty, mighty man d
d have you heard the news? d d there's good rockin' tonight d
d there's good rockin' tonight d
d have you heard the news? d d there's good rockin' tonight d
- Here you are, baby. - Thanks, momma.
- More mayonnaise, momma, alright? - Sure.
Second apartment in three months.
I'm sorry, Daddy,
but this place stinks, man, it really stinks.
It ain't much, Elvis, but anything in Memphis,
it's a long wait for people.
I'm gonna get us a house one of these days.
I am, momma, a big house. You see if I don't.
I bet you do, honey.
Electricity, that's where the money is, son.
The future is in electricity.
Yeah, but wouldn't it be nice for him to go into music?
It would really be somethin' to have a musician in the family.
I ain't never seen a guitar player worth a damn.
Good electricians, they're never lookin' for work.
Work comes lookin' for them.
- Are you expecting anybody? - Course not!
- Oh, Mr. Bennett! Won't you come in? - Thank you.
- Mr. Bennett. - Mr. Presley.
- Won't you sit down? - No, thank you.
- Like a cup of coffee? - No, thank you.
Mr. Presley, I'll come right to the point.
Your home service record for August of 1952
shows that you earned an average of $53.22 a week
- at the united paint company. - That can't be true.
It... didn't average that much.
And we also know now you are averaging about $22 a week
as a nurse's aide, Mrs. Presley.
Now, this total exceeds the maximum permitted by the city.
But you see, my... my husband hurt himself. He fell.
And he was in the hospital and that's why i worked there, to help the medical bills.
Mrs. Presley, the Memphis housing authority
is obligated by law and contract to house only the low-income families.
Low income? Oh, Lordy!
What does this mean, they're gonna evict us?
We gotta get outta here?
Now, momma...
I'm afraid you're quite correct, m am.
We are forced to put you on notice. You'll have to move.
You'll have to be out by February 28th.
Alright, but... But this is our house today, huh?
Yes, m am, until February 28th.
Well, then, you get outta here. You just get outta here!
Come on! Get outta here with the rest of the dirt!
Oh, God almighty!
Ain't this family never gonna have no luck?
Momma...
You know, maybe we're better off.
Maybe it's a good thing we gotta get out of this rathole.
It's alright, momma. It's alright.
I really liked your singing the other day, Elvis.
- Yeah? - Yeah.
Ain't never heard anybody sing like that before.
Ain't never seen anybody dress like that before!
In fact... I don't ever think I've seen sideburns like that.
- I grew 'em when I was ten years old. - Yeah?
Yeah, I was the only ten-year-old in the world that had sideburns.
Momma and Daddy tried to keep me inside, didn't want nobody to see me.
He's weird!
Elvis?
Would you do something for me?
You just name it, Bonnie.
- Sing in the variety show at school. - Bonnie, I told you, I just can't do that.
You said to name it.
Why do you want me to do that when you know I'm chicken?
Because it'd make me happy.
Elvis---?
That was pitiful. Well, go on! I ain't gonna get no encore.
Hey, you were really gone, Red! You're the most, man.
Elvis, it's your turn. You're on.
Alright.
d When I was a lad
d and old sheep was a pup
d over hills and meadows we'd stray
d just a boy and his dog
d we were both full of fun
d we grew up together that way
d as the years fast did roll
d old sheep, he grew old
d his eyes were fast growing dim
d then one day the doctor s' looked at me and said
d I can't do no more for him, Jim
d old sheep, he has gone
d where the good doggies go
d and no more with old sheep i will I roam
d but if dogs have a heaven
d there's one thing I know
d old sheep has a wonderful home
you were good, really good!
Oh, listen to that, Elvis, listen!
Oh, you win the encore! You win it!
Now, you go out there and you sing another song.
They really like me, Ms. Scriven. They really like me!
Elvis, I was so proud of you. I ain't never been so proud.
I ain't never been so scared.
That... that really got to me, Bonnie.
You know, I used to lie in the grass along old town creek
listening to the trains comin' outta Mobile and Ohio into shake rag.
I'd just lie there dreamin' about being Captain Marvel or...
Gary Cooper in some movie.
I think you can be anything you wanna be, Elvis.
I want you to go on bein' proud of me, Bonnie.
I like that feeling, i like it real fine.
I ain't never felt about anybody the way I feel about you, Elvis.
No.
Bein' so close to you and... Smelling you and all the wild flowers
is makin' my heart go kinda funny.
No, it is, really! Feel it.
See? Boom... boom...
Just like mine.
I... I wanna marry you, Bonnie.
And I'm gonna love you.
How are you doin', Elvis? Reading about yourself?
Ah, well...
What are you gonna do now, son, that you're out of school?
Do you want to go to work? What do you want to do next?
I want to get a job, Daddy,
you know, so's momma can quit work and get off her feet.
Then why don't you do it? I was in Crown Eletric yesterday,
and they're looking for somebody, you know?
Daddy, I... I want to be an entertainer.
I want to sing in a gospel quartet.
Elvis, you do whatever you want to do.
Now, maybe I ain't been encouraging about you bein' a singer, but...
I want you to be happy, son. You do what you want.
Your momma... We'll help you all we can.
Thanks, Daddy.
Daddy, I know it ain't easy being an entertainer.
I know it takes time and work and...
Maybe I could get a job at Crown Eletric and bring in some money
while I'm trying to get things started.
I think... I think that'd be fine.
d That's alright, mama
d that's alright for you
d that's alright, mama
d anything you do
d that's alright, mama
d hmm... oooh!
d that's alright
d hmm...
d alright, mama
d anything you do
d that's alright
- I told you this ain't no place for you to be! - Elvis, your momm s lookin' for ya.
She's got a phone message at home.
They've been calling all morning. You better get home right away.
I got some things to do. I gotta pick up some things at Lansky's.
But she says it's important. Elvis, it's from some record company.
- You don't like it. - Sure I do, Elvis.
I got to be me, Bonnie.
I mean, i just ain't no grey-suit type.
I like you just the way you are.
Peculiar!
- I love you, Elvis. - I love you too, Bonnie.
Now I'm gonna make everything work out for us, you'll see.
See you when I get home, okay?
Bye.
d I'm the king of the jungle
d they call me the tiger-man
d - I'm the king of the jungle i' - Rufus.
d they call me the tiger-man
d when you cross my path
d you got your whole life: in your hands
d well, I get up on the mountain and I call...
$
I'm gonna make a record for my momma.
It's kind of a present.
That's nice.
You wouldn't need any good singers around here, would you?
You?
Yeah, I'm a singer.
What kind of singer are you?
All kinds.
Who do you sound like?
I don't sound like nobody.
- Hillbilly? - Yeah, I sing hillbilly.
Who do you sound like in hillbilly?
I don't sound like nobody.
d Always thinking how I miss
d my happiness
d whether skies are grey or blue
d any place on earth will do
d just as long as I'm with you
d my happiness
well, did you hear it?
- Hear what? - The negro sound.
You said if you could find a white man with a negro sound and feel,
you could make yourself a billion dollars.
- What was that funny noise? - That was his guitar.
Needs a lot of work. Sounds like he was beatin' on a bucket.
- Sam Phillips. - Sam?
- Yeah? - We can't find him.
- What? - That boy on the demo.
Okay, well, erm, you let me know if you find out.
I still don't know who it is in that demo.
- The one made in Nashville? - Mmhm.
I need to get permission to release the dub as is.
There was that negro boy
hangin' around the studio when that song came in.
If I can't find him, I'll find someone else.
I wanna release that song.
How about the kid with the sideburns?
What kid with the sideburns?
The kid you just heard sing.
You know how to get in touch with him?
I just happen to have his phone number right here.
Elvis? Elvis? Where are you? Now where'd he go?
- Did you get him? - I had him.
I told him you wanted the song and the phone went dead.
Well, maybe he fainted, huh?
Hey, kid, are you there?
This is Sam Phillips.
Listen, you wanna come and make some blues?
Here I am!
- It ain't my fault! - You go ahead and play blues.
Let's do something else.
- We need a different sound. - Something that's really us.
