Elvis Presley made a fortune over the course of his life, but this didn’t stop his father from worrying about his finances. Elvis spent nearly as quickly as he earned, funneling money into hobbies, vehicles, and gifts for his friends and family. He also purchased expensive presents for strangers. He once gave someone a life-changing gift after reading about them in the newspaper.
Elvis Presley bought a stranger an expensive gift
While Elvis had a reputation for giving away cars — Johnny Carson even joked about it in one monologue — his gift-giving did not stop there. Once, while reading the newspaper, Elvis learned about a local woman in need of a wheelchair. He did not hesitate to buy her the nicest, most expensive one he could find.
Elvis in ‘Blue Hawaii’ | Paramount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images
“Man, that woman’s face was a picture when he just walked into...
Elvis Presley bought a stranger an expensive gift
While Elvis had a reputation for giving away cars — Johnny Carson even joked about it in one monologue — his gift-giving did not stop there. Once, while reading the newspaper, Elvis learned about a local woman in need of a wheelchair. He did not hesitate to buy her the nicest, most expensive one he could find.
Elvis in ‘Blue Hawaii’ | Paramount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images
“Man, that woman’s face was a picture when he just walked into...
- 4/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley was at dinner in Hawaii when his friend, Sonny West, joined two performing singers. Elvis laughed through the unexpected performance but quickly turned on him for it. By the following day, Elvis began treating West coldly. West, who had worked for Elvis for several years, did not appreciate the about-face. He began to think of Elvis as “phony.”
Elvis Presley laughed when his friend joined two singers during a dinner
When Elvis shot Blue Hawaii, he took his large entourage to Hawaii with him. While the group was at dinner one night, West wandered to the bar where he had “too many” Mai Tais. As he walked back towards the restaurant where the rest of his group dined, he noticed a couple singing on a bridge.
Elvis in ‘Blue Hawaii’ | Paramount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images
“On this bridge there was a very attractive man and woman and...
Elvis Presley laughed when his friend joined two singers during a dinner
When Elvis shot Blue Hawaii, he took his large entourage to Hawaii with him. While the group was at dinner one night, West wandered to the bar where he had “too many” Mai Tais. As he walked back towards the restaurant where the rest of his group dined, he noticed a couple singing on a bridge.
Elvis in ‘Blue Hawaii’ | Paramount Pictures/Courtesy of Getty Images
“On this bridge there was a very attractive man and woman and...
- 4/4/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley grew famous for his music career, but he also had a successful run as an actor. He starred in a number of high-earning films and took top billing in all but one of his movies. Many people, Elvis himself included, believed he showed great potential as an actor. Unfortunately, he never had the chance to grow in the way he wanted. One of his greatest career regrets had to do with the stunted growth of his acting career.
Elvis wished he could have made more out of his film career
In 1975, Elvis had the opportunity to act in A Star Is Born alongside Barbra Streisand. He hadn’t been in a movie since 1969, but this was the opportunity he’d been waiting for. It was a serious, dramatic role about a washed-up musician, a part Elvis could understand a little too well at this point in his career.
Elvis wished he could have made more out of his film career
In 1975, Elvis had the opportunity to act in A Star Is Born alongside Barbra Streisand. He hadn’t been in a movie since 1969, but this was the opportunity he’d been waiting for. It was a serious, dramatic role about a washed-up musician, a part Elvis could understand a little too well at this point in his career.
- 3/23/2024
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s “Rock-a-Hula Baby” was released alongside one of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll‘s most famous songs. “Rock-a-Hula Baby” suffers by comparison, but it also fails on its own. It’s a strange fusion that never quite comes together. Here’s a look at why it a B-movie actor wrote the track.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Rock-a-Hula Baby’ was part of a forgotten trend
Elvis’ Blue Hawaii typified a specific point in American history. Hawaii became a state in 1959. Around that time, the rest of the United States showed a strong interest in Hawaii. The late 1950s and 1960s gave us Gidget Goes Hawaiian, the Christmas song “Mele Kalikimaka,” and a lot of tacky tiki bars. Elvis jumped on the bandwagon with a trio of movies: Blue Hawaii, Girls! Girls! Girls!, and Paradise, Hawaiian Style.
According to Elvis Australia, songwriter Ben Weisman revealed the origin of “Rock-a-Hula Baby.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Rock-a-Hula Baby’ was part of a forgotten trend
Elvis’ Blue Hawaii typified a specific point in American history. Hawaii became a state in 1959. Around that time, the rest of the United States showed a strong interest in Hawaii. The late 1950s and 1960s gave us Gidget Goes Hawaiian, the Christmas song “Mele Kalikimaka,” and a lot of tacky tiki bars. Elvis jumped on the bandwagon with a trio of movies: Blue Hawaii, Girls! Girls! Girls!, and Paradise, Hawaiian Style.
According to Elvis Australia, songwriter Ben Weisman revealed the origin of “Rock-a-Hula Baby.
- 2/26/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis has had a resurgence in popular culture with Baz Luhrmann's colorful fantasia "Elvis" about his dazzling star presence and complex relationship with Colonel Parker, and Sofia Coppola's incisive "Priscilla" which views him through a more critical lens, delving into the uneven power dynamics and manipulation that defined his marriage.
But it was "Lilo & Stitch" that introduced Elvis to many millennial and Gen Z audiences. With its quirky alien characters and gorgeous watercolor backgrounds that illustrate the Hawaiian setting, "Lilo & Stitch" is one of the most unique Disney films. But what also makes "Lilo & Stitch" such a singular film is its soundtrack, particularly its inclusion of the crooning heartthrob from the 1950s, Elvis Presley. The adorable six-year-old Lilo overlooks any of Elvis' flaws and views him as a "model citizen" whom her naughty blue "puppy" Stitch can look up to.
Elvis did have a relationship with Hawaii,...
But it was "Lilo & Stitch" that introduced Elvis to many millennial and Gen Z audiences. With its quirky alien characters and gorgeous watercolor backgrounds that illustrate the Hawaiian setting, "Lilo & Stitch" is one of the most unique Disney films. But what also makes "Lilo & Stitch" such a singular film is its soundtrack, particularly its inclusion of the crooning heartthrob from the 1950s, Elvis Presley. The adorable six-year-old Lilo overlooks any of Elvis' flaws and views him as a "model citizen" whom her naughty blue "puppy" Stitch can look up to.
Elvis did have a relationship with Hawaii,...
- 2/24/2024
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
Elvis Presley‘s “One Night” played into the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll‘s image as a sex symbol. Ironically, it was a rewrite of a song about sexual shame. Here’s a look at what a songwriter thought when Elvis changed his track.
The 1st version of Elvis Presley’s ‘One Night’ was inspired by a schoolteacher’s desires
Numerous Elvis hits were originally by other artists. The first singer to record “One Night” was rhythm and blues singer Smiley Lewis. The tune was penned by Dave Bartholomew, who also wrote Chuck Berry’s “My Ding-a-Ling.”
During a 1985 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Bartholomew discussed the inspiration behind “One Night.” “There was a very nice young lady who lived in Mobile, Alabama, a schoolteacher,” he recalled. “I used to go with her sister.
“At dinner one night, she mentioned — out of a clear blue sky — she had only...
The 1st version of Elvis Presley’s ‘One Night’ was inspired by a schoolteacher’s desires
Numerous Elvis hits were originally by other artists. The first singer to record “One Night” was rhythm and blues singer Smiley Lewis. The tune was penned by Dave Bartholomew, who also wrote Chuck Berry’s “My Ding-a-Ling.”
During a 1985 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Bartholomew discussed the inspiration behind “One Night.” “There was a very nice young lady who lived in Mobile, Alabama, a schoolteacher,” he recalled. “I used to go with her sister.
“At dinner one night, she mentioned — out of a clear blue sky — she had only...
