[INTRO: I am a die hard, card carrying Elvis fan and have been for as long as I can remember. There is so much about Elvis to love; his incredible singing voice, his generous spirit, his looks (the most gorgeous man ever), his movies (yes, his movies. They make me happy, so critics can just shush), his service in the army, his magical presence on stage, his transcendent charisma, and…I could go on and on. As a matter of fact, on my 50th post, I believe it was, I DID go on and on. I listed 50 things I love about Elvis. It wasn’t difficult. I am an author and I mention Elvis in almost every story I write. I named my son Presley. I was fortunate to see Elvis in concert three times. I have been to Graceland five times… See? I love Elvis. I have been blogging weekly for more than a year, but going forward, I will blog every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month. My life is insanely busy and I found myself missing weeks from time to time. This way, I’m more likely to be consistent. Hopefully, even if you are not an Elvis fan, you appreciate something about him and will find my posts interesting. Feel free to comment. Thank you so much for stopping by!]
A new movie releases today that is supposedly the ‘Untold Story’ of the day Elvis met with President Nixon. I am not sure how to feel about the film, but of course, I DO have some thoughts. I watched the trailer, and it doesn’t look like the movie presents Elvis in a particularly negative light. It shows his fascination with weapons and a few moments of slightly over the top quirkiness, which I believe might be pretty accurate. Elvis was a unique human being, and I have no problem with his being slightly eccentric.
Check out the trailer:
I would have to see the entire movie to really form an opinion, though, which I will do soon. In the meantime, here are some thoughts…
Okay, who the hell cast this picture? (Pardon my language) Michael Shannon as Elvis??? Couldn’t they at least have gotten someone slightly attractive to play the most gorgeous man to ever live? No offense to Michael Shannon fans out there, but this guy as Elvis is hard to even look at. I’m sure I’ll hear how it’s about the acting and Michael does a great job, blah, blah, but you can’t tell me that there aren’t some better-looking actors who could ALSO have done a great job. Sheesh!
Alex Pettyfer plays Jerry Schilling. He would have been a MUCH better choice as Elvis. And…speaking of Alex Pettyfer, he was in Magic Mike, where he met Riley Keough, Elvis’ granddaughter, and the two dated for a while. Interesting connection, right? Below is a pic of Alex. I’m not saying the guy looks like Elvis, but he’s a LOT closer than Michael Shannon. And, heck, he was RIGHT there, so…
I’ve heard interviews where Jerry Schilling talks about the day he accompanied Elvis to the White House. What an experience that must have been. Here is the famous pic of Elvis with Nixon, and below, the letter Elvis wrote to him.
So…what do you think? Will you see the movie? Was Michael Shannon a good choice?
Thank you for stopping by…Happy Friday!
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EOLS Charity
Elvis was known for his giving heart and charitable work during his lifetime. Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley Enterprises have continued that tradition with their involvement in various charities. In 1984, The Elvis Charitable Foundation was formed. The EPCF created a scholarship fund for students majoring in the arts. The charity also contributes to one of Elvis’ favorite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counseling and services for abused children and their families. The EPCF also assists numerous other charities, especially focusing on arts, education and children’s programs.
Learn more here, including how to donate:
http://www.graceland.com/epcf/
END OF LONELY STREET – Now Only 99 Cents!
On Elvis’ 80th birthday, I released a Vintage Romance short story set in 1957, and of course, my heroine is an Elvis fan. 🙂 As a tribute to Elvis’ generosity, and in order to assist with this worthy cause, 10% of my proceeds for End of Lonely Street will go to the EPCF.
All Toby Lawson wants is to go to college to become a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and some painful memories. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away and helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.
Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, she can‘t get past the fact that her drunken mother once kissed him. He soon realizes the true problem lies in Toby’s belief she’s not good enough for him and in her fear she will be just like her mother.
What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?
Author Alicia Dean 
Hadn’t heard of this movie but it sounds interesting.
Good luck and Gods’ blessings.
PamT
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Thank you!
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I think I’ll stick with the movies Elvis starred in 🙂
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Yes, I agree. Although, I’ll probably end up seeing it, just so I’ll know what to say about it. 🙂
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Michael Shannon?! He’s a good actor, but not I can’t see him as Elvis! That letter is fascinating. I’d never seen it before. Did he ever get credentials?
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Yes, Nixon gave him a bureau of narcotics badge. 🙂 Right, no matter how good an actor, he should at least somewhat fit the look of Elvis. Huge fail!
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Frankly, the first couple of teasers I caught on Elvis & Nixon, I thought it must be a spoof. I’ve always been a fan of Spacey and after Boardwalk Empire, I’ve enjoyed Shannon’s work as well. But I couldn’t agree more on the curious casting! Now I’m not familiar with Alex Pettyfer, but he would definitely come under the hunk category, therefore, surely he would have been a better selection to play the King…at least, from a “gorgeousness” stand point. You go see it, Alicia. I’ll wait for your review.
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Ha, well, it is sort of a comedy, so maybe somewhat of a spoof, but it is, of course, based on the actual events. I agree, I adore Spacey. I, unfortunately, haven’t seen Boardwalk Empire, but I am certain this Shannon guy is a good actor. He’s just not Elvis. Okay, will do…my review will appear on the blog some day. 🙂
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Casting was way off. Elvis was sexy, sultry, smooth-featured. This guy is way too rough around the edges. Let’s hope the movie proves to be a better representation.
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Exactly! Not even close. No one is really ‘close’ but they can get closer than this guy.
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My casting reaction is like yours, “Huh?” He doesn’t look like Elvis at all. Is that Kevin Spacey as the president? He doesn’t really look like Nixon either, although he does make a good president. I don’t see many movies, so I probably won’t see this one, but I found your post interesting. I didn’t realize that Elvis was as eccentric as he appears to be in the letter. Thanks for sharing!
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Not at all. Yeah, Spacey doesn’t look like Nixon, but at least that casting is an improvement, as far as looks. Yes, Elvis was a bit eccentric. It made for some interesting encounters in his life. 🙂
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I watched the trailer and felt it was disappointing at best. While Spacy does alright as Nixon I would have thought they could get someone to do Elvis better than the actor who did Zod on Superman!
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I didn’t see Superman, but yes, I agree!
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Nope – terrible casting for Elvis. With thousands of tribute performers out there, they couldn’t find one who can also act?
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Exactly! Even a better-looking actor, whether or not he could come close to the Elvis ‘look’ would have been a better choice. Although Elvis’ grandson is too young, it would be interesting to see him cast as Elvis some day. As long as it was respectful. 🙂
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