Elvis on Tour
Encyclopedia
Elvis on Tour is a Golden Globe Award-winning American
musical
documentary
motion picture released by MGM
in 1972. It was the thirty-third and final motion picture to star Elvis Presley
before his death in 1977.
, another musical documentary, this film followed Presley as he embarked on a 15-city tour of the United States
in April 1972. Elvis on Tour also contains vintage footage of Presley's famous 1956 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show
and pre-tour rehearsal
footage. It also includes footage of enthusiastic fan reactions scattered throughout the film.
Also included are portions of a forty-minute interview that Presley gave about his life and career before filming began. Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker
, was unhappy with the inclusion of a scene which mocked Presley's acting career by showing screen kisses taken from a number of his previous films. According to the producers, it was a tongue-in-cheek dig at the repetitiveness of these films by changing the background "but the plot stays the same".
Among those working on this film were Martin Scorsese
, who supervised montage sequences, and David Draper a former Mr. Universe
. The film was directed by Pierre Adidge and Robert Abel.
As well as being a financial success, Elvis on Tour proved to also be a critical success by winning the 1972 Golden Globe Award for Best Documentary, making it the only Elvis film to win an award of any kind.
The 1997 VHS
reissue was negatively criticized because of the lack of the multi-screen images that were present on all previously released VHS copies of the film.
), he would make no more films in his lifetime. Footage from Elvis on Tour would later be reused in the 1981 Elvis documentary This is Elvis
.
album was planned with this title, but never released. Due to the release of the album Elvis: As Recorded at Madison Square Garden
shortly before filming, which featured many of the songs set to be in the film, Elvis on Tour was the only Presley film not accompanied by some form of official soundtrack release, either in the form of a full album or a single.
All of the following songs were performed by Elvis unless otherwise noted:
Other cities in the tour that were filmed on location (but not at the concerts) included Roanoke, Virginia
and Dayton, Ohio
.
" from the Hampton Roads, VA April 9, 1972 show.
As part of the 75th birthday celebrations of Elvis Presley, Warner Bros.
released a remastered version of Elvis On Tour on DVD and Blu-ray on August 3, 2010. However, the opening sequence has been replaced with a live recording of "Don't Be Cruel
" due to copyright issues.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
musical
Musical film
The musical film is a film genre in which songs sung by the characters are interwoven into the narrative, sometimes accompanied by dancing. The songs usually advance the plot or develop the film's characters, though in some cases they serve merely as breaks in the storyline, often as elaborate...
documentary
Documentary film
Documentary films constitute a broad category of nonfictional motion pictures intended to document some aspect of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction or maintaining a historical record...
motion picture released by MGM
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. is an American media company, involved primarily in the production and distribution of films and television programs. MGM was founded in 1924 when the entertainment entrepreneur Marcus Loew gained control of Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures Corporation and Louis B. Mayer...
in 1972. It was the thirty-third and final motion picture to star Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
before his death in 1977.
Background
A follow-up to the 1970 release Elvis: That's the Way it IsElvis: That's the Way it Is
Elvis: That's the Way It Is is a documentary movie directed by Denis Sanders about Elvis Presley that was released on November 11, 1970. The film documents Elvis' Summer Festival in Las Vegas during August 1970...
, another musical documentary, this film followed Presley as he embarked on a 15-city tour of the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in April 1972. Elvis on Tour also contains vintage footage of Presley's famous 1956 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show
The Ed Sullivan Show
The Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan....
and pre-tour rehearsal
Rehearsal
For other uses, see Rehearsal or Dress rehearsal A rehearsal is a preparatory event in music and theatre that is performed before the official public performance, as a form of practice, and to ensure that all details of the performance are adequately prepared and coordinated for professional...
footage. It also includes footage of enthusiastic fan reactions scattered throughout the film.
Also included are portions of a forty-minute interview that Presley gave about his life and career before filming began. Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker
Colonel Tom Parker
"Colonel" Thomas Andrew "Tom" Parker born Andreas Cornelis van Kuijk, was a Dutch-born entertainment impresario known best as the manager of Elvis Presley...
