The US was fighting a war that was becoming more and more polarizing as the years went on and, subsequently, the political state of the country was exceptionally fraught. In the entertainment world, Elvis's meteoric rise in the '50s, which quite literally changed American society by using music to bridge cultures and attitudes, was almost all but forgotten. The Beatles landed in the US in 1964 and supplanted the "Jailhouse Rock" singer while he was plying his trade in Hollywood - a situation that was increasingly comical with each new release.
In a time in which winds of cultural change compelled artists to say something meaningful, the campier offerings of Harum Scarum and Spinout simply weren't cutting it anymore. By 1966, it was clear that fans were outgrowing the cinematic Elvis Formula. Elvis himself was disengaged from the process as his dreams of being taken seriously as an actor (which, for the record, did start out promising with films like King Creole, Flaming Star, and Wild In The Country) were decidedly dashed. Without an ounce of hyperbole, this attempt to revive his music career by way of a television special was his make - or - break moment.
It is Elvis 101 that what Parker envisioned as a conventional Christmas special became instead a challenge. Less familiar details include the fact that the NBC deal was a byproduct of Parker's attempt to finance an Elvis film, and that he turned down Dean Martin's plush dressing room in favor of a "broom closet" next to the stage where the special was being produced, posting two William Morris agents dressed as British beefeaters at the door. Directed by John Scheinfeld, "Reinventing Elvis" does a great job of contextualizing NBC's Singer Presents... Elvis (now colloquially known as The '68 Comeback Special).
The opening moments of "Reinventing Elvis" recall a brief panic for the '68 special's director Steve Binder and the rest of the production team when Elvis's nerves, the weight of the special, and his first live audience in nearly a decade threatened to take over just as he was due to arrive out on stage. Binder went into his dressing room and gave his star a brief, but pointed, pep talk: He had to walk out there, even if just for a second. After writing down a laundry list of already agreed upon talking points, Binder left Elvis, praying that the black leather clad singer would scrounge up the courage.
Of course, Elvis did walk out onto that red and white boxing ring-like stage, and not only did he deliver one of his best performances, his artistry and charisma ushered in a new era of musical entertainment with the success of TV's first unplugged segment. Beginning with this storied moment in The '68 Comback Special's lore grants audiences the impression that the documentary's focus is on the production of the special and the mindset of Elvis before (and presumably after) he made history. Interviews with Binder, the special's writer Allan Blye, choreographer Jaime Rogers, and dancers who took part in the special all help shape this expectation.
Notably, the stories by those who were involved with the special are vibrantly brought to life with beautifully restored clips and photos of Elvis during the special, which are, unquestionably, the highlights of the film. Seeing Elvis burst through the creative rut he was in with a raw magnetism all to his own, there's little doubt in our minds why The '68 Comeback Special was not only successful in terms of reviving Elvi's career, but why it has stood the test of time as a piece of music history.
In the nine years between this special and Presley's passing, he lived a few lifetimes over. He reclaimed his throne as one of rock'n'roll's icons, had Las Vegas in the palm of his hands, and entertained every corner of America. Some sadly choose to remember Elvis as a caricature of himself in his final years when he was poorly fit and ill, but "Reinventing Elvis" holds him up at time when he sounded and looked better than anything we had seen or heard before or since.
There is a wealth of information to be mined from "Reinventing Elvis", and viewers new to the Elvis story will find it to be a great starting point to understand the special's significance and why it was necessary. For fans, it is also a welcome reminder why we unabashedly ride with him almost 50 years since he left the building for good.
But before we get to the main feature, let's enjoy...
The Pre-Show:
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In our "Film Extras" section we will expand our knowledge and enjoyment concerning Elvis, through interesting segments concerning Colonel Tom Parker and The Memphis Mafia. Plus, a poignant vision of the life and times of Lisa Marie Presley.
Concerning our "TV On Deck" section, we continue with our 60s-70s comedy sitcoms and our cartoon delight. Plus, I'm sure you're looking forward to the "newcomer" which, free from doubt, you've already identified by looking at the photos.
The Main Feature:
Title: Reinventing Elvis: The '68 Comeback
Director: John Scheinfeld
Cast: Documentary
Country: USA
On Your Way Out:
As our motto goes: "Grab 'em, Use 'em, Enjoy 'em". You all know by now this section is here to hopefully, enhance your experience of viewing today's flick. The pictures, the reading material plus the listening extras, all have one common goal: pleasure through learning!
Cheers.
Shade.
Note: Password for all files: Shade'sVintageRadio
It takes twenty years to make an overnight success (Eddie Cantor)
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