- 2/9/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Glenn Danzig has always been inspired by classic rock and he took that to a new level by recording an entire album of Elvis Presley songs. One of the tracks on the album was a rendition of Elvis’ “One Night,” which he had covered before. Notably, Elvis was not the first artist to record “One Night.” The tune’s writer revealed what he thought of the “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You” singer’s rendition.
Glenn Danzig covered Elvis Presley’s ‘One Night’ several times
Danzig first became famous through his punk band The Misfits. Since then, he’s also been part of the groups Samhain and Danzig. With the latter group, he released an Elvis cover album simply called Danzig Sings Elvis. The record includes a recording of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll‘s “One Night.”
During a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, the “Mother” singer...
Glenn Danzig covered Elvis Presley’s ‘One Night’ several times
Danzig first became famous through his punk band The Misfits. Since then, he’s also been part of the groups Samhain and Danzig. With the latter group, he released an Elvis cover album simply called Danzig Sings Elvis. The record includes a recording of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll‘s “One Night.”
During a 2020 interview with Rolling Stone, the “Mother” singer...
- 2/8/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
She didn’t receive much media attention, but Elvis Presley had a steady girlfriend for several years following his split with Priscilla Presley. Elvis’ girlfriend said the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll loved a particular book. Priscilla’s memoir confirms this detail. Priscilla also gave fans more insight into the singer’s surprisingly highbrow taste in literature.
Elvis Presley’s favorite book had some timeless advice about love and marriage
Linda Thompson was Elvis’ girlfriend from 1972 to 1976. In her 2016 book A Little Thing Called Life, Thompson recalled something the “All Shook Up” singer said to her. “‘I’ve broken my fidelity record for all time,’ he said. ‘I’ve never been this faithful to anyone for this long in my entire life.'”
“I was certain he’d been completely faithful to me for the first year, at least, as he’d set up our life together so that he...
Elvis Presley’s favorite book had some timeless advice about love and marriage
Linda Thompson was Elvis’ girlfriend from 1972 to 1976. In her 2016 book A Little Thing Called Life, Thompson recalled something the “All Shook Up” singer said to her. “‘I’ve broken my fidelity record for all time,’ he said. ‘I’ve never been this faithful to anyone for this long in my entire life.'”
“I was certain he’d been completely faithful to me for the first year, at least, as he’d set up our life together so that he...
- 2/5/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
On August 16, 1977, the world lost iconic performer Elvis Presley, who died at the young age of 42. Presley excelled in many media, from music to television to films and the concert stage, and he became a beloved cultural king worldwide. In music, he was nicknamed the “King of Rock and Roll,” but that genre was not his sole claim to musical significance. Presley performed and was influenced by a number of genres, including country, rockabilly, pop, blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues. In his career, Presley won three Grammy Awards (all for gospel music and none for rock) plus received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1971.
Although he got his start performing rockabilly, the Tupelo-born, Memphis-raised Presley gradually expanded his sphere of influence to include film, television and the concert stage. His appearances on television in the 1950s, in particular on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” caused a storm of controversy about...
Although he got his start performing rockabilly, the Tupelo-born, Memphis-raised Presley gradually expanded his sphere of influence to include film, television and the concert stage. His appearances on television in the 1950s, in particular on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” caused a storm of controversy about...
- 1/6/2024
- by Tom O'Brien, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Priscilla Presley has always spoken carefully regarding her relationship with Elvis Presley. However, she rarely touched on how his ardent fans perceived and treated her. In a 2016 interview, Priscilla admitted that life as Elvis’ significant other was a “hard road.” She admits, “I was hated for marrying him.”
Life as Elvis Presley’s partner had its challenges, admitted Priscilla Presley
When Priscilla Presley entered Elvis Presley’s world in 1959, she had a protective bubble around her and their relationship. Since Elvis was overseas, it was difficult for the press to find out who he was dating.
But Priscilla became the girl he left behind when she appeared at the airport to wave him off. He even discussed their relationship, without mentioning her by name, in his first interview after leaving the US Army.
However, it took two long years for Priscilla and Elvis to reunite romantically. Even then, she found...
Life as Elvis Presley’s partner had its challenges, admitted Priscilla Presley
When Priscilla Presley entered Elvis Presley’s world in 1959, she had a protective bubble around her and their relationship. Since Elvis was overseas, it was difficult for the press to find out who he was dating.
But Priscilla became the girl he left behind when she appeared at the airport to wave him off. He even discussed their relationship, without mentioning her by name, in his first interview after leaving the US Army.
However, it took two long years for Priscilla and Elvis to reunite romantically. Even then, she found...
- 1/2/2024
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In 1961, Elvis Presley starred in the film Blue Hawaii. The movie was not a critical success, something Elvis seemed to understand as he was shooting it. According to Anne Fulchino, a publicity director who worked with Elvis several years before, he seemed completely humiliated to be in the movie.
Elvis Presley did not seem happy on the set of ‘Blue Hawaii’
While Elvis was working on Blue Hawaii, Fulchino visited him on set. Several years before, they had mapped out Elvis’ career. It was clear to Fulchino that Elvis didn’t think things had gone to plan.
“It was a while before he came over and talked to us, and when he did — you see at the beginning I used to call him Chief and I said, ‘Hi, Chief,’ and he just looked at me like he wished I hadn’t come,” Fulchino said in the book Careless Love: The...
Elvis Presley did not seem happy on the set of ‘Blue Hawaii’
While Elvis was working on Blue Hawaii, Fulchino visited him on set. Several years before, they had mapped out Elvis’ career. It was clear to Fulchino that Elvis didn’t think things had gone to plan.
“It was a while before he came over and talked to us, and when he did — you see at the beginning I used to call him Chief and I said, ‘Hi, Chief,’ and he just looked at me like he wished I hadn’t come,” Fulchino said in the book Careless Love: The...
- 12/17/2023
- by Emma McKee
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
If anyone is good at spotting hidden meanings in movies, it’s Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino wrote a book of film criticism in which he said one of Elvis Presley’s movies had a rich subtext. The film was helmed by one of the most consequential action movie directors of all time.
Quentin Tarantino felt 1 Elvis Presley movie is similar its director’s struggles in Hollywood
In his 2022 book Cinema Speculation, Tarantino talked about the work of film director Don Siegel of Dirty Harry fame. “But the rogue law enforcement officer, at odds with their superiors, who operates independently to get their man and enforce their own self-determined version of justice, is practically the quintessential Siegel protagonist,” he wrote. “Even his criminals go rogue.
“Mickey Rooney’s Baby Face Nelson stands in direct contrast to Leo Gordon’s Dillinger, and both Walter Matthau’s Charley Varrick and Burt Reynolds’ cat burglar...
Quentin Tarantino felt 1 Elvis Presley movie is similar its director’s struggles in Hollywood
In his 2022 book Cinema Speculation, Tarantino talked about the work of film director Don Siegel of Dirty Harry fame. “But the rogue law enforcement officer, at odds with their superiors, who operates independently to get their man and enforce their own self-determined version of justice, is practically the quintessential Siegel protagonist,” he wrote. “Even his criminals go rogue.
“Mickey Rooney’s Baby Face Nelson stands in direct contrast to Leo Gordon’s Dillinger, and both Walter Matthau’s Charley Varrick and Burt Reynolds’ cat burglar...
- 12/17/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
A B-movie actor wrote an infamous song for Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii. She tried to write a title song for the film, but that never happened. Regardless, she gained some celebrity as her films became infamous.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Blue Hawaii’ includes a song by director Ed Wood’s girlfriend
Dolores Fuller was an actor who had a relationship with Ed Wood, the director of Plan 9 from Outer Space. That film is widely considered one of the worst movies ever made, though it has a strong cult following among people who like camp classics. Fuller appeared in secondary roles in some of Wood’s films, such as Glen or Glenda and Bride of the Monster.