, was unhappy with the inclusion of a scene which mocked Presley's acting career by showing screen kisses taken from a number of his previous films. According to the producers, it was a tongue-in-cheek dig at the repetitiveness of these films by changing the background "but the plot stays the same".
Among those working on this film were Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese
Martin Charles Scorsese is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, actor, and film historian. In 1990 he founded The Film Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to film preservation, and in 2007 he founded the World Cinema Foundation...
, who supervised montage sequences, and David Draper a former Mr. Universe
Universe Championships
The Universe Championships are an annual bodybuilding event organised by the National Amateur Bodybuilders Association . It has a number of competitions: NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe, Miss Figure, and Miss Toned Figure....
. The film was directed by Pierre Adidge and Robert Abel.
Reaction
The concert film reached #13 on the Variety National Box Office Survey. In general, documentaries were very rarely box office successes. However, despite costing upwards of $1.6 million to produce, most of which was Presley's $1 million fee, the film recouped its production costs after just three days in theaters.As well as being a financial success, Elvis on Tour proved to also be a critical success by winning the 1972 Golden Globe Award for Best Documentary, making it the only Elvis film to win an award of any kind.
The 1997 VHS
VHS
The Video Home System is a consumer-level analog recording videocassette standard developed by Victor Company of Japan ....
reissue was negatively criticized because of the lack of the multi-screen images that were present on all previously released VHS copies of the film.
Aftermath
Although Presley would be offered numerous films over the next few years (notably including the 1976 remake of A Star Is BornA Star Is Born (1976 film)
A Star Is Born is a 1976 American rock music musical film telling the story of a young woman, played by Barbra Streisand who enters show business, and meets and falls in love with an established male star, played by Kris Kristofferson, only to find her career ascending while his goes into decline...
), he would make no more films in his lifetime. Footage from Elvis on Tour would later be reused in the 1981 Elvis documentary This is Elvis
This Is Elvis
This Is Elvis is a 1981 documentary film directed by Andrew Solt and Malcolm Leo, based on the life of Elvis Presley. It combined archival footage with reenactments, and narration by pop singer Ral Donner. It was screened out of competition at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival...
.
Songs Featured in the Film
The working titles of the film were Sold Out and then Standing Room Only, and a soundtrackSoundtrack
A soundtrack can be recorded music accompanying and synchronized to the images of a motion picture, book, television program or video game; a commercially released soundtrack album of music as featured in the soundtrack of a film or TV show; or the physical area of a film that contains the...
album was planned with this title, but never released. Due to the release of the album Elvis: As Recorded at Madison Square Garden
Elvis: As Recorded at Madison Square Garden
Elvis: As Recorded at Madison Square Garden is a live musical album recorded by Elvis Presley and released in June 1972 by RCA Records peaking on the charts in July 1972. Recorded at the Madison Square Garden arena in New York City on Saturday June 10, 1972, the concert, and the subsequent album,...
shortly before filming, which featured many of the songs set to be in the film, Elvis on Tour was the only Presley film not accompanied by some form of official soundtrack release, either in the form of a full album or a single.
All of the following songs were performed by Elvis unless otherwise noted:
- "Johnny B. GoodeJohnny B. Goode"Johnny B. Goode" is a 1958 rock and roll song written and originally performed by American musician Chuck Berry. The song was a major hit among both black and white audiences peaking at #2 on Billboard magazine's Hot R&B Sides chart and #8 on the Billboard Hot 100.The song is one of Chuck Berry's...
" (A live recording by Elvis played over the opening credits.) - "Also Sprach Zarathustra2001: A Space Odyssey (soundtrack)2001: A Space Odyssey is a soundtrack album to the film of the same name, released in 1968. The soundtrack is known for its use of many classical and orchestral pieces, and credited for giving many classical pieces resurgences in popularity, such as Johann Strauss II's 1866 Blue Danube Waltz,...
" (Performed by The Joe Guercio Orchestra but was not used in the film due to copyright issues. An unknown vamp, which sounds similar to the composition, was used in its place.) - "See See RiderSee See RiderThe song is generally regarded as being traditional in origin. Ma Rainey's version became popular during 1925, as "See See Rider Blues." It became one of the most famous of all blues songs, with well over 100 versions. It was recorded by Big Bill Broonzy, Mississippi John Hurt, Lead Belly,...