- Broonzy. - That's not really us, you know.
- I like it. - I like it, besides I can't play it!
- "Crudup! .Blg boy crudup?
- Let's try that. - We can do some of that.
Yeah.
Got that? Yeah.
d Got it! well, that's alright, mama
d that's alright with you
d that's alright, mama, d d just any way you do d
d but that's alright
d that's alright
d that's alright now, mama, d d any way you do d
d well, I'm leaving town, baby
d I'm leaving town for sure
then you won't be bothered with me hangin' round your door
d but that's alright
d that's alright
d that's alright now, mama, d d any way you do d
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
Whoa! What the devil are y'all doin'?
- We're just messin' around. - What did you think?
Well, now, you just find it there now
and don't you lose it, 'cause that's good.
- You like that? - Yeah, I like it.
Great!
d Well, it was on one moonlit night
d stars shinin' bright
d wish blown high, love said goodbye
d blue moon of Kentucky, d d just a-keep on shinin' d
d shine on the one i that's gone and left me blue
d shine on the one d d that's gone and left me blue d
Whoa!
Fine, fine, man!
Hell, that's different. Now, that is a pop song, little guy.
Just a woofin', boy!
That's about as black as we're gettin'!
Oh, I'm so excited.
Can you imagine? Elvis on the radio!
Vernon, our very own boy singin' on that radio!
- I can't listen. I'm going out. - What do you mean, you're going out?
It's your record they're playing.
It's just that I'm too nervous to listen, momma.
- I'm gonna go down to the theater. - Elvis!
Alright, honey!
Dewey Phillips, WHBQ Memphis.
Here's a big one now from a young man named Elvis Presley.
That's the song he used to sing to me when he was a little boy!
Shh!
d That's alright, mama
d just any way you do
d but that's alright
d that's alright
shh!
Elvis!
- Excuse me! - Shh!
Elvis?
Listen, that song...
They've been playin' it over and over again on the radio.
- Four or five times. - What's the name?
- That's alright mama? - That's alright mama.
They like it! It's good, it's good, Elvis.
Honey, listen, they've been phoning in from all over Tennessee,
all over the south. They love you.
- They want to talk to the man... - Let's go do it.
The man phoned. He phoned us and he wants you to telephone him.
They're probably playin' it right now!
Come on, momma.
Excuse us.
d It's alright now, mama
d any way you do
d well, mama she done told me
d papa done told me too
d son, that gal you're foolin' with, d d she ain't no good for you d
d that's alright
hey, there's Red West!
Hey, Elvis!
How's it going, man? How are you doin'?
- I've been doin' pretty good. - You know Bonnie.
Scotty Moore and Bill Black. My old school buddy, Red West.
How are you doing?
Well, you're pretty big-time now, Elvis.
I've been hearing your recording all over the place.
- Yeah? - Yes. Pretty good. You're a star!
Hop in, man. Let's ride around a little.
Scotty set up some gigs for us, Red.
Why don't you come along on the road one night,
maybe on a weekend if you ain't doin' nothing?
- Say, I'd like that. - Come along any time you like.
- Appreciate it. - Come on!
d Well, lawdy, lawdy, lawdy, miss Clawdy
d girl, you sure look good to me
d but please don't excite me, baby
d you know it can't be me
d well, I give you all of my money
d but you just won't treat me right
d you like to ball every morning
d don't come home till late at night
d well, goodbye, goodbye, my little honey
d I just won't be callin' no more
I don't like it, Elvis, i just don't like it.
Bonnie, this is my big chance.
Workin' two-bit clubs around here, opening drug stores,
picking up ten bucks here and there,
man, that just ain't my idea of success.
But we're not seeing much of each other with you here.
Now you're going off to Nashville...
Bonnie, this is just the thing that can get us married.
Don't you see that?
It's the Grand Ole Opry, honey!
It's a really big one. It's my chance to really make it.
Come on, man, we gotta split!
I gotta go, Bonnie. Wish me luck.
Hey! I'll call you right after the audition.
Come on, Red, let's go, man!
This is the guy on the record?
This is a kid! Kid, how long you been out of school?
- It's been over a year, Sir. - It's been over a year!
Listen, I want the full band, just like on the record.
Our agreement was for this audition to be just like the record.
That's it, Mr. Denny.
These boys are all that's on the record.
What are you talkin' about?
You can't get that sound with these.
I expected four or five more people besides the kid.
Alright, listen, go ahead. Let's hear what you got.
d Blue moon
d blue moon, keep shinin' bright
d blue moon, keep on shinin' bright
d you gonna bring me back d d to my baby tonight d
d blue moon, keep shinin' bright
d I said blue moon of Kentucky, " d just a-keep on shinin' d
d shine on the one that's gone and left me blue
d I said blue moon of Kentucky, " d just a-keep on shinin' d
d shine on the one that's gone and left me blue
d well, it was on one moonlit night, stars shinin' bright
d wish blown high, love said goodbye
d blue moon of Kentucky, d d just a-keep on shinin' d
d shine on the one that's gone and left me blue
d I said blue moon of Kentucky, " d just a-keep on shinin' d
d shine on the one that's gone and left me blue
d I said blue moon of Kentucky, " d just a-keep on shinin' d
d shine on the one that's gone and left me blue
d well, it was on one moonlit night, stars shinin' bright
d wish blown high, love said goodbye
d blue moon of Kentucky, d d just a-keep on shinin' d
d shine on the one that's gone and left me blue
d shine on the one d d that's gone and left me blue d
Whoo!
How was it, Mr. Denny? What do you think?
Well, I think you ought to seriously reconsider
goin' back to drivin' a truck again.
d A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop- d d a-lop-bam-boom! d
d Got a gal named Daisy
d she almost drive me crazy
d I got a gal named Daisy
d you know she almost drive me crazy
d she knows how to love me, d d yes indeed d
" boy, you don't know d d what she's doing to me d
d tutti frutti, all rooty
d a-wop-bop-a-loo-bop- a-lop-bam-boom!
we don't need the Grand Ole Opry, Elvis.
- My pants is even ripped! - Lordy, Lordy!
- They's gonna eat you alive, Elvis! - With a spoon!
Whatever it is, you ought to spread it around.
- Hey, Elvis, come here! - Yeah?
- Don't go over there. - He probably just wants an autograph.
Yeah, what can 1...?
What is it, honey?
Get over!
- What happened? Do you know that guy? - Are you okay?
Slow down, Elvis! Come on now!
- There he is! - Come on!
Go on!
Whoa, whoa! Goin' too fast, man! Come on now.
We got his license plate. There's no need for this.
We're slowing down. Don't quit on me.
Look at him. He's pullin' away from you!
It's smokin', Elvis! Come on now, pull over!
Come on, pull over there.
Ow, it's hot!
- Get the drums out of there! - Get that stuff off!
Oh!
Get the bags off the top!
- Got it? - Yeah, I got it.
My car!
Look out!
What are those guys at anyway?
That gas station couldn't have been more than a mile away. I'm cold!
Why'd that guy wanna do me like that, Red? I ain't no different than him.
Guys out there, they're always mad at me.
I don't know, but I think... It's the way you sing.
You know what it does to their girlfriends!
Elvis! Elvis! Elvis!
Cut it out! Look at my car, my clothes. What a night.
- And you know what? - What?
- We did alright, boy. - I know it.
Yes, momma, yeah. Everything's okay, honest. Really.
That's... so nice to hear.
Elvis, I had the strangest dream last night.
I... I don't know...
People was chasin' ya and... And... and tearin' off your clothes!
- Bawling at you. - That did happen, momma!
Elvis, was there some kinda fire?
It happened, momma! It all happened just like your dream.
- But I'm okay, honest. I'm fine. - I'm relieved to hear that.
Elvis.
Honey, there's somethin' else i have to tell ya.
What it is, momma?
It's about Bonnie.
Bonnie? Ls she okay?
Momma, I've been meaning to write to her more,
but I've just been so busy with the concerts an' all.
Honey, that's just the problem.
You understand Bonnie's a very young girl and she can't sit home every night.
