Elvisin Print

The book on which "King Creole" was based. In this early Harold Robbins' story (he would later become famous for "The Carpetbaggers") Danny Fisher is a boxer in New York. This apparently did not fit with Elvis's fifties' image, so the film portrayed him as a singer in New Orleans. Elvis would later appear as a boxer in "Kid Galahad."

Hard-to-find book on which the film was based. Well, not quite: the original storyline was by Frederic Louis Fox (as can be seen in the main titles of the film) and this book seems to be based on that. Whether the film followed the original storyline more closely than the book is unknown, but there are major differences between book and film. However, there is a gold-clad cannon, a chap called Wade, a bunch of outlaws with the same names, and a town being terrorised, so the basic elements are all there, after all.

First paperback edition. Elvis's film, "The Trouble With Girls..." was based on this book. Both book and film are centred around a chautauqua, a sort of travelling cultural and entertainment show, and some of the names are the same, but that's about as far as any similarity goes -- not even a Mr Morality!

Elvis's film, "The Trouble With Girls..." was based on this book. Both book and film are based around a chautauqua, a sort of travelling cultural and entertainment show, and some of the names are the same, but that's about as far as any similarity goes -- not even a Mr Morality!

Great cover on this limited edition (only 3000 copies printed) French look at Elvis's films. Each film reviewed and additionally interesting because of inclusion of numerous illustrations of French and Belgian film posters, along with other pictures.

Published very shortly before Elvis's death. Basic bio, but book largely consists of details of each of Elvis's films in turn: original film poster in colour, together with numerous stills in b/w for each film, along with cast list, credits and good synopsis. Optimistic hope for a future that was never to be closes the text. Great cover, both front and back.

Each film reviewed in detail with over 60 accompanying illustrations. Full production and cast lists also included as well as general appraisal.

A sensible, if rather optimistic, appraisal of Elvis's film work, sadly marred by poor research or carelessness: "Lieber" instead of Leiber; "Blackwell Brothers" instead of Blackwood Brothers; inaccurate photo captions... And such a pity that the author, who seems to be quite a film buff, did not continue to add thoughts about the post-army films, as he did for the pre-army ones. Could have been a "must have" Elvis film review, but loses out on the details. Still, a good reference for the films themselves, the 33 of which are each separately analysed, along with basic biographical and career information.

Excellent 1979 French study of Elvis's film career. Well illustrated (B/W), including French and Belgian (bilingual Dutch-French) film posters. Only 3000 copies printed. Great cover.

Refreshing look at each of Elvis's films, making you almost want to stick the videos in the player and watch each of them again! No great detail about co-stars, directors, etc, but each film gets a good synopsis, often including some little known asides. Text boxes offer insights into contemporary criticism, some trivia questions and answers, and information about the films that got away. Well illustrated and includes a 15 track CD.

In-depth commentary by 6 different authors on 9 films (Jailhouse Rock, King Creole, Flaming Star, Wild In The Country, Blue Hawaii, Kid Galahad, Viva Las Vegas, Roustabout, Elvis On tour) and the 1968 TV Special. Essays are of varing quality, but generally fair, despite a number of unfortunate errors which seem to point to a distinct lack of research. Well illustrated.

The cover of this book carries a reference to the film, "Flaming Star," which was based on the book. No mention of Elvis is made on the front cover, however: this is reserved for the back, where Huffaker herself (himself?) is quoted as saying, "Elvis Presley has accomplished in this picture what Frank Sinatra accomplished in From Here To Eternity -- become recognized as a serious, capable actor." Seems she didn't tell Tom Parker! Incidentally, Flaming Lance is the name of Sam Burton's new ranch.

The book of the film! First British publication of originally titled "Flaming Lance."

The book of the film, originally published under the title "Pioneer Go Home." This is the first edition under the title "Follow That Dream," published in Great Britain and costing 3/6! Cover shows Elvis and Anne Helm in scene from film. Excellent comedy fiction, closely followed by film. Elvis played the part of Toby Kwimper wonderfully well, just as the character is in the book. Pity the film didn't receive the recognition it deserved -- Elvis could have had a much better acting career had this been so.

Great text by Gordon Minto introduces a collection of newly discovered photos from "Jailhouse Rock". Also included are some pages of dialogue and other production notes. Mostly b/w, but some great full-page colour shots, too.

Yes, indeed, the story on which the film "Kid Galahad" was based. Presumably World War II delayed the paperback publication to 11 years after the original. Wonderful cover to a story whose details differ greatly from the Elvis film version: the basic idea of an ex-serviceman with a strange name becoming a boxing champion was kept for the film, and even the two female roles are recognisable, but the rest is very tenuous. Good story, even given its age and somewhat outdated dialogues.

The book on which "Live a Little, Love a Little" was based. The book is somewhat racier than the film in a sixties sort of way: the plank is in the bed, but it's not always used. Alfred's a German Shepherd here, though, rather than a Great Dane. The American humour reminded me of Rowan and Martin. Best part's the title, really.

Actually, this is part of a "Condensed Books" selection, but beggars (let alone pioneers) can't be choosers! This is the story upon which "Follow That Dream" was based. No mention of "Too much pressure", but that might be because it's condensed, of course! No gangsters, either, but otherwise almost as enjoyable as the film. One times one is...

Unusual look at thirteen of Elvis's films. The storyline of each film is presented in quite a detailed way, almost giving the impression of being the original story on which each film was based! In addition, each film's entry is accompanied by a list of the leading players and some brief background production information. Well illustrated in colour and black-and-white.

On which the film was based. Cover carries the words, "Now a major MGM motion picture," but no mention of Elvis -- strange!

Forget it! I thought that Pierce's "The Ultimate Elvis" contained a lot of errors, but this book is just ridiculous. Totally weird entries other than those for the films themselves, which are, in fact, handled quite well. But Elvis didn't write "Hurt" and DJ Fontana was not the bass singer who headed the Stamps and Scotty Moore didn't write "Return To Sender" and... well, need I say more?

Originally published in 1976 with optimistic look at the future of Elvis's career. This edition includes an epilogue as a result of the events of August 1977. Reasonable, if superficial, biography followed by review of each film, including cast, synopsis, list of songs. Filled with black and white photos.

Background, plot, production details, photos, film by film. Nicely produced book.

Originally published as "The Lost Country", this is the hard-to-find edition with a new title to go with the then recently completed film and with photos of Elvis and Hope Lange on the front and back covers. The film only vaguely follows the story and in a much simplified format: the basic idea of a talented young man, infatuated with his mentor, is maintained, but the book's tale is much longer and more complex and with a totally different outcome. Good book.