" - "Polk Salad Annie"
- "Separate WaysSeparate Ways (Elvis Presley album)Separate Ways is a compilation album by Elvis Presley from 1973. Released by RCA Records under its RCA-Camden subsidiary exactly one month after another compilation, Burning Love and Hits from His Movies, Volume 2, Separate Ways was the second and final attempt by RCA to repackage older Elvis...
" - "Proud Mary"
- "Never Been To Spain"
- "Burning LoveBurning Love"Burning Love" is a song written by Dennis Linde, first recorded by Arthur Alexander, who included it on his self-titled 1971 album, and made famous by Elvis Presley, who took it to #2 in the United States in 1972...
" - "For The Good TimesFor the Good Times (song)"For the Good Times" is a 1970 song penned by Kris Kristofferson that appeared on his debut album Kristofferson.Later that year, Ray Price recorded a version of the song which topped the U.S. country music charts and was awarded "Song of the Year" by the Academy of Country Music...
" (Sung informally by Elvis in a car as he was leaving a concert.) - "The Lighthouse" (Performed by J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet during an informal gospel music jam session.)
- "Lead Me, Guide MeLead Me, Guide MeLead Me, Guide Me is a gospel song recorded by Elvis Presley for the 1972 album He Touched Me....
" (Performed by Elvis, J.D. Sumner, and the Stamps Quartet during an informal gospel music jam session.) - "Bosom Of AbrahamBosom of Abraham"Bosom of Abraham" refers to the place of comfort in sheol where the Jews said the righteous dead awaited Judgment Day.-Origin of the phrase:The word found in the Greek text for "bosom" is , meaning "lap" "bay"...
" (Performed by Elvis, J.D. Sumner, and the Stamps Quartet durning an informal gospel music jam session.) - "Love Me TenderLove Me Tender (song)"Love Me Tender" is a song recorded by Elvis Presley and published by Elvis Presley Music, adapted from the tune of "Aura Lee" , a sentimental Civil War ballad.- History :...
" - "I, John" (Sung informally by Elvis, J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, and the Sweet InspirationsSweet InspirationsThe Sweet Inspirations were founded by Cissy Houston , mother of Whitney Houston, and sister of Lee Warrick...
during a rehearsal.) - "Bridge Over Troubled WaterBridge over Troubled WaterBridge Over Troubled Water is the fifth and final studio album by Simon & Garfunkel. Released on January 26, 1970 on both Quadraphonic and Stereo formats, it reached No. 1 on Billboard Music Charts pop albums list...
" - "Funny How Time Slips AwayFunny How Time Slips Away"Funny How Time Slips Away" is a song written by Willie Nelson and also performed by Willie Nelson. The song was included as a track on Willie Nelson's 1962, debut album, And Then I Wrote.-Cover versions:...
" - "An American TrilogyAn American Trilogy"An American Trilogy" is a song arranged by country songwriter Mickey Newbury and made popular by Elvis Presley, who began including the song as part of his regular concert routine in the 1970s, thereby making the song a showstopper...
" - "I Got A WomanI Got a Woman"I Got a Woman" is a song co-written and recorded by American R&B/soul musician Ray Charles and released as a single in December 1954 on the Atlantic label as Atlantic 45-1050 b/w "Come Back Baby." Both sides later appeared on his 1957 album Ray Charles .-Origin:The song builds on...
/AmenAmen (song)"Amen" was the Israeli entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 1995, performed in Hebrew by Liora.The song is a prayer to God for protection, with the title being derived from the word Amen, which is repeated frequently in the prayer....
" - "A Big Hunk O' LoveA Big Hunk o' Love"A Big Hunk o' Love" is a song co-written by Aaron Schroeder and originally recorded by American rock and roll icon Elvis Presley. The song was released as a single on June 23, 1959 by RCA Victor and later topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks....
" - "You Gave Me A MountainYou Gave Me a Mountain"You Gave Me a Mountain" is a song written by country singer-songwriter Marty Robbins during the 1960s. It has been recorded by many artists, including Robbins himself, but the highest-charting version of the song was by Frankie Laine in 1969...