She... she came over here early evening to tell me about it.
Elvis?
Bonnie got herself another Beau.
She don't wanna hurt ya.
I mean, she just... Told me it sorta happened.
Elvis? Elvis, you still there?
Yeah, I'm here, momma.
Listen, momma, I'm gonna call you tomorrow, okay? I'll call you tomorrow.
- Good night, momma. - God bless you.
Got a billboard award.
Eighth place in the most promising category.
That makes him a possible.
Colonel, I think Elvis is a potential smash.
We got reports from the field, audience response. It's all there.
Yeah.
Well, we're real big on the Louisiana hayride.
Couldn't even get on at the Grand Ole Opry.
- What? - That don't mean nothing.
Listen, Colonel, I've kind of been acting as Elvis's manager.
But I can't do him any good any more. He's just too big.
I don't know...
See, there'd be a lotta problems handling him.
A lotta people think he's too black, too raucous.
Come on, Colonel!
Look what you've done for Gene Austin, Eddy Arnold.
Elvis needs a manager like you.
Hmm...
I may be able to help you put together a deal for the concert in Carlsbad.
Great! That'd be great, Colonel. Carlsbad.
You know, boys, there was a time when things were so bad,
I had to paint sparrows yellow and sell 'em for canaries.
But I don't have to do that any more.
Colonel, you ain't gonna be sorry,
I promise you ain't gonna be sorry.
I don't plan to be!
Okay-
d gonna tell aunt Mary 'bout uncle John
d he kinda got a misery but he has a lotta fun
d oh baby, ye-e-e-eah, baby
d whoo-o-o-o, baby, d d havin' me some fun tonight d
d I'm gonna have some fun tonight
d have some fun tonight
d everything's alright
d I'm gonna have some fun tonight
d I'm gonna have some fun
d have me some fun tonight
how are we doin', Colonel?
Can't you hear that? Son, in 29 years of show business,
I've never seen anybody
that can do what you do to an audience.
Alright, now close your eyes. Close your eyes.
Put your hands over your eyes. Don't peek.
Easy now. Okay, now don't peek, alright?
Yeah, I'm not.
- Okay. You ready, momma? - I'm ready!
You remember when you were scrubbin' floors
and cleaning up in that hospital?
Sure I do.
You remember that fine lady who used to drive up
in that big Cadillac every day?
Of course!
I'll tell you something, mama.
You're the finest lady God ever put on this earth.
There ain't nothin' too good for you.
- You ready? - Yeah, I'm ready.
Take a look.
It's yours!
It's all yours and it's brand new.
They delivered this thing this morning.
But honey, that must've cost a fortune!
I don't even know how to drive!
Elvis, you sure you can afford a thing like that?
Momma, I'm makin' 2,000 a week.
$2,000 every week?
Lordy, Lordy!
Ain't she beautiful? Look at that chrome.
Look inside. I almost forgot. Look inside the glove compartment there.
Go ahead, get it.
Well, open it up. It's for you.
It's real diamonds, momma.
Look here, this is from Jesse Garon and that's from me.
And it's just for you.
Elvis,
I think that you're the best son any woman ever had.
But I don't know, son. Cadillacs and diamonds? I...
Mrs. Presley, this is just the beginning for your son.
RCA wants to buy up his contract from Sun Records.
Buy my contract?
I... I can't do that to Sam Phillips, Colonel.
He's been good to me. He gave me my start.
I understand that, Elvis.
You're a loyal person. I admire that in you.
But Sam was the first one to realize you've got big things ahead of you.
He doesn't want to stand in your way.
I just don't want you to do this, Sam. I mean, I really don't.
Elvis, er...
Well, I'm not being totally unselfish about this whole thing.
I'm a practical man.
I think they're gonna offer me 35,000 in cash. That's a whole lot of money.
We get to retain the rights
to press the records to fill all our orders till the 1st of 1956.
- I think that's a pretty fair offer. - Elvis?
I wrote up your contract here.
No one's gonna be sorrier to see you go,
but we got to be realistic.
Sam needs the money for the company
and we both want you to get the kind of treatment you deserve.
We can make other great stars, Elvis.
Just like we made you.
d Well, since my baby left...
come on, just do it again.
d Well, since my baby left me
d I found a new place to dwell
d well, it's down at the end d d of lonely street d
d that's heartbreak away...
wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute.
I think I got it now.
- What's wrong? - I don't know.
It's the... it's the intro.
Let's just cut the intro and I'll just come in on the lyrics from the count.
Let's take it from the top.
d Well, since my baby left me, I found a new place to dwell
d well, it's down at the end d d of lonely street d
d that's heartbreak hotel
d well, I'll be, I'll be so lonely, baby
d well, I'm so lonely
d well, I'm so lonely I could die
d although it's...
wait a minute! Wait a minute! Whoa! It ain't right.
- That ain't gonna get it. - You want to rest?
- A little break? - I don't know. You know, I'm tired.
- I'm just tired. I don't feel well. - What do you want to do?
- We'll go again. - Let's go again.
20,000 takes, we'll get it right.
Whoa!
You okay? Do you want me to take over?
No, I'm fine, Red. I got it.
Hey, Elvis, maybe you better take it easy.
We can afford to miss a couple of concerts.
Yeah, that doctor said you got to give it a week anyway.
I don't care what that doctor says, I'm alright, I tell ya, I'm okay.
Boy, you've been overworking yourself. I think you need a little rest.
Red, my momma and Daddy's worked harder than I ever will,
and I'm gonna make it up to 'em in every way I can.
That's why I got to... momma! Momma, is that you?
Honey, are you alright?
Well, I was just kinda tired out from the concerts and everything.
But I'm 100 percent better now, momma,
and I'm gonna leave the hospital in the morning.
You sure about that? I'm so relieved to hear it.
Ain't no reason for you to worry now, y'hear?
Hey, listen, momma. I got some great news for ya.
You ain't gonna believe this.
This here producer out in Hollywood, his name's Hal Wallis.
Yeah, well, he's seen me on one of the Dorsey shows
and he wants me to come out to Hollywood.
Momma, I'm gonna get to do what I've wanted to do all my life:
I'm gonna be an actor in the movies!
Quiet on the set, please. This is a rehearsal.
Alright, Elvis, go ahead.
- Hey, Vince! - Hold it, hold it.
Elvis, you started to talk before you got to your mark again.
Can you straighten up a little? You're kind of slouching.
Sorry about that, Sir. It's just the way I stand.
It's alright. I think we'll give it another go right after lunch.
I know the lines alright. Heck, i know the lines for the whole script.
Been workin' on 'em for a couple of weeks.
It's just gettin' my body to make the moves right, y'know.
You'll get it. You're doing fine.
Go get some lunch and be back in an hour.
- Yes, Sir. - That's lunch, one hour.
Elvis, you know, honey, you took off your part real good.
Natural, like.
Hit the mark, smile, say the lines, don't be stiff,
don't look at the camera. How can you do all that and still act natural?
You can't, son. Let me tell you something.
That director fella, he's on your side.
Yeah, he is.
I'll be right back. Have a cowboy hat, Daddy.
- You're Nick Adams, aren't you? - Yeah.
Elvis Presley.
Are you kiddin' ? I know who you are. I came down here to watch the shoot.
- You did? - Yeah.
Heck, I just wanted to come over here
and tell you how much I liked you in rebel without a cause, man.
I've seen it ten times!
Ii just had a bit in that film, a walk-on.
James Dean, he was an idol of mine, man.
I know every line in that movie.
Say, I hear you're doing pretty good in your film.
Shoot, you just seen it.
I'm as clumsy as a mule in Sunday school, but like grandma used to say,
don't mind the mule, just get the wagon loaded, y'know?
That's a pretty nice bike. Bet she can really cut out.
Yep. Say, I'll take you for a ride sometime.
I'll hold you to it. Why don't you come on over here and meet my folks?
They come all the way in from Memphis.
- Can I bring my lunch? - Sure.
Okay-
man, they ain't never met a movie star before.
Hey, Nick, there's a part of one of my brothers
in this here movie I'm doing, love me tender.