During an interview with Elvis Australia, Fuller discussed her songwriting career. “Well I have to attribute my break in getting into songwriting for [movie producer] Hal Wallis,” she said. “He was an old friend of mine,...
Elvis Presley’s ‘Blue Hawaii’ includes a song by director Ed Wood’s girlfriend
Dolores Fuller was an actor who had a relationship with Ed Wood, the director of Plan 9 from Outer Space. That film is widely considered one of the worst movies ever made, though it has a strong cult following among people who like camp classics. Fuller appeared in secondary roles in some of Wood’s films, such as Glen or Glenda and Bride of the Monster.
During an interview with Elvis Australia, Fuller discussed her songwriting career. “Well I have to attribute my break in getting into songwriting for [movie producer] Hal Wallis,” she said. “He was an old friend of mine,...
- 11/20/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Last year, legendary filmmaker John Carpenter teamed up with Shout! Factory to host a kaiju movie marathon called Masters of Monsters, which consisted of the original Godzilla film, Rodan; Ghidorah, The Three-Headed Monster, and The War of the Gargantuas. That marathon was re-run earlier this month. Now the folks at Far Out magazine have dug up a 1996 article from Film Comment magazine in which Carpenter named The War of the Gargantuas as “the ultimate Japanese monster movie” – and included it on a list of his seventeen favorite “guilty pleasure” movies. It’s a fun list, so we have it included below, with thanks to this site.
Carpenter started out the Film Comment guilty pleasures article by saying, “I wasn’t raised a Catholic, so guilt never played much of a role in my life. We Methodists don’t worry about guilt all that much. In terms of cinema, however, guilt has always been very important.
Carpenter started out the Film Comment guilty pleasures article by saying, “I wasn’t raised a Catholic, so guilt never played much of a role in my life. We Methodists don’t worry about guilt all that much. In terms of cinema, however, guilt has always been very important.
- 11/7/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Kicking October to the curb and bringing in some November goodness is a fresh slate of new content headed to Paramount Global’s streamer Paramount+, including the sequel to the hit 1997 film “Good Burger.”
Paramount+ started off November by adding more than 30 titles to its library, some of which include “Above the Rim,” Season 15 of “Ink Master,” “Gladiator” and “The Color Purple.”
And if you’re looking for some holiday movies to watch with the family, you can deck the halls with “Happy Christmas,” “Mistletoe Ranch” or “Christmas Eve.” When the kids go to sleep, adult-friendly treats like “Bad Santa” and “Bad Santa 2” are also available.
The highly-anticipated “Good Burger 2,” which stars Kel Mitchell, Keenan Thompson, Shar Jackson, Carmen Electra, Josh Server, Alex R. Hibbert, Lori Beth Denberg and Lil Rel Howery, hits the platform on Nov. 22
Here’s everything coming to Paramount+ this November, from “The Truman Show” to “Paw Patrol.
Paramount+ started off November by adding more than 30 titles to its library, some of which include “Above the Rim,” Season 15 of “Ink Master,” “Gladiator” and “The Color Purple.”
And if you’re looking for some holiday movies to watch with the family, you can deck the halls with “Happy Christmas,” “Mistletoe Ranch” or “Christmas Eve.” When the kids go to sleep, adult-friendly treats like “Bad Santa” and “Bad Santa 2” are also available.
The highly-anticipated “Good Burger 2,” which stars Kel Mitchell, Keenan Thompson, Shar Jackson, Carmen Electra, Josh Server, Alex R. Hibbert, Lori Beth Denberg and Lil Rel Howery, hits the platform on Nov. 22
Here’s everything coming to Paramount+ this November, from “The Truman Show” to “Paw Patrol.
- 11/3/2023
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
Elvis Presley‘s “Bossa Nova Baby” was originally by a group that performed one of the most famous tunes of the 1950s. A songwriter explained how the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll rescued the song from obscurity. Despite the song’s eventual success, it wasn’t able to stop a record label from going under.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Bossa Nova Baby’ was recorded by the band behind ‘Love Potion No. 9’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for writing Elvis tunes such as “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “She’s Not You.” They also co-wrote other hits, such as The Clovers’ classic hit “Love Potion No. 9.” In the 2009 book Hound Dog: The Leiber and Stoller Autobiography, Stoller discussed the evolution of their career. “We started our own label called Tiger Records,” he recalled. “This meant that we would not only produce, but we would press,...
Elvis Presley’s ‘Bossa Nova Baby’ was recorded by the band behind ‘Love Potion No. 9’
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller were a songwriting duo known for writing Elvis tunes such as “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “She’s Not You.” They also co-wrote other hits, such as The Clovers’ classic hit “Love Potion No. 9.” In the 2009 book Hound Dog: The Leiber and Stoller Autobiography, Stoller discussed the evolution of their career. “We started our own label called Tiger Records,” he recalled. “This meant that we would not only produce, but we would press,...
- 9/20/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s “Suspicious Minds” was a cover of an obscure song. The record label behind the original version of “Suspicious Minds” was certain the tune would become a hit. A legendary country music producer felt the same way. However, the track only became big once the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll recorded it.
Elvis Presley’s ‘Suspicious Minds’ was 1st sung by the writer of ‘Always on My Mind’
Elvis tunes such as “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Blue Christmas, and “Blue Hawaii” were all covers. “Suspicious Minds” was no different. The track was originally recorded by its writer, Mark James, who also penned the Elvis classic “Always on My Mind.”
During a 2017 interview with Elvis Australia, James discussed his version of “Suspicious Minds.” “I recorded for Scepter Records,” he recalled. “Worked with [producer] Chips [Moman]. They loved it, up at Scepter Records. They said, ‘Smash!’
“Chips and I went up there and we had a big party,...
Elvis Presley’s ‘Suspicious Minds’ was 1st sung by the writer of ‘Always on My Mind’
Elvis tunes such as “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Blue Christmas, and “Blue Hawaii” were all covers. “Suspicious Minds” was no different. The track was originally recorded by its writer, Mark James, who also penned the Elvis classic “Always on My Mind.”
During a 2017 interview with Elvis Australia, James discussed his version of “Suspicious Minds.” “I recorded for Scepter Records,” he recalled. “Worked with [producer] Chips [Moman]. They loved it, up at Scepter Records. They said, ‘Smash!’
“Chips and I went up there and we had a big party,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The texts were ringing like crazy this morning. “Are you in Maui? Are you okay?” Fortunately, yes, just fine. But Maui, the second-biggest Island in Hawaii, continues to fight massive wildfires that started Tuesday and virtually destroyed the classic town of Lahaina (capital of Hawaii at one time) and a tourist mecca.
Flames have reportedly destroyed hundreds of homes and some businesses in a paradise that has long been a favorite getaway — and even home for many entertainment luminaries, including Oprah Winfrey, Clint Eastwood, Steven Tyler, Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Kris Kristofferson and Jeff Bezos, among many more. Mick Fleetwood not only lives on the island, but has a popular restaurant, Fleetwood’s On Front Street, that was situated right in the path of where the fire was most fierce in picturesque Lahaina, a city described now as looking like a bombed-out war zone.
I come here every summer and...
Flames have reportedly destroyed hundreds of homes and some businesses in a paradise that has long been a favorite getaway — and even home for many entertainment luminaries, including Oprah Winfrey, Clint Eastwood, Steven Tyler, Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Kris Kristofferson and Jeff Bezos, among many more. Mick Fleetwood not only lives on the island, but has a popular restaurant, Fleetwood’s On Front Street, that was situated right in the path of where the fire was most fierce in picturesque Lahaina, a city described now as looking like a bombed-out war zone.
I come here every summer and...
