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Directed George Sidney
Writing Credits Sally Benson
Producers Jack Cummings and George Sidney
Music by George Stoll
Assistant Director Milton Feldham
Choreographer David Winters
Hair Styles Sydney Guillaroff
Recording Supervisor Franklin Milton
Panavision and Metrocolor




Cast Overview
Elvis Presley .... Lucky Jackson, Ann-Margret .... Rusty Martin, Cesare Danova .... Count Elmo Mancini, William Demarest.... Mr. Martin, Nicky Blair .... Shorty Fansworth

One of the best of E's movies which suceeds largely due to the chemistry between Elvis and the gorgeous Ann Margret.Sporting the impossibly comic-book perfect names Lucky Jackson and Rusty Martin, the two stars forge a romance against the backdrop of the Vegas Grand Prix, which Elvis, naturally intends on winning.Typically as in most Elvis movies he needs to achieve his goal through hard work slaving as a hotel employee in order to raise enough cash to fix his racing car.Colorful widescreen photography and a number of fun songs, like "The Lady Loves Me," "C'mon Everybody," "I Need Somebody to Lean On," and the memorable title tune.

"YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS/THE EYES OF TEXAS (Medley)"
Written by Fred Wise & Randy Starr, Performed by Elvis Presley
Elvis doing the University of Texas Longhorn theme song whilst marching the rowdy patrons out of a nightclub. Released on the LP Singer Presents Elvis Singing Flaming Star and Others (1968). Later on the Double Features CD Love In Las Vegas and Roustabout (1993).

"THE LADY LOVES ME"
Written by Sid Tepper & Roy C Bennett, Performed by Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret
Elvis humorous duet with Ann Margaret sung around the hotel swimming pool. Not originally released due to contractual reasons. Later released on the Double Features CD Love In Las Vegas and Roustabout (1993).

"WHAT I'D SAY"
Written by Ray Charles, Performed by Elvis Presley
Ray Charles' 1959 R&B classic gets a strong treatment from Elvis backed by the Carol Lombard Quartet and the Jubilee Four. Released as a single with Viva Las Vegas on the flip side (1964). Later on the LP Elvis Golden Records Vol.4 (1968). A live version was released on the LP Elvis In Concert (1977). Later released on the Double Features CD Love In Las Vegas and Roustabout (1993).

"VIVA LAS VEGAS"
Written by Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman, Performed by Elvis Presley
One of the best of Elvis' film tunes. Fast, attractive and mean and it all comes together. The fade out note that Elvis hits at the finale is one of the most remarkable of his career. A soaring Operatic Scream. Released as a single with What I'D Say on the flip side (1964). Later on the LPs Elvis Worldwide 50 Gold Award Hits Vol.1 (1970) and Elvis In Hollywood. (1976). Also on the Double Features CD Love In Las Vegas and Roustabout (1993).

"I NEED SOMEBODY TO LEAN ON"
Written by Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman, Performed by Elvis Presley
A fine ballad which Elvis sings walking through a deserted night club telling of his loneliness. Released on the soundtrack EP (1964). Later on the Double Features CD Love In Las Vegas and Roustabout (1993).

"C'MON EVERYBODY"
Written by Joe Byers, Performed by Elvis Presley
A rocker with catchy drum work between verses. The movie version includes Ann Margaret and has a slowed down raunchy ending. Released on the soundtrack EP (1964). Later on the Double Features CD Love In Las Vegas and Roustabout (1993).

"TODAY, TOMORROW AND FOREVER"
Written by Bill Grant, Bernie Baum & Florence Kaye, Performed by Elvis Presley
A tender ballad with piano and subdued backing from the Jordanaires. Released on the soundtrack EP (1964). Later on the LP C'mon Everybody (1971) and on the Double Features CD Love In Las Vegas and Roustabout (1993).