It's something I think you could really play.
Well, tell me about it!
When the director comes back after lunch we'll talk to him.
Hey, Colonel! You decided to come down.
Elvis, I decided to come over and tell you personally.
Son, we're goin' national now.
I just signed a deal for you to be on the Ed Sullivan show.
Ain't that wonderful?
Colonel, that director's giving Elvis some problems.
No, he ain't, momma. It ain't his fault.
Mrs. Presley, the director can be replaced. Elvis can't.
Ed Sullivan? Whoo!
Now, ladies and gentlemen, here now is... Elvis Presley!
Check camera two focus, please.
Okay, here we go. Remember, above the waist. Three, two, one, cue Elvis.
d Well, it's Saturday night and I just got paid
d a fool about my money d d don't try to save d
d my heart says d d go, go have a time d
d 'cause it's Saturday night, babe, and I'm feelin' fine
d I'm gonna rock it up
d I'm gonna rip it up
d I'm gonna ball it up
d I'm gonna rip it up
d have a ball tonight
d well, I got me a date and I won't be late
d I picked her up in my 88
d scooted on down d d by the social hall d
d when the joint starts jumpin' I'll have a ball
d I'm gonna rock it up
d I'm gonna rip it up
d I'm gonna ball it up
d I'm gonna rock it up
d I'm gonna rip it up d d at the ball tonight d
- Bring it up. Camera three, stand by. - Camera three standing by.
- Okay, cue three. - Three.
- Okay, above the waist. Bring it up. - Got it.
Sings pretty good, this kid.
Man, this is crazy. Some guy callin' me a sausage.
Listen to this. "Certainly is smooth and damp-looking,
but whoever heard of a 172-pound sausage six feet tall?"
This newspaper says they want to ban teenagers from dancing in public.
Man, I don't believe this. They're calling me Elvis the pelvis!
That's about the most childish thing I ever heard coming from an adult.
Elvis the pelvis!
What about that guy that got all shook up
'cause you moved your left leg?
Shoot, man. Without my left leg, I'd be dead!
Huh?
Go! Go!
Where are we goin', honey?
I wanna know. Vern, don't you wanna know where we're goin'?
Sure is a nice drive.
I ain't never seen this part of Memphis before.
Momma, there's something I've been meaning to ask you.
"Mm?
You think I'm vulgar on stage, like all the newspapers say?
Of course you're not vulgar, honey.
You've just got so much energy in your young body, you...
I think sometimes maybe you've got the energy of two.
Anyway, what I really worry about, honey,
is you keep pushing yourself so hard when you're performin' and singin'.
I'm afraid you're gonna burn yourself out, darlin'.
I just can't help it, momma. I mean, i... I got to jump around when I sing.
But it ain't vulgar, it's just... It's just the way I feel.
Ah, well...
- Come on, momma. - Where are we, honey?
- My, what a beautiful house that is! - Ain't it, though?
- One of your new friends, Elvis? - That looks like the White House.
Where the president lives down in Washington for the pictures.
You know what, momma? This is our new home.
It's our what?
To tell you the truth it used to be a church,
and they used to call it Graceland. Ain't that pretty?
- I think I'm gonna keep that name. - Oh, Lordy, Elvis... it...
C'mon, I wanna show you everything. It's got 23 rooms.
23 rooms? Oh, God almighty! How am I ever gonna take care of 23 rooms?
There's 13 acres of grazing land, Daddy.
13! Lawdy, miss Clay! What in the world did it cost you, son?
It's all for you, momma. You and Daddy.
You two ain't never gonna have to work again.
- You the ones gonna have maids now. - The maids are gonna live with us?
Yeah! And we can bring grandma to live with us. The whole family together.
All the Presleys will live right here in Graceland.
You mean Vernon's mother?
Dodger. That's right. Come on, I wanna show you the study.
d Well, since my baby left me
d I found a new place to dwell
d it's down at the end of lonely street
d at heartbreak hotel
d well, I'll be,.° I'll be so lonely, baby
d I'll be so lonely
d I'll be so lonely I could die
d although it's always crowded
d you still can find some room
d for broken-hearted lovers to cry there in the gloom
d they'll be so lonely, baby
d they'll be so lonely
they could die
here you are, chick, chick, chick!
Here, chick, chick, chick.
Elvis, it's fantastic.
- I mean, I can't get over it. - Mom and Dad created everything.
That's my first gold record for rca. And that's my latest.
Let's get something to eat and head into Memphis.
I got a surprise for you.
You like that motorcycle ride?
Hey, Red, on the machine here, i got 10,000 on it last week.
- I've beat that. - It don't go that high.
Oh, my! I can't believe this! The whole place to ourselves.
I just can't go no place no more, Natalie, without crowds collecting.
Shoot, man, I can't even go to church. Guess that's the price of fame, huh?
So I just rent movie theaters, places like this for the whole night.
The whole night?
It's all ours from dusk to dawn, baby.
- Look out, now. Here I go, Red! - Go, go!
Come over and check it out, boy.
Hey, man, we got company.
You're Natalie Wood, aren't you?
How about an interview, Ms. Wood? Got any new movies going?
- Can't you guys leave us alone? - Come on, Elvis, give us a break.
You and Natalie gonna get married?
Pay this guy for his camera, Red.
Minnie, I try so hard to be what Elvis wants me to be.
Maybe you shouldn't oughta try so hard.
Yes, but I want him to be proud of me. You know, look good.
- But I can't seem to slim down. - Stop eating.
I wish he'd quit this here show business.
You know, settle down, marry some nice girl.
Maybe have a child.
He could. He could. He's got enough money.
With all those hit records of his
and selling everything that's got his name on it.
He could.
You know what? Maybe he could open one of those spare-rib restaurants.
Sure, with his name, i bet he'd clean up.
Oh, Minnie, if he'd do that, I'd be so happy.
Memphis couldn't hold me.
Spare-rib restaurant. Huh!
Black, man. Jet black.
I wanna look just like Tony Curtis, Red.
I think that stuff's gonna take a long time to grow out.
Are you sure you wanna do this?
Yeah, I'm sure.
Go ahead.
Momma. Okay?
Elvis, I never knew that they made any Christmas trees like that.
You know, that kept turning around
and plays music and it's got all those twinkling little lights.
You like it, momma?
Elvis, your hair's black.
Just like yours.
Oh, I wish.
I don't know if I can get used to all this... these changes going on.
Momma, is there anything wrong?
Wrong? Oh, no, just aches and pains.
I... I guess I'm feeling poorly 'cause...
'Cause you're going in the army.
I sure do wish you'd use that massage lounge chair I bought you.
I'm gonna use it. I'm gonna use it, honest.
It's just... Elvis, you've been giving me
so many presents,
I think I'll open a gift shop downtown.
There must be something special you want for Christmas. Hey...
How about a mink coat?
- What? - Yeah.
I don't know anybody in the south's
got a mink coat, honey.
I mean, it's too hot. What would I do with it? We're not movie stars.
You are to me, momma.
Man, you're prettier than Marilyn Monroe.
Son, I...
I sure wish you wasn't going away
into that army.
Well, I got to.
You know that. It's my duty.
But it's...
It's not fair. You're my only... boy.
You're my only child.
Momma, ain't no war going on.
It's peacetime.
Yeah, I know, I know.
Just...
I'm...
Go on.
You go downtown Memphis with your friends, have a good time.
Alright. Merry Christmas, momma.
Merry Christmas, son.
- Welcome to heartbreak hotel! - Get a load of Elvis!
Elvis, how are your barracks buddies treating you?
Oh, they've been swell to me, really. Treat me just like anybody else.
That's the way I like it.
Hair today, gone tomorrow.
Just can't help feeling it's all over, Colonel.
Just can't help feeling that I'm dead.
All that's missing is a proper funeral.
Not by a long shot, Elvis.
I can't do any movies or concerts for two years.
Man, that's a long time in pop music.
You're not just another pop singer, son.
You've sold almost 25 million records.
You have 15 gold discs.
You made four movies, each one of them grossing more than the one before.