- 8/10/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
In 1988, Tim Burton turned the quiet village of East Corinth, Vermont into Winter River, Connecticut for Beetlejuice. 35 years later, the filmmaker returned for Beetlejuice 2. While the majority of filming took place in London, the exteriors of the original filming locations were recreated in East Corinth for two days of on-location shooting. After it wrapped, fans — myself included — flocked to the quaint town to experience Winter River in person.
Burton originally chose East Corinth after stumbling on postcards featuring scenic photos of the area while location scouting for Beetlejuice throughout New England. According to locals, the studio wanted him to recreate the necessary locations on a sound stage for Beetlejuice 2, but Burton insisted on returning to the original site.
The town hasn’t changed all that much over the years, but the production experience certainly has. While those who were around for the original Beetlejuice shooting recall the cast...
Burton originally chose East Corinth after stumbling on postcards featuring scenic photos of the area while location scouting for Beetlejuice throughout New England. According to locals, the studio wanted him to recreate the necessary locations on a sound stage for Beetlejuice 2, but Burton insisted on returning to the original site.
The town hasn’t changed all that much over the years, but the production experience certainly has. While those who were around for the original Beetlejuice shooting recall the cast...
- 7/21/2023
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
I honestly never expected Steven Spielberg in a Criterion Channel series––certainly not one that pairs him with Kogonada, anime, and Johnny Mnemonic––but so’s the power of artificial intelligence. Perhaps his greatest film (at this point I don’t need to tell you the title) plays with After Yang, Ghost in the Shell, and pre-Matrix Keanu in July’s aptly titled “AI” boasting also Spike Jonze’s Her, Carpenter’s Dark Star, and Computer Chess. Much more analog is a British Noir collection obviously carrying the likes of Odd Man Out, Night and the City, and The Small Back Room, further filled by Joseph Losey’s Time Without Pity and Basil Dearden’s It Always Rains on Sunday. (No two ways about it: these movies have great titles.) An Elvis retrospective brings six features, and the consensus best (Don Siegel’s Flaming Star) comes September 1.
While Isabella Rossellini...
While Isabella Rossellini...
- 6/22/2023
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Priscilla Presley Admitted She and Elvis ‘Were Seldom by Ourselves’: There Was Always an ‘Entourage’
Life with Elvis Presley was unlike any other admitted Priscilla Presley. The king of rock and roll was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, with whom he enjoyed many happy times. However, that presented a challenge to his marriage. Prisiclla says she and Elvis “were seldom by ourselves,” and there was always an “entourage.”
Priscilla and Elvis Presley on their wedding day in May 1967 | Getty Images/Bettmann Priscilla Presley says there was always an ‘entourage’ surrounding Elvis
One of the aspects of life at Elvis Presley’s Graceland home was that there was seldom a private moment. In a 1973 interview for Ladies Home Journal, as reprinted by Elvis Presley Music, Priscilla admits that the couple rarely had time together without someone within listening distance.
“If Elvis got time off, we’d take a trip, but we were seldom by ourselves,” she admitted. “For instance, our stay in Hawaii was...
Priscilla and Elvis Presley on their wedding day in May 1967 | Getty Images/Bettmann Priscilla Presley says there was always an ‘entourage’ surrounding Elvis
One of the aspects of life at Elvis Presley’s Graceland home was that there was seldom a private moment. In a 1973 interview for Ladies Home Journal, as reprinted by Elvis Presley Music, Priscilla admits that the couple rarely had time together without someone within listening distance.
“If Elvis got time off, we’d take a trip, but we were seldom by ourselves,” she admitted. “For instance, our stay in Hawaii was...
- 6/22/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley‘s ballads are some of the best in the history of rock ‘n’ roll. One of these songs seems to reference Elvis’ personal life. Despite that juicy gossip, it didn’t receive much attention.
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images 5. ‘Separate Ways’
“Separate Ways” is one of the best songs Elvis put out in the 1970s. During this period, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll put out more country songs than he had in a long time. The country influence in “Separate Ways” is obvious and it sounds great.
It’s really easy to look at “Separate Ways” as a song about Elvis’ divorce from Priscilla Presley. There’s even a reference to the couple in the song having a daughter! “Separate Ways” feels a lot more personal than most of the singer’s work, so it’s surprising it hasn’t received more attention.
4. ‘Always on...
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images 5. ‘Separate Ways’
“Separate Ways” is one of the best songs Elvis put out in the 1970s. During this period, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll put out more country songs than he had in a long time. The country influence in “Separate Ways” is obvious and it sounds great.
It’s really easy to look at “Separate Ways” as a song about Elvis’ divorce from Priscilla Presley. There’s even a reference to the couple in the song having a daughter! “Separate Ways” feels a lot more personal than most of the singer’s work, so it’s surprising it hasn’t received more attention.
4. ‘Always on...
- 4/17/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Demolition will soon begin on a resort once favored by Elvis Presley and other Hollywood royalty before it was heavily damaged by a hurricane three decades ago.
The Coco Palms Resort on the island of Kauai will be torn down for a new 350-room hotel, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.
The resort is best known in movie lore as the location where Presley and Joan Blackman’s characters married in the 1961 movie “Blue Hawaii”.
It’s also the site of other key scenes in the movie, including the last where Presley sings the “Hawaiian Wedding Song” and holds Blackman’s hand while they board a raft to cross a lagoon.
In its heyday, it was famed for being frequented by other Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth and Bing Crosby.
The 46-acre (19-hectare) grounds were also once home to Kauai’s last queen, Deborah Kapule, who died in 1853.
The resort...
The Coco Palms Resort on the island of Kauai will be torn down for a new 350-room hotel, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.
The resort is best known in movie lore as the location where Presley and Joan Blackman’s characters married in the 1961 movie “Blue Hawaii”.
It’s also the site of other key scenes in the movie, including the last where Presley sings the “Hawaiian Wedding Song” and holds Blackman’s hand while they board a raft to cross a lagoon.
In its heyday, it was famed for being frequented by other Hollywood stars like Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth and Bing Crosby.
The 46-acre (19-hectare) grounds were also once home to Kauai’s last queen, Deborah Kapule, who died in 1853.
The resort...
- 4/16/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
Directed by Arthur Ripley, "Thunder Road" is a classic crime film from 1958 that focuses on Lucas Doolin, a Korean War veteran who delivers moonshine in rural mountain states such as North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. He tries to keep the family business afloat while evading law enforcement. The film features thrilling hot rod chases and action sequences that inspired Bruce Springsteen's song "Thunder Road."
It was a very personal project for the high-demand actor Robert Mitchum, who also served as the producer, conceived the story, and wrote some songs. "Thunder Road" was also a family affair. The role of Robin Doolin, Lucas' naive younger brother and mechanic who wants to be a part of the dangerous, fast-paced moonshining business, eventually went to Robert Mitchum's son James Mitchum.
Robert's other son, Chris Mitchum, explained in a 2018 interview that his dad originally wanted musician Elvis Presley to play Robin, and they...
It was a very personal project for the high-demand actor Robert Mitchum, who also served as the producer, conceived the story, and wrote some songs. "Thunder Road" was also a family affair. The role of Robin Doolin, Lucas' naive younger brother and mechanic who wants to be a part of the dangerous, fast-paced moonshining business, eventually went to Robert Mitchum's son James Mitchum.
Robert's other son, Chris Mitchum, explained in a 2018 interview that his dad originally wanted musician Elvis Presley to play Robin, and they...
- 3/25/2023
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
Elvis Presley‘s songs were often covers. Sometimes, the original versions of Elvis’ songs were by famous singers. For example, one of his most famous movie songs was first performed by Bing Crosby.
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer 5. ‘Hound Dog’
Big Mama Thornton wrote “Hound Dog” alongside Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the songwriting duo behind numerous other hits like “Jailhouse Rock,” Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” and Johnny Cash’s “Jackson.” Thornton performed the original version of the song, which was commercially overshadowed by Elvis’.
Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis features Thornton as a minor character. Hopefully, the film will bring more attention to her and her talent.
4. ‘Blue Hawaii’
Thanks to the film of the same name, “Blue Hawaii” will forever be associated with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Despite this, he was not the first superstar to sing the song. “Blue Hawaii” wasn...
Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer 5. ‘Hound Dog’
Big Mama Thornton wrote “Hound Dog” alongside Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the songwriting duo behind numerous other hits like “Jailhouse Rock,” Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me,” and Johnny Cash’s “Jackson.” Thornton performed the original version of the song, which was commercially overshadowed by Elvis’.
Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis features Thornton as a minor character. Hopefully, the film will bring more attention to her and her talent.
4. ‘Blue Hawaii’
Thanks to the film of the same name, “Blue Hawaii” will forever be associated with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Despite this, he was not the first superstar to sing the song. “Blue Hawaii” wasn...
- 3/19/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis was a box office hit in 2022, but the king of rock has impacted the movie industry for decades. Elvis Presley was a Hollywood star, starring in over 30 movies that incorporated his music with comedy and romance. The Memphis singer continues to influence the film industry as his hit songs have been used to enhance memorable moments in movies.
Here are 5 of the best uses of Elvis Presley songs in movies ‘A Little Less Conversation’ – Ocean’s Eleven Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Ocean’s Eleven is a heist thriller starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and Andy Garcia. “A Little Less Conversation” is used over various shots of Las Vegas before the crew meets to discuss the heist. However, the song’s use gave it new life, and it was later remixed by Junkie Xl, who got the 1968 song on the Billboard charts in the early 2000s.
Here are 5 of the best uses of Elvis Presley songs in movies ‘A Little Less Conversation’ – Ocean’s Eleven Elvis Presley | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Ocean’s Eleven is a heist thriller starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, and Andy Garcia. “A Little Less Conversation” is used over various shots of Las Vegas before the crew meets to discuss the heist. However, the song’s use gave it new life, and it was later remixed by Junkie Xl, who got the 1968 song on the Billboard charts in the early 2000s.
- 3/14/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley starred in 31 movies in his acting career. Not every single one was a critical darling, but many did well at the box office, giving Presley the status of one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. His movies earned over $284 million worldwide, and a few earned Elvis a pretty payday.
Here are the top 5 highest-grossing Elvis Presley movies 5. ‘Jailhouse Rock’ – $4 million Elvis Presley | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Getty Images
Jailhouse Rock is the third movie starring Elvis Presley. Directed by Richard Thorpe, the film centers around Vince (Presley), a convict who discovers in jail that he has the potential to become a star. While the movie received mixed reviews from critics, it was a hit with audiences and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.
The film is also fondly remembered for its soundtrack, which included the song “Jailhouse Rock.” The titular tune reached No.
Here are the top 5 highest-grossing Elvis Presley movies 5. ‘Jailhouse Rock’ – $4 million Elvis Presley | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Getty Images
Jailhouse Rock is the third movie starring Elvis Presley. Directed by Richard Thorpe, the film centers around Vince (Presley), a convict who discovers in jail that he has the potential to become a star. While the movie received mixed reviews from critics, it was a hit with audiences and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.
The film is also fondly remembered for its soundtrack, which included the song “Jailhouse Rock.” The titular tune reached No.
- 3/11/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
While Elvis Presley is best remembered for his music, the Memphis singer had an impressive career in Hollywood movies. Elvis starred in 31 feature films and two concert documentaries. Still, he has a lengthier filmography than many might realize, and his 26th movie, Stay Away, Joe, premiered in New York City 55 years ago today.
Elvis Presley starred in many movies in a short period of time Elvis Presley as Joe | FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images
Elvis’ career in movies began in 1956 with Love Me Tender. The final film he starred in, Change of Habit, debuted in 1969, but he still featured in 29 other movies within that 13-year time frame. A few of his most famous movies include Jailhouse Rock, Viva Las Vegas, Blue Hawaii, and It Happened at the World’s Fair.
For a while, Elvis Presley was one of the world’s biggest movie stars and the highest-paid actor in Hollywood.
Elvis Presley starred in many movies in a short period of time Elvis Presley as Joe | FilmPublicityArchive/United Archives via Getty Images
Elvis’ career in movies began in 1956 with Love Me Tender. The final film he starred in, Change of Habit, debuted in 1969, but he still featured in 29 other movies within that 13-year time frame. A few of his most famous movies include Jailhouse Rock, Viva Las Vegas, Blue Hawaii, and It Happened at the World’s Fair.
For a while, Elvis Presley was one of the world’s biggest movie stars and the highest-paid actor in Hollywood.
- 3/8/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis Presley songs weren’t always great. For example, he recorded a track about talking shrimp. He also released a song where he humiliated a man for eating too much.
Elvis Presley | Archive Photos / Stringer 5. ‘Song of the Shrimp’
Elvis’ movie Girls! Girls! Girls! is less than inspired. It features one great song: “Return to Sender.” Sadly, the track is clumsily employed in the film, where it plays over a suspenseful scene even though it’s a bright pop song.
The other notable song from Girls! Girls! Girls! is “Song of the Shrimp.” It’s a song about talking shrimp. It’s a bad song, partially because there’s no way anyone could write a good song about talking shrimp. Strangely, it sounds a tad like “Kiss the Girl” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Elvis recorded songs in many genres but calypso was out of his range. The fake accent here is so offensive.
Elvis Presley | Archive Photos / Stringer 5. ‘Song of the Shrimp’
Elvis’ movie Girls! Girls! Girls! is less than inspired. It features one great song: “Return to Sender.” Sadly, the track is clumsily employed in the film, where it plays over a suspenseful scene even though it’s a bright pop song.
The other notable song from Girls! Girls! Girls! is “Song of the Shrimp.” It’s a song about talking shrimp. It’s a bad song, partially because there’s no way anyone could write a good song about talking shrimp. Strangely, it sounds a tad like “Kiss the Girl” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Elvis recorded songs in many genres but calypso was out of his range. The fake accent here is so offensive.
- 2/27/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The 2022 biopic Elvis got some things right. It also got a lot of things wrong, especially where the pop singer’s longtime manager “Colonel” Tom Parker is concerned.
According to pop culture reporters and the late manager’s biographer, several less-than-accurate details made it into the movie, including a false bit about Parker working at a carnival when he first met Elvis Presley.
Who was Elvis Presley’s manager, Tom Parker? Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley | Gab Archive/Redferns
Born in the Netherlands in 1909, Andreas Cornelius Van Kuijk worked for a Dutch circus before emigrating to the U.S. There, the teenager, who lacked a passport, told authorities his name was “Thomas Andrew Parker.”
The newly-named Parker worked at a talent agency before revisiting Europe. In 1929, Parker returned stateside and toured with a carnival before joining the Army. Despite never becoming a U.S. citizen, he served two years at Fort Shafter in Hawaii.
According to pop culture reporters and the late manager’s biographer, several less-than-accurate details made it into the movie, including a false bit about Parker working at a carnival when he first met Elvis Presley.
Who was Elvis Presley’s manager, Tom Parker? Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley | Gab Archive/Redferns
Born in the Netherlands in 1909, Andreas Cornelius Van Kuijk worked for a Dutch circus before emigrating to the U.S. There, the teenager, who lacked a passport, told authorities his name was “Thomas Andrew Parker.”
The newly-named Parker worked at a talent agency before revisiting Europe. In 1929, Parker returned stateside and toured with a carnival before joining the Army. Despite never becoming a U.S. citizen, he served two years at Fort Shafter in Hawaii.
