Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, remains an irreplaceable cultural icon, embodying an era of glamour and charisma that continues to resonate. His electrifying on-screen partnership with Ann-Margret in the 1964 classic Viva Las Vegas is nothing short of legendary. Together, they brought an irresistible charm to the playful duet “The Lady Loves Me,” setting the screen ablaze with chemistry.
Yet, behind the glitz and seamless performances lay a series of overlooked bloopers and fascinating quirks that even the most devoted fans might have missed. Ready to uncover the secrets of Viva Las Vegas? Let’s dive in!
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A Blockbuster with Sparkling Chemistry
In Viva Las Vegas, Elvis took on the role of Lucky Jackson, a charming race car driver with dreams of hitting the jackpot in Sin City. Ann-Margret played Rusty Martin, a vivacious dancer who steals Lucky’s heart and the audience’s attention. Together, they delivered an unforgettable performance that catapulted the film to become the highest-grossing Elvis movie of all time.
Despite its brief runtime of just 85 minutes—making it the shortest film in Elvis’ career—Viva Las Vegas cemented itself as a box office sensation. Surpassing Blue Hawaii by a remarkable $450,000, it reigned supreme as Elvis’ crowning cinematic achievement.
Ann-Margret’s Star Power
Interestingly, Ann-Margret’s immense popularity led to some theaters billing her above Elvis, a rare occurrence given his legendary status. At only 22, the Swedish-born actress was already a sensation, drawing as much attention as the King himself. Critics, however, didn’t shy away from pointing out the movie’s heavy focus on her physical appeal. One review remarked on director George Sidney’s penchant for lingering shots of Ann-Margret, stating the film lacked subtlety in its admiration for her beauty. Nonetheless, her star power and magnetic presence shone through.
A Glimpse into Old Vegas
One of the film’s highlights is its showcase of classic Las Vegas landmarks. Filmed at various locations around the city, Viva Las Vegas captures a bygone era of neon lights and vintage casinos. Out of the many establishments featured, only six still stand today, a testament to how much the city has transformed over the decades.
Sparks On and Off the Screen
The sizzling chemistry between Elvis and Ann-Margret wasn’t just limited to the cameras. Their mutual attraction off-screen added an undeniable authenticity to their on-screen romance. Ann-Margret later revealed that she and Elvis shared an unspoken connection, describing it as “electricity” that neither of them could control. She even claimed that Elvis had considered marrying her, but his relationship with Priscilla Presley stood in the way.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama
While Elvis seemed to thoroughly enjoy working on Viva Las Vegas, not everything was smooth sailing. He reportedly grew frustrated with the camera angles that seemed to favor Ann-Margret, leading to complaints about being overshadowed in his own film. Colonel Parker, Elvis’ manager, quickly intervened to remind the director that this was an “Elvis Presley picture.” Despite the tension, the final product still showcases both stars in their full glory.
Dance Scenes That Stole the Show
The choreography in Viva Las Vegas is one of its standout features, particularly during the title track’s performance. Ann-Margret’s high-energy moves and charisma are unforgettable, often leaving Elvis in her shadow during their dance sequences. Her fiery performance during “What’d I Say” even features a young Teri Garr, a future Oscar nominee, dancing in the background—a delightful Easter egg for film buffs.
Quirky Goofs and Funny Moments
Even classics like Viva Las Vegas aren’t immune to slip-ups. In the “What’d I Say” dance sequence, a piece of white tape mysteriously appears and disappears on Lucky’s hand. Additionally, during the dramatic race finale, Elvis’ rival, Count Mancini, survives a near-fatal crash only to show up at the wedding scene moments later, completely unscathed—a perfect example of Hollywood magic.
A Bond That Endured
Although their romantic relationship ended, Elvis and Ann-Margret maintained a lifelong friendship. Elvis regularly sent her guitar-shaped floral bouquets whenever she performed in Las Vegas, a tradition that continued until his death in 1977. Ann-Margret was the only one of Elvis’ female co-stars to attend his funeral, underscoring the deep connection they shared.
Ann-Margret’s Reflections on Elvis
Even decades later, Ann-Margret continues to speak fondly of Elvis. She recently revealed that when they first met on the MGM soundstage, she had never seen him perform—a surprising admission given his fame. Despite their initial shyness, they quickly discovered how much they had in common, from their love of motorcycles to their devotion to family.
“We were mirror images in many ways,” Ann-Margret reflected. “But that’s not always a good thing.”
Their story is one of passion, friendship, and enduring respect—a legacy as captivating as the film itself.