Boy-n-
you are a phenomenon.
You're something, son, that comes along once in a lifetime.
Nobody is ever gonna forget you.
The old Colonel is gonna make sure of that.
How you gonna do that, Colonel? Ain't nobody gonna see me till 1960.
We have several songs already cut, ready for release.
We can cut more if we have to and...
I have a few other little ideas in mind.
You know, Colonel, I do. I appreciate everything you done for me.
Elvis... you listen to me now.
You've got nothing to worry about.
I consider it my patriotic duty
to keep you in the 90 percent tax bracket.
Come on.
- Hey, momma. - Hello, hon.
Man, I can smell them white beans clear to Fort Hood.
You know what you're gonna have? Buttermilk and cornbread.
- Homemade cornbread? - You're gonna burn yourself. No, no.
You know what my miss Harris used to call me?
"A half a dozen eggs with a stick of butter woman."
Look at this.
All that money I make, you're still buying 25-cent bottles of shampoo.
Elvis, I ain't never gonna get used to all that money. Don't you know that?
Hey, that's my supper. It ain't ready yet.
- Hey, where's Daddy? - Oh, he... I sent him out.
I sent him to get some more... Cornmeal for you.
Hey, look here, mama. I got more reviews on King Creole.
Look at this here.
Billboard says it's "Elvis Presley's best acting performance to date."
Look at this guy in the New York times.
"As the lad himself might say,
cut my legs off and call me shorty, Elvis Presley can act."
- How about that? - Them Yankees done got some brains.
What's the matter with you, momma?
Nothin'. I think it's my old arthritis acting up again.
This Texas wind kinda cuts me to the bone.
You okay? You sure you're okay?
Sure. I just told you I was, didn't I? Now, you stop worrying about me.
You got enough to worry about yourself being so new in this here army.
You're right.
It ain't gonna be long before I'm finished with basic training.
- Fixing to head for Germany. - Germany?
Where's that? Oh, Lordy, I bet it's halfway around the world.
Elvis, I can't bear to think of you so far away.
You don't have to think about me being far away
'cause you and Daddy's gonna be far away with me. I told you that.
You did? Oh, yeah. I remember.
Just, sometimes, honey, my mind... wanders.
And I think... Jesse, if you go so far away...
- Elvis... - What is it, momma?
- I know. I know you're Elvis. - I'm gonna get Daddy.
Honey, you remember something? I want you to be proud of me.
I always wanted you to be proud of me.
Don't move.
Here, easy now. Big step.
Don't you worry, momma.
You're gonna be taken much better care of by Dr. Jessop in Memphis.
I feel so foolish, Elvis. I... To collapse on you like that.
Honey, I don't wanna go back home without you.
I'm gonna get there as soon as I get my emergency leave, I promise you.
You listen. You're gonna be alright, momma. You take care now, y'hear?
You shouldn't worry so, Elvis.
Dr. Jessop will get her back on her feet.
You'll be alright, momma. Go ahead.
You'll be okay, momma.
You'll be alright.
- How is she? - She's resting now.
Go on inside and surprise her when she wakes.
Alright.
Hey, momma...
Momma...
My son.
I'm here. I made it.
My beautiful son.
Thank God they let you come, honey.
I got my emergency leave
and I got the first plane out of there.
You promised me you wouldn't fly no more.
I wanted to get here as soon as I could,
you know that.
You look so fine in that uniform.
Really?
You're gonna be alright, momma.
Doctor says so. You're gonna be just fine.
And then you and Daddy's gonna go to Germany.
- Elvis... - Yes, momma?
Remember... You used to talk to Jesse Garon?
Yeah, I still do now and then.
And he used to sort of answer you in your head.
Well, sometimes lately, I...
I think he's talkin' to me.
Do you, momma? That's good.
Oh, he calls me an' that.
"Momma. Momma."
- That's good. - Like you used to do.
I'm sorry, son.
- I'm so tired. - That's alright.
- I'm tired. - Go to sleep now.
I love you, momma.
I'll be back.
There's four specialists on her doing everything they can for her.
What do they say it is, Daddy?
Doctor Jessop says it's what's called hepatitis,
something to do with the liver.
Gives her that yellow look.
Makes her suffer for breath.
Get us a cup of coffee.
Sorry, Elvis.
Momma!
d Rock of ages, cleft for me
d let me hide myself in thee
d let the water and the blood
d from thy riven side which flowed
d be of sin the double cure
d cleanse me from its guilt and power
- Jesse? - No.
Just me.
- She's gone, Red. - I know.
My momm’s gone.
Gone.
It's all over.
I got nothing without her.
God!
Well, Elvis, what do you think of her?
She seems like a real nice woman.
She is. We get on real well.
You know?
Yeah.
Elvis, I know it ain't been long since your momma...
Daddy, you don't have to make no excuses for me.
I know what loneliness is like.
Hey, Elvis, how about playing the piano?
I don't feel like it right now.
Charlie, Charlie Harris. I'd like you to meet my friend Priscilla Beaulieu.
Priscilla, it's very nice to meet you.
How you been?
- It's been ages. - It has been.
Good to see you. It's been about a year, I think.
Hi. I'm Elvis Presley.
I'm Priscilla Beaulieu.
d Oh, my love
d my darling
d I've hungered for your touch
d a long lonely time
d and time goes by
d so slowly
d and time can do so much
d are you still mine?
d I need your love
what are you going to do when you get out of the army?
Sometimes I'm too scared to even think about it.
It just seems like I've been away so long, just completely cut off.
I think sometimes maybe it was just a dream
and I'll be going back home to some two-room shack in Tupelo.
Oh, I don't think there's any chance of that.
I see wonderful things ahead of you. I just feel it.
- You believe that? - Uh-huh.
Well, I'll believe it if you believe it.
I will. I mean it.
You're sweet, man, you really are.
I'm glad you came out here with me today.
Hey, I ain't good at this.
I ain't got it out there.
Mr. Presley, would you please sing a song for us?
- I really don't want to do that. - How about a nice song for us?
Please? For me.
- This sounds like one of my movies. - For me.
- You want me to sing? Do you really? - Yeah.
- Come on. - Okay, man, if I'm gonna do this, so are you.
Let's go.
d A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop- a-lop-bam-boom!
d tutti frutti, oh rutti
d a-wop-bop-a-loo-bop- a-lop-bam-boom!
d I got a gal named Sue
d she knows just what to do
d I got a gal named Sue
d she knows just what to do
d she rocks to the east, rocks to the west
d she's the gal that I love best
d tutti frutti, oh rutti
d a-wop-bop-a-loo-bop -a-lop-bam-boom!
d I got a gal named Daisy
d she almost drives me crazy
d I got a gal named Daisy
d she almost drives me crazy
d she knows how to love me, d d yes indeed d
d a boy don't know what she do to me
d tutti frutti, oh rutti
d a-wop-bop-a-loo-bop- a-lop-bam-boom!
d > yeah
d yeah! Go, cat, go
alright
rooh:
d Tutti frutti, oh rutti
d a-wop-bop-a-loo-bop- a-lop-bam-boom!
d I got a gal named Daisy
d she almost drives me crazy
d I got a gal named Daisy
d she almost drives me crazy
d she knows how to love me, d d yes indeed d
d a boy don't know what she do to me
d tutti frutti, oh rutti
d a-wop-bop-a-loo-bop- a-lop-bam-boom!
that was great!
- Oh, man. - That was great!
Thank you. Thanks a lot.
Elvis, Elvis! It's Elvis!
d Are you lonesome tonight?
d do you miss me tonight?
d are you sorry we drifted apart?
how you doing, dodger? How's it going?
d Does your memory stray
d to a bright and summer day
d when I kissed you
d and called you sweetheart?
d do the chairs in your parlor
d seem empty and bare?
d do you gaze at your doorstep
d and picture me there?
d is your heart filled with pain?
d shall I come back again?
d > tell me, dear
d are you lonesome tonight?
d is your heart filled with pain?
d shall I come back again?
momma, she spent so many hours decorating the house.
Making it just right for me to come home to.