" - "Sweet Sweet Spirit" (Performed onstage by J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet)
- "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy"
- "Can't Help Falling In LoveCan't Help Falling in Love"Can't Help Falling in Love" is a pop song originally recorded by American singer Elvis Presley and published by Gladys Music, Elvis Presley's publishing company. It was written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss. The melody was based on "Plaisir d'Amour" but with a different...
" - Closing Vamp (Performed by The Joe Guercio Orchestra.)
- "Memories" (Original studio recording played over the closing credits.)
- This list does not include snippets of songs sung informally, such as "Rainy Night in GeorgiaRainy Night in Georgia"Rainy Night in Georgia" is a song written by Tony Joe White in 1962 and popularized by R&B vocalist Brook Benton in 1970.In 1969, after several years without a major hit, Benton had signed to a new record label, Cotillion Records...
".
Concerts Filmed for Elvis on Tour
- The Coliseum, Hampton Roads, VirginiaHampton ColiseumThe Hampton Coliseum is a multi-use cultural, entertainment and sports arena in Hampton, Virginia. Construction on the arena began on May 24, 1968 and the venue opened in 1970 as the first large multi-purpose arena in the Hampton Roads region and the state of Virginia, opening a year prior to...
, April 9, 1972 Evening Show - The Coliseum, Richmond, VirginiaRichmond ColiseumRichmond Coliseum is an arena in Richmond, Virginia, where the SPHL Richmond Renegades played until the 2008-2009 season and the SIFL Richmond Raiders will play starting with the 2010 season. It is also the venue for various large concerts. The arena opened in 1971 and holds 13,500 people. A...
, April 10, 1972 - The Coliseum, Greensboro, North CarolinaGreensboro ColiseumThe Greensboro Coliseum Complex is an entertainment complex located in College Hill neighborhood of Greensboro, North Carolina. Opening in 1959, the arena was one of the largest venues in the South, with a seating capacity of over 7,000...
, April 14, 1972 Evening Show - Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, April 18, 1972
Other cities in the tour that were filmed on location (but not at the concerts) included Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke is an independent city in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. state of Virginia and is the tenth-largest city in the Commonwealth. It is located in the Roanoke Valley of the Roanoke Region of Virginia. The population within the city limits was 97,032 as of 2010...
and Dayton, Ohio
Dayton, Ohio
Dayton is the 6th largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Montgomery County, the fifth most populous county in the state. The population was 141,527 at the 2010 census. The Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 841,502 in the 2010 census...
.
Outtakes
Many outtakes exist in the MGM vaults, including a live performance of "For The Good TimesFor the Good Times (song)
"For the Good Times" is a 1970 song penned by Kris Kristofferson that appeared on his debut album Kristofferson.Later that year, Ray Price recorded a version of the song which topped the U.S. country music charts and was awarded "Song of the Year" by the Academy of Country Music...
" from the Hampton Roads, VA April 9, 1972 show.
On CD and DVD
There was no soundtrack album released to accompany the movie. However more recently some rehearsals and a complete show have been released by BMG.- "Elvis on Tour - The Rehearsals" (Released on Follow That Dream, Sony/BMG's Elvis collectors label)
- "Elvis - Close Up" (Disc 4 has the complete show from San Antonio)
- Rehearsals and the four shows in their entirety have all been released unofficially.
As part of the 75th birthday celebrations of Elvis Presley, Warner Bros.
Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc., also known as Warner Bros. Pictures or simply Warner Bros. , is an American producer of film and television entertainment.One of the major film studios, it is a subsidiary of Time Warner, with its headquarters in Burbank,...
released a remastered version of Elvis On Tour on DVD and Blu-ray on August 3, 2010. However, the opening sequence has been replaced with a live recording of "Don't Be Cruel
Don't Be Cruel
-Legacy:"Don't Be Cruel" went on to become Presley's biggest selling single recorded in 1956, with sales over six million by 1961. It became a regular feature of his live sets until his death in 1977, and was often coupled with "Jailhouse Rock" or "Teddy Bear" during performances from 1969.Many...
" due to copyright issues.