I chose the movie Viva Las Vegas, released in 1964, as my ‘V’ Elvis topic for the Blogging A to Z Challenge, with honorary mention to Vernon’s Office as it has always been my second favorite place in Graceland (after the Living Room / Foyer).

Everyone loves Viva Las Vegas, and it is in my top ten Elvis movies but probably as number 10. I have to agree with the Colonel on this one – there was just too much Ann-Margret in it. Not only did she sing with Elvis on more than one song, she had a SOLO (remember when she was making those sandwiches?). I like the soundtrack a lot especially “C’Mon Everybody,” but there is one song I cannot stand. I do not like the Elvis and Ann-Margret duet “Today, Tomorrow and Forever.” Elvis Radio plays it ALL the time, and I just cannot stand it especially her high pitched squeals – sorry. In Viva Las Vegas, Elvis plays a race car driver (a common theme among his movies) who sings in a contest to win money to get his engine for his car for the big race.

At the end of the movie, Elvis’ and Ann-Margret’s characters get married then it was in the newspapers that Elvis and Ann-Margret were getting married for real. Priscilla was none too happy. Elvis and Ann-Margret remained friends the rest of their lives with Ann-Margret going to some of Elvis’ shows in Vegas and Elvis sending her flowers at her shows.

Do you remember the show Coach? Well Jerry Van Dyke’s character was a big Elvis fan and in this episode from 1997 (the 20th anniversary of Elvis’ death), he recreates the “Viva Las Vegas” contest scene. Check it out – fast forward to 16:50 

Now for my honorary mention, Vernon’s Office. I have always loved it so much and spend time there just staring through the glass into the office because that is where Elvis did his return from the army press conference. The video of that is playing right where he was actually doing the press conference. For some reason, that has always been very special to me. And finally the folks at Graceland and EPE agree with me when they put out this edition of The Gates of Graceland about Vernon’s Office. Now everyone will know what I’ve always known – how great Vernon’s Office truly is! First my video clip of that interview in Vernon’s Office, then that episode of The Gates of Graceland.  

What is your favorite movie, song, book, topic about Elvis that begins with ‘V’? Please comment below. If you missed any of my Elvis ‘A’ to ‘U’ topics, please click here. If you would like to read more about all of Elvis’ movies, please click here. Remember to check back tomorrow to see what ‘T’ topic I’ve chosen for Elvis.