I think it was too much for her, Daddy.
It was just...
Just too much.
That was her joy, Elvis, see...
- She wanted to do it for you. - Yeah.
She loved it, son. She loved every minute of it.
Yeah, Daddy.
Thank you very much.
d 0 Lord my God
d when I in awesome wonder
d consider all the worlds
d thy hands have made
d I see the stars
d I hear the rolling thunder
d thy power throughout
d the universe displayed
- how you feel? - I feel alone, Red.
I feel like a prisoner.
I got all the money in the world and i can't go beyond them gates out there.
I'm sorry.
d Oh, my love
d my darling
d I've hungered for your touch
d a long lonely time
d and time goes by so slowly
d and time can do so much
d are you still mine?
d I need your love
d God speed your love
to me
I just want Priscilla to come spend Christmas with us, captain.
I know she'd be okay, Elvis. But she's just a child.
Captain, I know you don't want your daughter
wandering off with some sex symbol, but I...
I want you to know, Sir, that...
I'd respect her in every way you'd want her to be respected.
I'm sure you would.
And I want to marry her someday, captain.
I mean that.
She could come stay right here at Graceland.
My Daddy and my grandm ll be right here.
And I'd see to it she was put through school and...
She'd have the best of everything, Sir, I promise you that.
I'll think about it. Give me a little time. I really will think about it.
Alright.
Goodbye, Sir.
- Glad you made it in one piece. - So am I.
Well, this is it.
Just stay right there.
- What do you think? - This is beautiful.
This is the ballroom.
C'mon, I'll show you out the back, see what you think of that.
It's beautiful. I can't believe it.
Memphis is so beautiful. I really love being here.
I like having you here, 'Scilla.
- Why do you have to go, then? - I told you. It's my job.
I got one more concert tour to do. I'm gonna miss doing 'em too.
- Are you gonna make any more movies? - Yeah.
You know, i really wish I'd get better scripts.
I think I'd like to play a lawyer or something.
You'd make a really good lawyer.
- You think so? - Yeah.
Okay, I don't mind you going away if I know that you're coming back.
Are you definitely coming back?
- Are you liking school? - Well, it's a school.
I have to go. I have to be away from you, but it's alright.
It's alright for a school.
You know, sometimes it's hard for me to think of you as just a little girl,'Scilla.
Well, then, don't.
Ooh.
d Now and then
d there's a fool such as I
d now and then
d there's a fool such as I over you
d you taught me how to love
d and now you say that we are through
d I'm a fool, but I'll love you, dear
d until the day I die
d now and then there's a fool such as I
d fool such as I
d now and then there's a fool such as I
give it back to me! Give it to me!
Little girl, why don't you come up here?
Guard, bring that little girl up here.
Here. Come on up here, sweetheart. Here, hold her up.
Here, sweetheart.
This is yours. And there ain't nobody gonna take this away from you.
Alright?
You stay with her and make sure of that, Sir.
I'll sing a song for you.
d You saw me crying in the chapel
d the tears I shed were tears of joy
d I know the meaning of contentment
d now I'm happy with the Lord
d just a plain and simple chapel
d where humble people go to pray
d I pray the Lord that I'll grow stronger
d as I live from day to day
in this dramatic news footage following yesterday's...
Ruby took the law into his own hands but I know how he felt.
Couldn't stand the idea of that little guy sitting there smirking.
I see this in my mind all the time.
Lee Harvey Oswald is being escorted by...
Sitting there in a courtroom guarded by policemen.
Ain't no room for the public.
Courtroom is packed with reporters from everywhere.
And there he is. Seedy, weedy little guy.
Never made an imprint on the world until now.
He's got a smirk on his face, see,
and the smirk says, "I assassinated Elvis Presley."
Go ahead, Charlie. Finish it off.
d Forever, my darling
d our love will be true
d always and forever
d I'll love only you
d just promise me, darling
d your love in return
d may this fire in my soul, dear
d forever burn
d my heart's at your command, dear
d to keep, love and behold
d making you happy's my desire, dear
d loving you is my goal
d you taught me how to love
d and now you say that we are through
I'm a fool
you wish they wouldn't do that?
- Do what? - Stop everything when we come in.
It's not me, it's you.
You know, 'Scilla, sometimes I'd just like to be one of them.
You can't ever be. You're very special.
Sometimes I think I'd just like to take a rest for a while, y'know?
Maybe go to Europe, just travel like a tourist and see the world.
Except for the army I've only seen it in pictures and books.
Well, wouldn't you want to take me?
Sure I would.
No, I just meant I want to be able to walk around and see things
without all the mobs of people, y'know, just...
Just be free.
That'd be worth a million dollars to me
if it was just for a couple of weeks.
Just be plain little ol' me instead of the image.
God, you're beautiful, 'Scilla.
I want to be beautiful for you.
Do you like my hair?
Yeah.
You know, it's almost the exact same color as my momm’s.
I wish I'd known her.
Ah, you'd have loved her.
She would've loved you too.
Hey. What's going on, Joe?
How come nobody's told me what time we're going?
You're not going to the wedding, Red. You're going to the reception.
Marty and I will be there but... You will be at the reception.
- The reception? - Yeah.
The reception...
And do you, Elvis Aaron Presley,
promise to love, honor, cherish and comfort Priscilla
till death do you part?
I do.
By the power vested in me by the state of Nevada,
I now pronounce you man and wife.
Here, boy. Come on, do it.
You got it.
- What the hell's goin' on? - What's going on with you?
Give me a light.
Maybe I'm still hurtin' about something.
- How was the wedding? - Oh, c'mon, Red. I had nothing to do with that!
Well, who the hell planned it?
What went on?
Red, man, I didn't know anybody who was there. It happened so fast.
Little ol' room the size of a bathroom,
a supreme court justice.
Y'know...
You're like a brother to me. You know what it's like
not to get invited to your brother's wedding?
The Colonel just wanted to keep it dignified, man.
He didn't want to make no circus out of it.
Alright.
No, no! You're totally insane!
Where you going? Hold on, I ain't finished with you yet. Come here.
Oh, baby. Baby, baby.
I feel so warm and good.
Will it always be like this?
I love you, 'Scilla.
Why do you look so sad?
I'm just... I'm just scared of losing it, that's all.
Losing you.
Elvis. Colonel's on the phone.
- What's he want? - Deal for that movie was closed.
You got to be in California Monday to start rehearsals.
- Oh, no. - Oh, man, I don't wanna go.
Maybe I can play sick again.
Hold me.
He's on the phone, honey. I'll be right back.
Get the blond over there, put her by the surfboard.
Get that brunette, put her by that rock.
Okay? Come on, let's try to get this thing wrapped up.
Mr. Presley? Listen, kid, you want to try this one, huh?
- Yes, Sir, I'll sing. - Good shout.
Great shout.
Make it a real beauty.
Alright, quiet, please.
Action.
Okay, that's got it.
Wait a minute. Hey, wait a minute. Hey, hold it here.
Play the set, I said.
Hey, the only reason we do any stupid movies
is 'cause it's supposed to be fun, you know what I mean?
Once they cease to be fun, i think we'll cease to be doin' 'em.
Lunch.
Sick of being pushed around in these silly movies no more.
Bad enough I got to sing to dogs and cats and guys I just punched out.
Hey, there's some pretty funny lines in this script.
I'm gonna read it someday.
- Oh, somebody got a brand-new car. - Love the car.
- What do you think? - That's a heavy car.
- Charlie? - It's b-e-au-t-iful.
You know, Charlie, every time you see somebody driving one of these things,
it's usually some bald-headed guy abut 60.
I think a guy oughta have a caddy when he's young
- and can enjoy it, don't you? - Right.
Whoa. What...
Oh, man, come on.
Everybody else got one of these, Charlie.
It's your turn.
Look, you've already given me a car. You gave me a horse and... jewelry.
What you gonna do? Hurt my feelings?
It's yours, man. I want you to have it.
Oh, I don't... I...
Oh, hell.
- C'mon, Charlie. Let's take a ride in your car. - Good idea.
