18 December 2014
Newsdesk
Thursday 8 January 2015 marks 80 years since the birth of Elvis Presley. The evening will begin with an hour-long talk by Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London and the British Film Commission. Following a short break, the glorious Viva Las Vegas will be screened.
In his stellar 22-year career, Elvis Presley was regarded as the most popular singer the world had ever seen, but 37 years after his death, it is easy to forget the importance of his many movies on his incredible career. As Elvis stopped touring between 1958 and 1970, his films were the only way for his immense worldwide fan base to see and hear their hero in action.
His films were incredibly popular and included the very songs that went on to become classics of his repertoire. Illustrated with clips from the King’s best flicks, Adrian Wootton will recount the history of Elvis’s extensive career on the silver screen from 1956 to 1973.
+ Viva Las Vegas (U) (US 1964 Dir George Sidney 85 min)
Racing driver Lucky Jackson (Elvis Presley) takes a job at a Las Vegas hotel and meets his match in the assertive Rusty Martin (Ann-Margret). Sizzling chemistry ensues as they tease each other and fall in love.
