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Following Elvis's successful appearances as a guest on several television shows
such as Jackie Gleason's 'Stage Show', 'The Steve Allen Show' and 'The Milton
Berle Show' in the early to mid part of 1956 he was signed to a movie contract
by veteran Hollywood producer Hal B. Wallis. Acting as an independent producer,
Wallis worked mostly out of Paramount Studios, but had no immediate vehicle ready
there for Elvis's particular talents. This being the situation, Elvis was 'loaned',
as it were, to 20th Century Fox Studios to make his film debut in a Civil War
western featuring Richard Egan as the nominal star of the production. The film
was to be called The Reno Brothers. Playing the female lead was
Debra Paget in the role of Elvis's wife. It is interesting to note that out of
thirty-one feature films Elvis was to make as a Hollywood actor, Love Me
Tender was the only one in which he portrayed a married man throughout
the story - in later productions he would marry at the very close of the film.
The cast was nicely rounded out by Neville Brand, James Drury, William Campbell,
Robert Middleton and L.Q. Jones. Production on the film began in August 1956 and,
amazingly, it was to open in U.S. cinemas in November. The film met with a rousing
reception at its New York premiere, and marked yet another successful venture
for Elvis in what was clearly his breakthrough year. Hal Wallis's vision of Elvis
as a performer with potential screen charisma was about to pay off. What Elvis
simply needed now were star vehicles, tailored to suit his unique style.
As basically a co-star in the film Elvis was given a fairly decent role, and his
performance was far from embarrassing in such stark drama. As the somewhat naive,
volatile younger brother of three Confederate soldiers, Elvis acquitted himself
quite well. The decision to kill off his character apparently met with much opposition
from his fans, but the event fitted into the storyline efficiently and Elvis carried
off his 'death' scene with adequate conviction.
Eager fans were desperate to see Elvis's musical talents in action and - despite
the story s centrepiece of Civil War conflict - four songs were written for the
production by Ken Darby, whose trio provided music accompaniment for the film.
The four songs, Love Me Tender, Poor Boy, We're Gonna Move
and Let Me are all credited as being co-written by Elvis and Vera Matson.
Vera Matson was Ken Darby's wife, and the writing credit was simply due to contractual
arrangements - Elvis did not actually write any of the songs. The success of the
song Love Me Tender convinced those in charge of production to change the
film's title. Elvis was now on his way to a very lengthy stay as a Hollywood star,
and in every film he would subsequently make he took top billing - never playing
second to any other performer.
This information was produced by the Elvis Presley Film Society in September 2003
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