Be right back, Charlie's gonna take us for a ride in his new car.
What's the matter, honey? Something wrong?
I've hardly seen you alone once in the week you've been back.
You're right. Y'know, you're right. We ain't been alone much and...
And we will, I promise you.
I know you care about them.
But do you need all of them around you all the time?
Baby, they're just sharing my life and my career, that's all.
Elvis, a man and woman have got to have some privacy.
'Scilla, you see their wants.
And I have to look beyond their wants and see their needs.
Hey, I'm gonna be right back.
Alright.
- Hey. - Elvis.
Just can't get used to this newfangled stove.
Where the devil is she, dodger? She's been gone five hours.
Stop fussin', Elvis. The girl's got to have a life of her own.
What'd you say, Sonny?
Why, I didn't say nothin'.
You said something about me, man. I wanna know what it was.
You're gonna tell me, boy, or I'm gonna deck you.
Let me up, will ya? Let me up.
You ain't gonna hit me, Elvis.
- I don't need this. I quit. - You can't quit. I fired you.
- He didn't say nothin'. - Get out too, Red! I don't need you guys.
You got that? Go on, you're fired. You're off the payroll, man. Hit it!
- What'd you say? - I didn't say nothin'.
Hey, Sonny.
Got any money?
I do okay.
Look, here's a couple of hundred bucks.
Oh, forget it, man.
What happened?
I just fired 'em all, Charlie.
- What for? - I don't know what for. I just did.
Well, go get 'em back, will ya?
Okay-
boy, if I had one day...
When... when...
When I didn't have to be all confused
and if I felt that I belonged someplace.
Jim, look.
Will you do something for me?
If the pot starts boiling again come and see me before you get in a jam.
Even if you just want to talk, come on in and shoot the breeze.
It's easier sometimes than talking to your folks.
I just came from the doctor. We're gonna have a baby.
d Well, you rock my soul
d - down in the bosom - bosom of Abraham
d - rock my soul down in the bosom bosom of Abraham
- rock mm-hm
d - rock r - oh, yeah
d - rock - dear Lordy, Lordy, Lordy
d oh, rock my soul, why don't you rock my soul?
d - well, you rock my soul - down in the bosom
d bosom of Abraham
d - rock my soul down in the bosom - bosom of Abraham
- rock - mm-hm
d - rock - oh, yeah
d - rock - Lordy, Lordy, Lordy
d oh, rock my soul
d why don't you rock my soul?
- who hit that low note? - She did.
I think it sounded better.
- Who hit the low note? - He did it.
It sounded pretty good.
- She's got the echo chamber. - She's got more weight!
You're gonna spoil this baby before it ever gets here.
I can't wait. I just can't hardly wait.
Neither can your fans.
Have you seen those presents coming in?
They're gonna love it just 'cause it's your baby.
I just want it to have a normal childhood.
Alright. You know, I just wish momma could be here to see this.
Me too.
I love you.
I can't wait.
Damn! Damn 'em!
What is it?
Ain't bad enough i gotta do those idiot movies,
now they're messin' with my songs!
- What happened? - I just heard it.
I just heard what they did behind my back, behind my back!
You can't even hear the Jordanaires,
they've got my voice so loud you can't hear nothin' else!
Elvis, it's one o'clock.
They think the fans just wanna hear my voice
so they let some idiot gal in New York amplify my voice!
You think they care what I think? No way!
- But they're producers. They... - They're my songs! They got no right!
What's happenin' to me?
It's alright.
You can't keep it inside. You gotta let it out.
It's my music.
Ain't theirs. It's mine.
Why don't you call the Colonel? He'll know what to do.
You know, honey, i just keep thinking that I'm 32 now.
And I don't want to be 40
and up on some stage singing heartbreak hotel.
You know, if we could just go away together.
You've been working really hard for the last couple of months.
You're tormenting yourself.
If we could just go away together, just for a little while.
That won't solve nothin', honey.
The problems'll still be here when I come back.
No. I'm gonna have to deal with this thing right now.
I'm... I'm gonna have to settle it somehow.
But listen. We're gonna go away together.
I promise you that.
I... I just can't do it right now.
Okay-
hey!
Elvis, Priscilla wants you. We gotta take her to the hospital.
- Gimme my ring. - Yeah.
Hey, sweetie.
- You like her? - Oh, God, she's beautiful.
She's got your eyes.
She's got your nose.
She's got your nose and she's got your mouth.
She's really delicate, just like you.
Oh, baby-
it's what I wanted all my life, Jesse.
A wife.
A little baby.
Success.
I got it all, man. I ought to be the happiest person in the world.
But I still feel like there's something missing, you know?
Like somewhere deep inside me there's an empty place.
What's it gonna take, man?
What's it gonna take to fill that up?
I gotta find something.
Priscilla. Priscilla, honey, listen to this.
- What is it? - You gotta hear this.
I wanna know what you think.
Elvis, it's the middle of the night.
It'll just take a minute. Now listen.
"If you would indeed behold the spirit of death,
open your heart wide unto the body of life."
"For life and death are one,
even as a river and a sea are one."
That's beautiful. Who wrote that?
It's from the prophet. It's just a part about death, 'Scilla.
Y'know, we don't know why it happens, but...
There's things we don't know, but God knows.
Honey, it's like Jesse is gone and momm’s gone
but really they... they're still here.
They live on.
The soul, it doesn't ever really die.
It'll live with us.
What d'you think about that?
What are you running from?
What are you so afraid of?
I'm just... I'm just tryin' to understand some things, honey.
That's all.
Why did everything in my life happen the way it did?
All this, it didn't just happen.
Ain't no such thing as coincidence.
'Scilla, there's a reason for everything.
I believe that. I really do.
I'd like to read it before we talk about it.
Okay-
I just...
I just wanted you to hear it, that's all.
Go back to sleep, hon.
Thank you.
Where's Lisa Marie?
She has a little cold. I put her to bed early.
Elvis? There's somebody I'd like you to meet.
- Who is it? - She's from out of town.
I'd really like her to come here
and stay with us for a couple of weeks.
You know i don't like outsiders coming in.
She's a really good friend of mine.
And she doesn't have another place to stay.
You know I can't relax with outsiders.
I mean...
Well, I can't be myself, i can't joke around.
Look, I have accepted all of your friends.
I am tired of only having your friends' wives as my friends.
They're not my choices, Elvis. I want to be with the people I choose.
You think I ain't being fair, don't you?
I just need to be around my own people.
I'm a person too, Elvis!
And I have got to live my life.
I can't live in a bubble.
I've got to go out and breathe.
I've got to have my own friends, not hand-picked for me.
Having my own life will not do anything to us.
d We're caught in a trap
d I can't walk out
d because I love you too much, baby
d why can't you see
d what you're doing to me
d when you don't believe a word I'm sayin'?
d we can't go on together
d - with suspicious minds suspicious minds
d and we can't build our dreams
d on suspicious minds
d so if an old friend I know
d drops by to say hello
d would I still see suspicion d d in your eyes? d
d Here we go again
d you ask me where I've been
d can't you see the tears are real I'm crying?
d tears I'm crying
d we can't go on together
d - with suspicious minds suspicious minds
d and we can't build our dreams
d on suspicious minds
d oh, let our love survive
d oh, dry the tears from your eyes
rooh:
d - Let's don't let a good thing die - ooh s'
d when you know, honey
d you know I've never lied to you
immm
d - yeah, yeah yeah, yeah
d we're caught in a trap
d I can't walk out
d because I love you too much, baby
d I love you too much, baby
d why can't you see
d what you're doing to me
d when you don't believe a word I'm sayin'?
d don't you know I'm caught in a trap?
d I can't walk out
d because I love you too much, baby, baby, baby
d don't you know I'm caught in a trap?
d I can't walk out
d because I love you too much, baby
d caught in a trap
d > oh, oh, oh
d I can't walk out
d because I love you too much, baby, baby, baby
alright, alright, alright! Sounds good. Everybody.
- Let me have some of that. - We got to talk about wardrobe now.
If you work out like you did
on the TV special you're gonna perspire a lot.
