Viva Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas is a 1964 American musical romantic comedy film starring Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret, directed by George Sidney and produced by Jack Cummings and George Sidney. The film features a mix of rock and roll and romance, with Elvis Presley playing the role of Lucky Jackson, a racing driver who falls in love with Rusty Martin, played by Ann-Margret, a swimming instructor at the Las Vegas Hotel. The movie was filmed on location in Las Vegas, Nevada, and features many famous landmarks, including the Hoover Dam, Caesars Palace, and the Las Vegas Strip. The film's success can be attributed to the chemistry between Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret, as well as the direction of George Sidney, who had previously worked with Gene Kelly on Anchors Aweigh and Judy Garland on The Harvey Girls.

Introduction

The idea for Viva Las Vegas was conceived by Jack Cummings, who had produced several films for MGM Studios, including Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Kiss Me Kate. The screenplay was written by Sally Benson, who had previously worked on Meet Me in St. Louis and Easter Parade, and features a mix of comedy, romance, and music. The film's title, Viva Las Vegas, was inspired by the Las Vegas casino scene, which was rapidly growing in popularity at the time, with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack regularly performing at The Sands Hotel and Casino. The film's cast includes Cesare Danova, William Demarest, and Nicky Blair, and features cameos by George Sidney and Jack Cummings.

Production

The production of Viva Las Vegas began in July 1963, with filming taking place on location in Las Vegas and at MGM Studios in Culver City, California. The film's director, George Sidney, had previously worked with Elvis Presley on Bye Bye Birdie, and brought a wealth of experience to the project, having also worked with Marilyn Monroe on The Prince and the Showgirl and Gene Kelly on Anchors Aweigh. The film's cinematographer, Joseph Biroc, had previously worked on The Towering Inferno and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, and used a range of innovative camera techniques to capture the energy and excitement of the Las Vegas scene. The film's choreographer, David Winters, had previously worked with Elvis Presley on Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas, and created a range of memorable dance routines, including the iconic C'mon Everybody number.

Music

The music for Viva Las Vegas was written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, who had previously worked with Elvis Presley on Little Sister and Suspicion. The film features a range of memorable songs, including The Lady Loves Me, What'd I Say, and C'mon Everybody, which were all performed by Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret. The film's soundtrack was released in May 1964, and features a range of rock and roll and pop music styles, with contributions from The Jordanaires and The Mello Men. The film's music was also influenced by the Las Vegas entertainment scene, with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack regularly performing at The Sands Hotel and Casino and The Riviera Hotel and Casino.

Reception

Viva Las Vegas was released in May 1964, and was a major commercial success, grossing over $5 million at the box office and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of the year, alongside My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins. The film received positive reviews from critics, with Bosley Crowther of The New York Times praising the chemistry between Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret, and Variety magazine describing the film as "a lively, entertaining musical". The film's success can be attributed to the combination of Elvis Presley's charisma and Ann-Margret's energy, as well as the direction of George Sidney and the music of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. The film has since become a classic of the American musical genre, alongside Singin' in the Rain and West Side Story.

Legacy

The legacy of Viva Las Vegas can be seen in a range of films and television shows, including Honeymoon in Vegas and Vegas Vacation, which both pay homage to the Las Vegas entertainment scene. The film's influence can also be seen in the work of Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret, who both went on to have successful careers in film and music, with Elvis Presley starring in Blue Hawaii and Roustabout, and Ann-Margret starring in Bye Bye Birdie and Carnal Knowledge. The film has been recognized by the Library of Congress as a culturally significant film, and has been selected for preservation in the National Film Registry, alongside Casablanca and The Wizard of Oz. The film's success has also inspired a range of Las Vegas-themed films and television shows, including The Hangover and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which both feature the city's vibrant entertainment scene.

Category:American films