Elvis Presley’s “Live A Little, Love A Little” – A Forgotten Gem
Elvis Presley is widely recognized as the King of Rock and Roll, with a career spanning over two decades and countless hit songs. However, among his impressive discography, there are some hidden gems that often go unnoticed. One such film is “Live A Little, Love A Little”, released in 1968. While it may not have been as commercially successful as some of his other movies, it remains a fan favorite for its unique plot, catchy soundtrack, and of course, Elvis’ charismatic performance. In this article, we will explore the lesser-known details of this movie, its impact on Elvis’ career, and why it deserves more recognition.
FAQs About “Elvis Presley movie live a little love a little”
1) What is the plot of “Live A Little, Love A Little”?
The movie follows the story of Greg Nolan (played by Elvis Presley), a photojournalist who works for a sleazy magazine called “Girl Lure”. He meets a young woman named Bernice (played by Michele Carey), who hires him to take photos for her father’s construction company. However, things take a turn when Greg falls for a mysterious model named Ellen (played by Celeste Yarnall). The movie is a mix of comedy, romance, and mystery as Greg tries to navigate his complicated love life while dealing with his demanding job.
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2) Did Elvis write any songs for the movie?
Yes, Elvis co-wrote the song “A Little Less Conversation” along with Billy Strange for the movie’s soundtrack. The song became a top-ten hit in several countries and was later remixed and re-released in 2002, reaching number one in the UK charts.
3) How did “Live A Little, Love A Little” perform at the box office?
Unfortunately, the movie did not do well commercially, and it was the first Elvis film to make a loss at the box office. It could be because of competition from other big-budget movies released around the same time, or the fact that audiences were starting to lose interest in Elvis’ movies.
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4) What is unique about this movie compared to other Elvis films?
“Live A Little, Love A Little” is often referred to as the most bizarre and unconventional Elvis film. Unlike his previous movies, which usually followed a similar formula, this one had a more modern and edgier approach. The character of Greg Nolan is also quite different from Elvis’ usual suave and charming personas.
5) Why do fans continue to love this movie despite its initial lack of success?
The movie may not have been commercially successful, but it remains a fan favorite for several reasons. Firstly, it has a great soundtrack, with songs like “Edge Of Reality” and “Almost In Love” showcasing Elvis’ vocal range and versatility. Secondly, the plot is unique and entertaining, making it stand out from the typical romance-filled Elvis movies. Lastly, the performance of the entire cast, especially Elvis, is commendable and adds to the overall appeal of the movie.
The Making Of “Live A Little, Love A Little”
“Live A Little, Love A Little” was based on a novel called “Kiss My Firm But Pliant Lips” by Dan Greenburg. The book was initially intended as a parody of the popular James Bond movies, but when MGM acquired the rights, they decided to turn it into an Elvis Presley movie instead. The script went through several revisions before filming began, and many changes were made to tailor it to Elvis’ image and style.
The movie was shot in California and took only six weeks to complete. This was considered a short production time for an Elvis movie, as previous films took around two to three months to finish. The rushed schedule may have been due to Elvis’ declining popularity and the studio’s desire to cut costs. Nevertheless, the cast and crew worked tirelessly and managed to complete the movie on time.
Elvis faced some difficulties during the filming of “Live A Little, Love A Little”. He was still grieving the loss of his beloved mother, and it was evident in his performance. According to co-star Celeste Yarnall, Elvis was going through a rough patch and would often arrive late on set or be in a bad mood. Despite this, he managed to pull off a great performance, and fans can still see glimpses of the charming and charismatic Elvis they know and love.
Reactions To “Live A Little, Love A Little”
As mentioned earlier, “Live A Little, Love A Little” did not perform well at the box office, and critics gave mixed reviews about the movie. Some praised Elvis’ performance and the movie’s unique plot, while others criticized it for being too silly and lacking substance. However, as years passed, the movie gained more appreciation and is now considered a cult classic among Elvis fans.
One of the reasons for its delayed recognition could be attributed to the changing landscape of cinema at the time of its release. The late 1960s saw a shift towards more counterculture and rebellious themes in movies, and “Live A Little, Love A Little” may have been considered too mainstream and unoriginal in comparison. Nevertheless, the movie has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed by many Elvis fans today.
Conclusion
“Live A Little, Love A Little” may not have been a commercial success, but it remains a hidden gem in Elvis Presley’s filmography. Its unique plot, catchy soundtrack, and Elvis’ engaging performance make it stand out from his other movies. While it may not have received the recognition it deserved initially, fans continue to appreciate and enjoy this offbeat and charming film. “Live A Little, Love A Little” is a testament to Elvis’ versatility as an actor and musician, making it a must-watch for any fan of the King of Rock and Roll.