- 2/27/2023
- by Kaanii Powell Cleaver
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Watchmaker Hamilton is celebrating the success of the Elvis biopic by highlighting one of Elvis’ favorite timepieces: the Hamilton Ventura.
Originally launched in 1957, the Ventura has a history of movie cameos — perhaps most notably, an appearance on the wrist of Elvis’ Chad Gates in the 1961 musical comedy, Blue Hawaii. Thanks to the Ventura’s unique triangle shape, movie-goers immediately identified the timepiece. This endorsement from the King propelled...
Watchmaker Hamilton is celebrating the success of the Elvis biopic by highlighting one of Elvis’ favorite timepieces: the Hamilton Ventura.
Originally launched in 1957, the Ventura has a history of movie cameos — perhaps most notably, an appearance on the wrist of Elvis’ Chad Gates in the 1961 musical comedy, Blue Hawaii. Thanks to the Ventura’s unique triangle shape, movie-goers immediately identified the timepiece. This endorsement from the King propelled...
- 2/21/2023
- by Oscar Hartzog
- Rollingstone.com
Elvis Presley is known as the King of Rock and Roll and is one of the most iconic musicians in the world. The singer rose to fame in the 1950s with his unique blend of country, pop, and R&b music. Despite Presley’s immense talent and legendary status, he missed out on appearing in one of Hollywood’s most beloved films: A Star is Born.
Elvis Presley was a star even before he got into acting Posed studio portrait of Elvis Presley I Rb/Redferns
Presley captivated audiences with his incredible voice, dynamic stage presence, and electrifying performances. His first single, “That’s All Right,” was released in 1954, and it quickly topped the charts, launching Presley’s career.
Over the next few years, the King of Rock and Roll would go on to release a string of hit songs, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Hound Dog,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.
Elvis Presley was a star even before he got into acting Posed studio portrait of Elvis Presley I Rb/Redferns
Presley captivated audiences with his incredible voice, dynamic stage presence, and electrifying performances. His first single, “That’s All Right,” was released in 1954, and it quickly topped the charts, launching Presley’s career.
Over the next few years, the King of Rock and Roll would go on to release a string of hit songs, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Hound Dog,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.
- 2/15/2023
- by Produced by Digital Editors
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Elvis
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
2022 / 2.39 : 1 / 159 Min.
Starring Austin Butler, Tom Hanks
Written by Baz Luhrmann, Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce, Jeremy Doner
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
In 1960’s Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock dramatized a murder using 78 camera setups and 52 cuts. 62 years later the Australian director Baz Luhrmann employed the same techniques to tell the story of Elvis. Hitchcock’s harrowing shower scene lasts all of 45 seconds yet it still resonates—Luhrmann’s movie runs 159 minutes and for some in the audience, it may begin to fade before they hit the exit.
For better and for worse, Elvis moves like a bullet train. Thanks to the convulsive editing of Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond, the movie’s imagery—an onslaught of high energy jolts delivered in bite sized pieces—can dazzle the senses. And at nearly three hours it can dull them too. Still, the breakneck...
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital HD
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
2022 / 2.39 : 1 / 159 Min.
Starring Austin Butler, Tom Hanks
Written by Baz Luhrmann, Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce, Jeremy Doner
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
In 1960’s Psycho, Alfred Hitchcock dramatized a murder using 78 camera setups and 52 cuts. 62 years later the Australian director Baz Luhrmann employed the same techniques to tell the story of Elvis. Hitchcock’s harrowing shower scene lasts all of 45 seconds yet it still resonates—Luhrmann’s movie runs 159 minutes and for some in the audience, it may begin to fade before they hit the exit.
For better and for worse, Elvis moves like a bullet train. Thanks to the convulsive editing of Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond, the movie’s imagery—an onslaught of high energy jolts delivered in bite sized pieces—can dazzle the senses. And at nearly three hours it can dull them too. Still, the breakneck...
- 9/17/2022
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Gene Lebell, who had an acting and stunt career that stretched from The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet to 24 and who the WWE called today “a towering figure in the world of martial arts,” has died. He was 89.
Lebell reportedly had more than 1,000 TV and movie credits, mostly as a stuntman, but also as a heavy, often a fight referee and sometimes a colorful background character. Dubbed “The Godfather of Grappling,” he faced off onscreen against Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Bruce Lee. He refereed Muhammad Ali’s infamous fight against Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki. Holding a 10th degree red belt in Judo and a 9th degree black belt in Ju-jitsu, helped train everyone from Lee to Norris to “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Ronda Rousey.
“Gene was the guy who taught Bruce Lee about grappling,” according to comedian, podcaster and UFC color commentator Joe Rogan.
The duo...
Lebell reportedly had more than 1,000 TV and movie credits, mostly as a stuntman, but also as a heavy, often a fight referee and sometimes a colorful background character. Dubbed “The Godfather of Grappling,” he faced off onscreen against Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal, Jean-Claude Van Damme and Bruce Lee. He refereed Muhammad Ali’s infamous fight against Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki. Holding a 10th degree red belt in Judo and a 9th degree black belt in Ju-jitsu, helped train everyone from Lee to Norris to “Rowdy” Roddy Piper and Ronda Rousey.
“Gene was the guy who taught Bruce Lee about grappling,” according to comedian, podcaster and UFC color commentator Joe Rogan.
The duo...
- 8/10/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Hollywood stuntman and martial artist Gene LeBell has died. He was 89.
Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell’s death via Facebook, writing, “You will be greatly missed Gene, I love you my friend, till we meet again!”
LeBell started catch wrestling when he was 7, under the guidance of American wrestler Ed “The Strangler” Lewis. He was also taught by famous martial arts trainer Karl Gotch and professional wrestler Lou Thesz.
LeBell tried pro wrestling, but returned to martial arts when he challenged professional boxer, Milo Savage, in 1963. He won the fight.
LeBell also worked in film and television as a stuntman, with roles in more than 250 films. He appeared in Elvis Presley’s “Blue Hawaii,” “The Green Hornet” TV series, where he met Bruce Lee, and “The Incredible Hulk.”
Writing for Black Belt Magazine, LeBell recalled, “He was the best martial artist of his time. Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts,...
Professional wrestler Bas Rutten announced LeBell’s death via Facebook, writing, “You will be greatly missed Gene, I love you my friend, till we meet again!”
LeBell started catch wrestling when he was 7, under the guidance of American wrestler Ed “The Strangler” Lewis. He was also taught by famous martial arts trainer Karl Gotch and professional wrestler Lou Thesz.
LeBell tried pro wrestling, but returned to martial arts when he challenged professional boxer, Milo Savage, in 1963. He won the fight.
LeBell also worked in film and television as a stuntman, with roles in more than 250 films. He appeared in Elvis Presley’s “Blue Hawaii,” “The Green Hornet” TV series, where he met Bruce Lee, and “The Incredible Hulk.”
Writing for Black Belt Magazine, LeBell recalled, “He was the best martial artist of his time. Bruce and I had a bond with the martial arts,...
- 8/10/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Gene LeBell, the colorful judo champion, wrestler and stuntman who trained Bruce Lee, fought Elvis Presley and John Wayne in the movies and was an inspiration for Brad Pitt’s character in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, has died. He was 89.
LeBell died in his sleep early Tuesday morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, his trustee and business manager, Kellie Cunningham, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Affectionately known as the “Godfather of Grappling” and “Judo” Gene LeBell, he was a two-time Aau national judo champion early in his career. Later, he taught his masterful submission techniques to Lee, Chuck Norris, pro wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Mma fighter Ronda Rousey and many, many others.
With his legendary strong handshake, red hair, weathered face and battered nose, LeBell was universally admired by fighters and wrestlers around the world.
By his own admission, “every star...
Gene LeBell, the colorful judo champion, wrestler and stuntman who trained Bruce Lee, fought Elvis Presley and John Wayne in the movies and was an inspiration for Brad Pitt’s character in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, has died. He was 89.