"SANTA LUCIA"
Arrangement Elvis Presley, Performed by Elvis Presley
An old italian folk song with Banjo accompaniment. Released on the LP Burning Love And Hits From His Movies Vol.2 (1972). Later on the Double Features CD Love In Las Vegas and Roustabout (1993).

"IF YOU THINK I DON'T NEED YOU"
Written by Red West & Joe Cooper, Performed by Elvis Presley
Rocker with Elvis trying to Get Ann Margarets attention while she has dinner with the Count. Released on the soundtrack EP (1964). Later on the Double Features CD Love In Las Vegas and Roustabout (1993).

"APPRECIATION"
Performed by Ann-Margret
Ann Margaret's show stopping competition number.

"MY RIVAL"
Performed by Ann-Margret
Ann Margaret sings about being second best in Elvis' affections to a racing car

"THE CLIMB"
Performed by The Forte Four
Scorching R&B dance number danced to by Elvis and Ann Margaret in the night club.

"DO THE VEGA"
Written by Bernie Baum & Florence Kaye, (recorded for the film but not used), Performed by Elvis Presley
Another dance number with instructions about said dance. Jerky high tone against a latin beat with backing from the Jubilee Four. Released on the LP Singer Presents Elvis Singing Flaming Star And Others (1968). Later on the Double Features CD Love In Las Vegas and Roustabout (1993).

"NIGHT LIFE"
(recorded for the film but not used), Performed by Elvis Presley
Under estimated scorcher from Elvis. Released on the LP Singer Presents Elvis Singing Flaming Star And Others (1968). Later on the Double Features CD Love In Las Vegas and Roustabout (1993).

"YOU'RE THE BOSS"
Written by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller (recorded for the film but not used), Performed by Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret
Mean, moody R&B from Elvis and Ann. Released on the Double Features CD Love In Las Vegas and Roustabout (1993).


Recorded at:
Radio Recorders Studios, 7000, Santa Monica Boulevard, Hollywood. July 1963.

Musicians:
Elvis Presley (vocals), Scotty Moore, Tiny Timbrell, Billy Strange, Alton Hendrickson, Glen Campbell (guitars), Bob Moore, Ray Siegal (bass), D.J. Fontana, Buddy Harman, Frank Carlson (drums), Roy Hart (percussion), Floyd Cramer, Artie Cane, Calvin Jackson (pianos), Oliver Mitchell, James Zito (trumpets), Randall Miller, Herb Taylor (trombones), Boots Randolph, William Green, Steve Douglas (sax), the Jordinaires, the Jubilee Quartet and the Carole Lombard Quartet (vocals)

Elvis was surrounded by the largest number of musicians he had ever worked with for part of the sessions.

For a number of the tracks Elvis overdubbed his vocals seperately. This was the first time he had done this which considerably enhanced the quality of the recording.

Elvis also sang with Ann-Margret on "The Lady Loves Me" and "You're The Boss".

Among the guitarists at this session was Glen Campbell, later to become a famous recording star in his own right.

Trivia

Frank Sinatra Jnr and Sandra Dee were both said to have been signed for roles in the movie, but neither of them appeared in the finished production.

Working titles for this movie were "Mister Will You Marry Me","The Lady Loves Me", "The only game in town", "The only girl in town" and "That Magic Touch".

The movie was released as "Love In Las Vegas in the U.K. to avoid confusion with another MGM musical "Viva Las Vegas" that had starred Dan Dailey.

Filming for Viva Las Vegas began on July 15th 1963 and was completed by September 16th.

Locations for the main scenes included the swimming pool at the Flamingo Hotel, McCarran Airport and the University of Nevada gymnasium.

It was the first Elvis film to be released overseas prior to it's U.S distribution.

The chemistry between Elvis and Ann Margret both on and off screen was sensational and the gossip columists had a field day. Elvis and Ann remained friends until his death.

Viva Las Vegas premiered in New York on April 20th 1964. It went into general release on June 17th. For the year 1964 it was number 11 in the rankings having grossed in excess of $5 million.

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