You ain't kidding, man. I'll be wet clear through as I was.
Everybody in Las Vegas wears tuxedos.
I don't wanna do that. Maybe somethin' open, somethin' loose.
Karate style, like a GI, y'know?
Okay, that's good. We'll see if Bill Belew can make it.
Alright. Let's check out Ronnie tutt too, man.
What are you doing back there?
Hey, baby. We're just...
We're rehearsing here.
I didn't tell her.
You've arranged a concert tour, haven't you?
Yeah, that's right.
Are you sure that's what you want?
'Scilla, those people in that audience,
man, they're a part of me.
And I do. I need 'em.
Man, I've been away too long.
On that stage, man, nobody can mess with my music, nobody.
But we were going to go to Europe.
We got plenty of time, baby. We still got plenty of time.
Do you remember that night?
We were sitting on the porch, rocking in the rocking chairs.
And I said, "i can't take this any more."
"I'm 18 years old and I feel like an old lady already."
And you said, "i promise it won't always be like this."
- I remember. It's gonna change, baby. - It'll never change, Elvis.
We were gonna have another child. That was your dream. To have a son.
- A brother for Lisa Marie. - We're gonna do that, sweetheart.
We'll do it right after this concert tour, I promise you.
But I just know that I need to do this
and then everything's gonna be alright.
I love you, Elvis.
But if anything happens to us,
I can make it on my own.
I can make it without you.
You raised me from a little girl.
But at some point, it becomes time to stop being a little girl
and become a woman.
d You're not a dream
d you're not an angel
d you're a woman
d I'm not a king
d I'm just a man
d take my hand
d we'll make a space
d in this life that we planned
d and here we'll stay
d until it's time for you to go
d yes, we're different, worlds apart
d we're not the same
d we laughed and played
if I could have could have one wish, Jesse Garon...
I think it'd be to talk with momma.
There's times when I dream about her.
She's always smilin' and happy.
Sometimes we embrace.
Man, it is so real, i wake up in a cold sweat.
I know I'm gonna be seeing you and momma soon, Jesse.
I ain't afraid of it.
It's just that I...
I know it's gonna be like the Kennedys and king.
I ain't gonna go on much past 40.
But if I make it in Las Vegas...
If I can...
If I can just get up on that stage and feel those people one more time...
Just one more time...
I see a change is coming to our lives
d it's not the same as it used to be
d and it's not too late
d to realize our mistakes
d we're just not right d d for each other d
d love has slipped away
d left us only friends
d we almost seem like strangers
d all that's left between us d d are the memories we shared d
d the times we thought r we cared for each other i'
r there's nothing left to do but go our separate ways i'
d and pick up all the pieces d d left behind us d
d and maybe someday, somewhere along the way
d another love will find us
d someday when she's older, maybe she will understand
d why her mom and Dad are not together
d the tears that she will cry d d when I have to say goodbye d
d will tear at my heart forever
r there's nothing left to do but go our separate ways
d and pick up all the pieces d d left behind us d
d and maybe someday, somewhere along the way
hey. How's my baby?
Fine.
Do you want to sing? Do you want to sing?
I'll sing you that song you like so much.
- You wanna sing? - Yes.
Huh?
Do you really?
What shall we sing?
d Sweet Caroline
d good times never seemed so good
d I've been inclined
d to believe they never would
d > oh, no, no
d sweet Caroline
d da-da-ta
d good times never seemed so good
d oh, no
d I've been inclined
d to believe they never would
d oh, no, no, no, no, no
you love me, baby?
You do, don't you?
Elvis Presley arrived here
this morning at the International
to appear at the first major hotel built off the strip.
It's Elvis's first public appearance after nearly ten years in seclusion.
These are years that have seen a decline
in popularity among rock and roll artists.
Even the Beatles are showing signs of slipping.
He's even lower in the polls than the Beatles,
and this surprising decision to do a comeback show at the international
seems to be do or die for Elvis.
It just could be the beginning or the end for a brilliant career.
He revolutionized the entire music industry...
Elvis, do whatever you want, but I don't want you to go on, son.
I just don't want you to do it.
Elvis, listen to me, please. We can't chance this.
The place is loaded with FBI men. They're planted all over.
But even so, Elvis, it's not worth it. It just isn't worth it.
My mouth's so dry it feels like Bobby Dylan slept in it last night.
Elvis, don't do it, man.
Well, this could be the end of it all, Charlie.
My career.
Everything.
I gotta go out there, man.
I gotta prove I ain't washed up like they're saying.
You don't have to prove anything to anybody.
I gotta prove it to me, Charlie.
Lisa Marie. It's Daddy.
I'm at the International Hotel, honey bun.
I'm just about to go on.
But I... I wanted to call you.
Just... to tell you how much I love you.
And good night.
I miss you too, baby.
I miss you so much.
You know I'd be there with you right now if I could.
But I...
You believe me, don't you, honey?
I wanna be there but I have to work, baby, I have to.
They want you, e. It's time, man.
Baby, I gotta go now.
But I'll be comin' home soon, i promise.
You... you go to bed now, y'hear?
Sweet dreams, baby.
I love you.
d Well, it's one for the money, d d two for the show d
d three to get ready, d d now go, cat, go d
d but don't you step on my blue Suede shoes
d you can do anything d d but stay off of my blue Suede shoes d
d well, you can knock me down, d d step on my face d
d slander my name all over the place
d do anything that you want to do,
d but uh-uh, honey,.“ lay off of my shoes
d don't you step on my blue Suede shoes
d well, you can do anything but stay off of my blue Suede shoes
d well, it's one for the money, d d two for the show d
d three to get ready, d d now go, cat, go d
d but don't you step on my blue Suede shoes
d you can do anything d d but stay off of my blue Suede shoes d
Go!
d Well, you can knock me down, d d step on my face d
d slander my name all over the place
d do anything that you want to do
r but uh-uh, honey, lay off of my shoes
d don't you step on my blue Suede shoes
d well, you can do anything but stay off of my blue Suede shoes
d well, it's blue, blue, blue Suede shoes, yeah
d blue, blue, blue Suede shoes, baby
d blue, blue, blue Suede shoes
d well, you can do anything but lay off of my blue Suede shoes
listen to 'em, man. They love him. He's gonna go on forever.
I'm gonna go out front and watch the show.
Thank you.
Thank you very much. It's been a long time, man.
Feels good to be back.
d > oh, oh, oh, oh
d when no one else can understand me
d when everything I do is wrong
d you give me hope and consolation
d you give me strength to carry on
d and you're always there to lend a hand
d in everything I do
d that's the wonder
d the wonder of you
d and when you smile the world is brighter
d you touch my hand and I'm a king
d your kiss to me is worth a fortune
d your love for me is everything
d I guess I'll never know the reason why
d you love me as you do
d that's the wonder
d the wonder of you
d > oh, oh, oh, oh
d I guess I'll never know the reason why
d you love me as you do
d that's the wonder
d the wonder of you
d for Dixieland
d where I was born
d early, Lord
d one frosty morn
d - look away look away
d - Dixieland Dixieland
d glory, qlory
d hallelujah
d glory, qlory
d hallelujah
d glory, qlory
d hallelujah
d his truth is marching on
d his truth is
d marching on
d well, since my baby left me
d I found a new place to dwell
d it's down at the end d d of lonely street d
d at heartbreak hotel
d well, I'll be, I'll be so lonely, baby
d I'll be so lonely
d I'll be so lonely I could die
d although it's always crowded
d you still can find some room
d for broken-hearted lovers
d to cry there in the gloom
d they'll be so lonely, baby
d they'll be so lonely
they could die
d the bellhop's tears keep fallin'
d the desk clerk's dressed in black
d they been so long on lonely street
d they'll never, never look back
d they'll be so
d they'll be so lonely, baby
d they'll be so lonely
they could die
d now if your baby leaves you
d you got a tale to tell
d just take a walk down lonely street
d to heartbreak hotel
d where you will be, you will be
d so lonely, baby
d where you will be lonely
d you'll be so lonely you could die
d although it's always crowded d