LeBell died in his sleep early Tuesday morning at his home in Sherman Oaks, his trustee and business manager, Kellie Cunningham, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Affectionately known as the “Godfather of Grappling” and “Judo” Gene LeBell, he was a two-time Aau national judo champion early in his career. Later, he taught his masterful submission techniques to Lee, Chuck Norris, pro wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Mma fighter Ronda Rousey and many, many others.
With his legendary strong handshake, red hair, weathered face and battered nose, LeBell was universally admired by fighters and wrestlers around the world.
By his own admission, “every star...
- 8/10/2022
- by Rhett Bartlett
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This review of “Cane Fire” was first published May 20, 2022.
Several years in the making, the documentary “Cane Fire,” from longtime editor turned director Anthony Banua-Simon, sees the light of day as native Hawaiians on social media platforms are urging the public at large to stop traveling to the state at a time when resources of all kinds, from water to housing, have become alarmingly scarce or impossibly unaffordable for the working-class locals, particularly the indigenous Hawaiian population.
An indispensable watch, Banua-Simon’s first feature focuses on the island of Kauaʻi and the history of its exploitation as a colony, which endures under the guise of statehood. First desired for its fertile soil (for sugar cane and pineapple plantations that employed underpaid and overworked migrants from Asia), the island later became a sought-after Hollywood location and, eventually, a paradisiacal tourist playground for the rich.
To unspool the painful past of this...
Several years in the making, the documentary “Cane Fire,” from longtime editor turned director Anthony Banua-Simon, sees the light of day as native Hawaiians on social media platforms are urging the public at large to stop traveling to the state at a time when resources of all kinds, from water to housing, have become alarmingly scarce or impossibly unaffordable for the working-class locals, particularly the indigenous Hawaiian population.
An indispensable watch, Banua-Simon’s first feature focuses on the island of Kauaʻi and the history of its exploitation as a colony, which endures under the guise of statehood. First desired for its fertile soil (for sugar cane and pineapple plantations that employed underpaid and overworked migrants from Asia), the island later became a sought-after Hollywood location and, eventually, a paradisiacal tourist playground for the rich.
To unspool the painful past of this...
- 6/2/2022
- by Carlos Aguilar
- The Wrap
Kacey Musgraves has recorded a version of the 1961 Elvis Presley classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love” for the upcoming soundtrack to director Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” biopic, the singer has revealed.
The country-pop star noted that she had covered the song Monday while walking the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala. Musgraves was there with Luhrmann, Priscilla Presley and members of the film’s cast.
Details on the soundtrack have been hard to come by before now, with little publicly revealed beyond the fact that the first single from the album, Doja Cat’s “Vegas,” which includes an interpolation of the Presley hit “Hound Dog.” will be out this Friday. Doja Cat premiered a partial version of the song live at her two April Coachella appearances.
Beyond that, all that has been officially said about the soundtrack is that it will be on RCA,...
The country-pop star noted that she had covered the song Monday while walking the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala. Musgraves was there with Luhrmann, Priscilla Presley and members of the film’s cast.
Details on the soundtrack have been hard to come by before now, with little publicly revealed beyond the fact that the first single from the album, Doja Cat’s “Vegas,” which includes an interpolation of the Presley hit “Hound Dog.” will be out this Friday. Doja Cat premiered a partial version of the song live at her two April Coachella appearances.
Beyond that, all that has been officially said about the soundtrack is that it will be on RCA,...
- 5/2/2022
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
On Aug. 11, 1943, Variety carried a story beginning “Angela Lansbury, 17-year-old English girl, is the colony’s latest Cinderella.” The story said she had gone from an unknown to movie star in only four days.
Since then, Lansbury has forged a career that defies all logic. She received supporting-actress Oscar nominations twice in her first two years of work. At age 41, she became a musical-comedy star with “Mame.” She became a TV star with “Murder, She Wrote” at age 59, an age when most actresses can’t find work. In the show’s 12-year run, she was one of the TV industry’s most powerful women. Maybe her biggest accomplishment: Though powerful women were sometimes maligned, it was thought you needed to be heartless to survive in showbiz, Lansbury has created a 77-year career and nobody has a bad word to say about her.
Lansbury, who turns 95 Friday, is best known for...
Since then, Lansbury has forged a career that defies all logic. She received supporting-actress Oscar nominations twice in her first two years of work. At age 41, she became a musical-comedy star with “Mame.” She became a TV star with “Murder, She Wrote” at age 59, an age when most actresses can’t find work. In the show’s 12-year run, she was one of the TV industry’s most powerful women. Maybe her biggest accomplishment: Though powerful women were sometimes maligned, it was thought you needed to be heartless to survive in showbiz, Lansbury has created a 77-year career and nobody has a bad word to say about her.
Lansbury, who turns 95 Friday, is best known for...
- 10/16/2020
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
Elvis Presley made 31 films as an actor. He played rebels and jailbirds, G.I.s and boxers, roustabouts and rodeo stars. But he never played in a science fiction movie, nor did he get to show off his martial arts chops. The new trailer for Elvis from Outer Space promises to fix all that while delivering B-movie cult fun for the summer. Giant Pictures and Joba Entertainment set up the camp for a digital rollout next month.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the King of Rock N’ Roll From Outer Space has blasted into Vegas from the far side of the Universe to compete in an Elvis impersonation contest with the best in town,” reads the official synopsis. “But just as he is on the verge of victory, he mysteriously vanishes. Who’s behind the disappearance? The mafia? The CIA? Or the aliens he left behind?”
You can watch the Elvis from...
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the King of Rock N’ Roll From Outer Space has blasted into Vegas from the far side of the Universe to compete in an Elvis impersonation contest with the best in town,” reads the official synopsis. “But just as he is on the verge of victory, he mysteriously vanishes. Who’s behind the disappearance? The mafia? The CIA? Or the aliens he left behind?”
You can watch the Elvis from...
- 6/4/2020
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
For years, Angela Lansbury was well known for her stage and movie career, which included roles in classic films like The Manchurian Candidate, The Long Hot Summer, and Elvis Presley star vehicle Blue Hawaii. In fact, Lansbury was a two-time Oscar nominee before she’d even turned 20 years old! But after a few good decades, [...]
The post Angela Lansbury Got Away With (Then Got Away From) ‘Murder’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The post Angela Lansbury Got Away With (Then Got Away From) ‘Murder’ appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 5/6/2020
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Justin Bieber just broke a record held by Elvis Presley for the past 59 years. Justin Bieber is now the youngest solo artist to release seven consecutive Billboard number one albums. Presley held that record since the 1961 release of Blue Hawaii. Bieber’s seventh studio album, Changes, sold 231,000 copies last week to reach number […]
The post Justin Bieber Breaks Elvis Presley’s Record For Youngest Artist With Most #1 Singles appeared first on uInterview.
The post Justin Bieber Breaks Elvis Presley’s Record For Youngest Artist With Most #1 Singles appeared first on uInterview.
- 2/27/2020
- by Paloma Thoen
- Uinterview
There’s so much to love about Thanksgiving: the piles of food, the expressions of gratitude, that uncle that still tries to get you to pull his finger, the four-day weekend, etc. And yet, this late November feast of gluttony is easily the most underserved among the major U.S. holidays when it comes to one important factor: its songs.
Christmas, of course, has more carols and novelty numbers than you can shake a giant candy cane at. Easter comes complete with “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” and a basket-load of hymns.
Christmas, of course, has more carols and novelty numbers than you can shake a giant candy cane at. Easter comes complete with “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” and a basket-load of hymns.
