Elvis on Tour – EricReports

Generally, a theatrical film isn’t changed for a DVD release. If it is, the public is warned, “Director’s Cut”, e.g.. Not so for three Elvis Presley movies.

Change of Habit 1969 Poster.jpg The first and worst example is “Change of Habit” (1969), where the King portrays Dr. John Carpenter, a doctor working in the ghetto. He is joined by three nuns incognito. (Mary Tyler Moore, Barbara McNair and Jane Elliot.) In the plot, Dr. Elvis mistakenly believes the three women are there for abortions, which he refuses. (It was illegal then.) The punchline? He asks them “By the way, was it the same guy?” This scene was cut by Universal, I presume, so that people don’t know abortion was once considered a bad thing.

Next, “Elvis on Tour” (1972), is a documentary released by MGM. Today, it’s owned by Warner Bros. The original song over the title credits was “Johnny B. Goode”. It’s been replaced by “Don’t be Cruel”. Now, we can argue back and forth about Elvis being on something while singing “Johnny B. Goode”. I don’t care. Elvis on chemical substances is still ten times better than the singers of today. “Elvis on Tour” is not the same without this song.

This is elvis.jpg Finally, “This is Elvis” (1981) is an excellent retrospective of the King’s career: part documentary-part reenactment. Towards the conclusion, Elvis sings “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” which has been removed for the “Special Edition” at the request of his estate. (His ex-wife? His daughter?) This song was cut because Elvis forgets the words at one point. It does show, however, Elvis at the end of his rope, raw and unvarnished.

Likewise, CBS would cut “Unchained Melody” from “Elvis in Concert” (1977), a real shocker.

https://youtu.be/g8UYX9XLBSM

It is unforgiveable in this day and age to edit out, whitewash, a part of rock and roll history. If this article does any good, Universal and Warner Bros. will restore these films UNCUT.

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Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe

The Misfits (1961.) A group of “losers” discover the meaning of life near Reno, NV. Troubled production. Monroe and husband/screenwriter Arthur Miller divorced immediately after. Clark Gable died from a heart attack before it hit theaters; M.M. died in ’62 from a drug overdose; possible suicide.

Elvis Presley

Elvis on Tour (1972.) Rock star Elvis Presley finally found his niche doing documentaries, this being his follow-up to “Elvis – That’s the Way It Is” (1970.) Amazing use of split screens; well edited by then newcomer Martin Scorsese. Won a Golden Globe for “Best Documentary”. Elvis died five years later in Graceland.

James Dean

Giant (1956.) James Dean was the hottest new star in Hollywood when his aluminum sports car smashed itself into oblivion on 9/30/55. He received his second Oscar nomination for Best Actor as Jett Rink, Rock Hudson’s nemesis in “Giant”.

Jayne Mansfield

The Wild, Wild World of Jayne Mansfield (1968.) 1950’s blonde bombshell Jayne Mansfield still managed to earn a living doing nightclub appearances and independent films. This “mondo”-style documentary (filmed shortly before her death) is narrated by a female impersonator and ends with her car accident.

Picture taken in “death car”.

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June 29, 1967

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Sharon Tate

12 + 1 (aka The 13 Chairs, 1969.) Nearly unknown European comedy starring Vittorio Gassman and Sharon Tate. Not particularily funny and the two lead actors didn’t like each other. Miss Tate was murdered on Aug. 9, 1969 by the Manson “family”. (Written about in “Helter-Skelter” – 1971.)

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Sharon as “Pat”.

Dorothy Stratten

They All Laughed (1981.) Model/actress Dorothy Stratten was just starting out – this being her third picture after “Autumn Born” and “Galaxina”. 1980 seemed like her year – she was chosen as “Playboy’s Playmate of the Year,” until she got caught up in a love triangle with director Peter Bogdanovich and her husnand/manager Paul Snider. Snider killed her and himself on Aug. 14, 1980, probably while they were discussing their impending divorce. Cause of death: a shotgun blast to the face.

Dorothy with Peter Bogdanovich

Paul Snider

Mame (1974.) Based on the famous Broadway musical, starring Lucille Ball, who most know can’t sing. ’74 was also the year “Here’s Lucy” (1968-1974) was cancelled. A bad luck year for that “wacky redhead”. Lucy died on 4/26/89 from a torn artery.

The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu (1980.) Actor Peter Sellers had finally found fortune again in the mid-to-late 1970’s. (In the “Pink Panther” film series and as Chauncey Gardiner in “Being There” (1979.) He completed his life’s work with this strange, obscure comedy which ends with him doing an Elvis impersonation. Mr. Sellers died from a heart attack on July 24, 1980.

Image result for imAGES, utopia, laurel and hardy

Laurel & Hardy in “Utopia” (1950.) Weird French comedy, badly dubbed, starring that great comedy team Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Language barrier further complicated this misunderstood venture. A few scenes shine through. Mr. Laurel died from a heart attack on 2/23/65. Mr. Hardy died from cerebral thrombosis on 8/7/57.

Larry Fine, Moe Howard, and Joe DeRita

Kook’s Tour (1970.) Rarely seen “3 Stooges” pilot of them touring the countryside. Unique travelogue could’ve worked, except the “middle stooge” Larry Fine suffered from a stroke and was placed in a retirement home.

VIVIEN LEIGH B&W SHIP OF FOOLS PHOTO OR POSTER | Vivien ... Vivian Leigh in “Ship of Fools” (1965.) Former Academy award winner for “Gone with the Wind” and “A Streetcar Named Desire”. Her final award was the “L’Etoile de Cristal for “Ship of Fools”. (lead performance) Leigh died from tuberculosis on July 8, 1967.

EricReports

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