Year: 1968
Director: Steve Binder
Country: US
Language: English
By 1968 Elvis Aaron Presley's career had hit an all-time low. For years he had been outdone by Beatlemania, The Rolling Stones, and the rest of the British invasion. In addition Hollywood's drastic change to more sexual, violent and racial pictures meant the typical Elvis picture wouldn't fly. The world had changed and Elvis would have to adapt or die.
Elvis Presley has been out making movies for many years, now he makes a comeback in 1968.
Despite the man's considerable lack of popularity, 42% of the television viewing audience of America did watch the show, making it the most watched television program in America in 1968. It is generally credited as the special that pulled Elvis Presley's career out of the crapper and started the so-called "third act" of his career.
It took a lot of convincing, but Elvis agreed to put on his black leather outfit and play his greatest hits. On the stage he is still simultaneously very cool and very comical. No doubt this nostalgic act did a tremendous job at getting into the hearts of America. This film, more so than any of Elvis' films or other filmed concerts, presents a full view of the artist and his capabilities, which were great indeed.
Elvis (1968) was THE comeback for his career. It helped the artist getting into the good graces of the public moreso than any other publicity stunt in the history of music. In retrospect Elvis may have had an easier time fading into the background, but you can't blame the man for striving to greatness.
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