- 11/23/2019
- by Dan Epstein
- Rollingstone.com
Netflix... and chill?! It looks like Miley Cyrus and Cody Simpson had those exact plans on Saturday night. The 22-year-old singer took to Instagram Stories to share a glimpse of his cozy night in with the "Slide Away" singer. It appeared the two were watching one of Miley's beloved movies, Blue Hawaii, which stars Elvis Presley. "more today than yesterday," Simpson captioned his black-and-white video clip, which showed the 26-year-old star leaning on his shoulder and singing along to "Ku-u-i-Po." In 2017, the "Mother's Daughter" singer shared her love for the classic film, and even said that Elvis inspired her Younger album. That same year, she paid...
- 10/6/2019
- E! Online
The centerpiece of Scott Ora’s cluttered San Fernando Valley apartment is the 1939 Oscar his step-grandfather, the late lyricist Leo Robin, was presented for co-writing “Thanks for the Memory.” Sung by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross in the film “The Big Broadcast of 1938,” the trophy sits proudly on the piano where Robin worked on some of his biggest hits. The movie marked the comedian’s breakout role and Leo’s tune, co-written with frequent collaborator Ralph Rainger, soon became Hope’s theme song. It was Robin’s only Academy Award win out of a total of 10 nominations.
Over the course of 20 years, from 1934 (when the best original song category was introduced and he was nominated for “Love in Bloom”) through 1954, Robin, a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame who died in 1984 at the age of 84, earned 10 Oscar nominations (two in 1949 alone). His impressive catalog includes signature tunes for Maurice Chevalier...
Over the course of 20 years, from 1934 (when the best original song category was introduced and he was nominated for “Love in Bloom”) through 1954, Robin, a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame who died in 1984 at the age of 84, earned 10 Oscar nominations (two in 1949 alone). His impressive catalog includes signature tunes for Maurice Chevalier...
- 10/1/2019
- by Roy Trakin
- Variety Film + TV
Elvis fans laud this high-end drama, an attempt by the superstar to lock into a mainstream acting career. Presley has fine dramatic support, especially from his three leading ladies, but the requirement that an Elvis movie be all things to all people — especially marketers — really takes its toll. It’s a soap where almost nothing is believable, except to true believers for whom Presley can do no wrong.
Wild in the Country
Blu-ray
Twilight Time
1961 / Color / 2:35 widescreen 1:37 academy / 114 min. / Street Date August 20, 2019 / Available from Twilight Time Movies / 29.95
Starring: Elvis Presley, Hope Lange, Tuesday Weld, Millie Perkins, Rafer Johnson, John Ireland, Gary Lockwood, William Mims, Raymond Greenleaf, Christina Crawford, Pat Buttram, Doreen Lang, Alan Napier, Jason Robards Sr..
Cinematography: William C. Mellor
Editor : Dorothy Spencer
Original Music: Kenyon Hopkins
Written by Clifford Odets from a novel by J. R. Salamanca
Produced by Jerry Wald
Directed by Philip Dunne...
Wild in the Country
Blu-ray
Twilight Time
1961 / Color / 2:35 widescreen 1:37 academy / 114 min. / Street Date August 20, 2019 / Available from Twilight Time Movies / 29.95
Starring: Elvis Presley, Hope Lange, Tuesday Weld, Millie Perkins, Rafer Johnson, John Ireland, Gary Lockwood, William Mims, Raymond Greenleaf, Christina Crawford, Pat Buttram, Doreen Lang, Alan Napier, Jason Robards Sr..
Cinematography: William C. Mellor
Editor : Dorothy Spencer
Original Music: Kenyon Hopkins
Written by Clifford Odets from a novel by J. R. Salamanca
Produced by Jerry Wald
Directed by Philip Dunne...
- 8/20/2019
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Aaron Sagers Aug 5, 2019
Cocktail masters pair exotic drinks with their favorite Tiki movies. Here's what to watch while you drink.
For some, summer is a time of sweet rum drinks with tiny umbrellas and exotic-sounding names. For Tiki culture enthusiasts though, the luau is year-round and liquid aloha fills glasses in a precise combination of quality booze, fresh juices, ingredients almost entirely reserved for these cocktails, and even ice specifications.
But Tiki is more than a cocktail culture populated by Zombies, Mai Tais, Painkillers, Singapore Slings, Fog Cutters, Scorpion Bowls, Blue Hawaiians, and the like—an extended family of colorful drinks fathered in 1930s California by the likes of Donn Beach and Trader Vic.
Tiki culture is an aesthetic, a state of mind, and a way of life inspired by factual (and at times culturally appropriated) visions of Polynesia and larger Oceania, as well as the Caribbean. Summed up thusly...
Cocktail masters pair exotic drinks with their favorite Tiki movies. Here's what to watch while you drink.
For some, summer is a time of sweet rum drinks with tiny umbrellas and exotic-sounding names. For Tiki culture enthusiasts though, the luau is year-round and liquid aloha fills glasses in a precise combination of quality booze, fresh juices, ingredients almost entirely reserved for these cocktails, and even ice specifications.
But Tiki is more than a cocktail culture populated by Zombies, Mai Tais, Painkillers, Singapore Slings, Fog Cutters, Scorpion Bowls, Blue Hawaiians, and the like—an extended family of colorful drinks fathered in 1930s California by the likes of Donn Beach and Trader Vic.
Tiki culture is an aesthetic, a state of mind, and a way of life inspired by factual (and at times culturally appropriated) visions of Polynesia and larger Oceania, as well as the Caribbean. Summed up thusly...
- 8/5/2019
- Den of Geek
The first time Roger McGuinn met Hal Blaine was in January 1965, at the recording session for “Mr. Tambourine Man.” McGuinn had recently formed his new band, the Byrds, but the full group wasn’t ready to record in a professional studio just yet. Instead, Blaine, the veteran drummer who had already tracked everything from the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby” to Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii soundtrack, joined Wrecking Crew bandmates Bill Pitman, Leon Russell, Jerry Cole and Larry Knechtel to back McGuinn on what would become the group’s breakthrough Number One hit.
- 3/12/2019
- by Jonathan Bernstein
- Rollingstone.com
Retro-country newcomer Dillon Carmichael salutes the King of Rock & Roll with an intimate cover of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” posted in honor of the late icon’s birthday. Presley would have turned 84 on January 8th.
Dedicating the performance to his grandfather Harold, who he says “taught me to sing with these songs” in the video’s description, Carmichael leans into his neo-traditional reputation, presenting the tender ballad in raw acoustic fashion. With his commanding baritone on full display, the Kentucky native delivers the whole track in one uncut take,...
Dedicating the performance to his grandfather Harold, who he says “taught me to sing with these songs” in the video’s description, Carmichael leans into his neo-traditional reputation, presenting the tender ballad in raw acoustic fashion. With his commanding baritone on full display, the Kentucky native delivers the whole track in one uncut take,...
- 1/8/2019
- by Chris Parton
- Rollingstone.com
It’s always good news when a documentary finds a major audience, and 2018 has become the summer of the documentary blockbuster. First “Rbg,” then “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” and now — perhaps — “Three Identical Strangers,” the Sundance sensation about grown-up triplets who find one another (it had a powerful limited opening this weekend). Coming up Friday: “Whitney,” a bold and beautiful exposé of the life of Whitney Houston that has the potential to be another “Amy.” Yet there is one new documentary that’s hiding, just a bit, in the shadows, and it’s one that I passionately urge you to see, because it’s a one-of-a-kind movie that leaves a deep and lasting imprint.
“The King,” directed by Eugene Jarecki, is a nonfiction chronicle of the life and career of Elvis Presley, but it’s really a documentary-meditation-essay-rhapsody, one that captures, as almost no film has, what’s happening,...
“The King,” directed by Eugene Jarecki, is a nonfiction chronicle of the life and career of Elvis Presley, but it’s really a documentary-meditation-essay-rhapsody, one that captures, as almost no film has, what’s happening,...
- 7/1/2018
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
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