Experience the Magic of Elvis Live A Little Love, A Little Fun
Elvis live a little love a little, Elvis Presley was not just a singer, but also a versatile actor who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His films captured his charm and charisma, along with his incredible singing and acting abilities. One such film that showcased all these elements was “Live a Little, Love a Little” released in 1968.
This musical comedy is considered one of Elvis Presley’s best works and is loved by fans even today. The film combines humor, romance, and catchy songs to create a memorable viewing experience. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the world of “Live a Little, Love a Little” and discover why it continues to be a fan favorite over 50 years after its release.
Elvis Presley’s Performance in ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’
Elvis Presley stars as Greg Nolan, a photographer for a magazine called “Hollywood Today.” His character in this film is different from his previous roles, as he plays a carefree and romantic playboy rather than a serious musician or soldier. This change in character shows Elvis’s versatility as an actor and adds to the overall appeal of the film.
Showcasing Elvis’s Humor
One of the highlights of Elvis’s performance in “Live a Little, Love a Little” is his impeccable comic timing. Throughout the film, he delivers witty one-liners and engages in slapstick comedy that leaves the audience in stitches. In one scene, he accidentally walks into a trailer filled with models changing, and his reactions and expressions are comedic gold. Elvis’s natural charm and humor shine through in this film, making it a delight to watch.
Capturing Elvis’s Romantic Side
While Elvis is known for his rock ‘n’ roll music, his ballads have also captured the hearts of many. And in “Live a Little, Love a Little,” he gets to showcase his romantic side through his character Greg. The film features several romantic scenes where Elvis shares chemistry with his co-star Michele Carey, who plays the role of Bernice. Their on-screen relationship is endearing and adds a layer of depth to the film.
A Strong Musical Performance
As expected from an Elvis Presley film, “Live a Little, Love a Little” also features some of his iconic songs. The soundtrack includes catchy tracks like “A Little Less Conversation” and “Edge of Reality,” which perfectly complement the lighthearted and fun tone of the film. Elvis’s powerful vocals and signature dance moves add another layer of entertainment to the musical numbers. It is no surprise that the soundtrack was a commercial success and remains popular among fans even today.
The Plot of ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ Starring Elvis Presley
The plot of “Live a Little, Love a Little” revolves around Greg Nolan, a photographer who leads a playboy lifestyle in Los Angeles. He meets Bernice, a magazine editor, while photographing models at a beach house. However, things take a humorous turn when he wakes up one morning and finds Bernice’s Great Dane, Albert, in his apartment. The rest of the film follows Greg as he tries to figure out how Albert ended up in his apartment while also navigating his complicated love life.
A Humorous Storyline
One of the main reasons why “Live a Little, Love a Little” stands out among other Elvis films is its clever and comedic storyline. The film is based on the novel “Kiss My Firm But Pliant Lips” by Dan Greenburg, and screenwriters Michael A. Hoey and Dan Greenburg did a fantastic job of adapting it for the big screen. The film has many laugh-out-loud moments, and the witty dialogue adds to the overall comedic effect. It is a refreshing change from Elvis’s more serious roles in his previous films.
A Unique Twist on the Classic Romantic Comedy
While “Live a Little, Love a Little” is primarily a romantic comedy, it also has an element of mystery and suspense. Throughout the film, audiences are left guessing about the identity of the mysterious woman named Ellen, who keeps appearing in Greg’s life. This adds a layer of intrigue to the storyline and keeps the audience engaged until the very end. The film also explores themes of love, trust, and self-discovery, making it more than just a typical romantic comedy.
Addressing Societal Issues
Another aspect that sets “Live a Little, Love a Little” apart from other Elvis films of the time is its subtle commentary on societal issues. The film addresses topics like gender roles, relationships, and the pressure to conform to societal norms. While these themes are presented in a lighthearted manner, they still hold relevance today and add depth to the film’s plot.
Why ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ is Considered One of Elvis Presley’s Best Films
Out of the 31 feature films that Elvis Presley starred in, “Live a Little, Love a Little” is often hailed as one of his best works. There are several reasons why this film continues to be a fan favorite even after five decades since its release.
A Refreshing Change for Elvis’s Career
After starring in a series of musical comedies, Elvis was looking to break out of his usual typecast roles and explore different genres as an actor. “Live a Little, Love a Little” gave him the opportunity to do just that. His character in the film was a departure from his previous roles and allowed him to showcase his acting range and versatility. This shift in genre also attracted a new audience to his films, who may not have been interested in his previous musical comedies.
A Perfect Blend of Music and Comedy
“Live a Little, Love a Little” strikes a balance between Elvis’s musical performances and the comedy elements of the film. Unlike some of his other films, the music doesn’t overshadow the storyline but instead complements it. The comedic moments are also well-timed and don’t feel forced, adding to the overall entertainment value of the film. This perfect blend of music and comedy makes “Live a Little, Love a Little” a stand-out among Elvis’s films.
Elvis Presley’s Top-Notch Performance
Above all, “Live a Little, Love a Little” is considered one of Elvis Presley’s best films because of his fantastic performance. His natural charisma and charm shine through in every scene, and he effortlessly transitions between romantic, serious, and humorous scenes. It is clear that Elvis had fun playing this role, and his enjoyment is contagious, making it a joy for audiences to watch. This film serves as a reminder of Elvis’s talent and the impact he had on not just the music industry but also the world of cinema.
Behind the Scenes: Elvis Presley’s Role in ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’
Behind every successful film is a talented cast and crew working tirelessly to bring the story to life. “Live a Little, Love a Little” was no exception, and Elvis Presley played an essential role both on and off-screen.
Elvis’s Commitment to the Film
Despite being busy with his career as a musician and performing live shows, Elvis was fully committed to making “Live a Little, Love a Little” a success. He took a more hands-on approach with this film, actively participating in script discussions and making suggestions to improve the film. He also took extra dance lessons to perfect his moves for the musical numbers, showcasing his dedication to the project.
Bringing His Own Style to the Role
Elvis’s involvement in the film extended beyond just his performance. He also contributed to the fashion choices for his character, bringing his own personal style to the role. The iconic bell-bottom jumpsuit he wears in the film was designed by Elvis himself and has become synonymous with his image.
Working with Director Norman Taurog
“Live a Little, Love a Little” marked the fourth and final collaboration between Elvis Presley and director Norman Taurog. The two had previously worked together on successful films like “G.I. Blues” and “Blue Hawaii.” It is evident that the duo had a great working relationship, as Taurog knew how to bring out the best in Elvis and showcase his talents on screen.
The Impact of ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ on Elvis Presley’s Career
“Live a Little, Love a Little” was released at a crucial point in Elvis Presley’s career. After several years of focusing on his film career, he was ready to make a comeback to live performances and touring. This film played an essential role in bridging the gap between his previous musical comedies and his return to music.
Reviving Interest in Elvis’s Films
After a string of unsuccessful films, there were doubts about whether Elvis could still draw audiences to the movie theaters. However, “Live a Little, Love a Little” proved once again that Elvis’s star power was enough to attract crowds. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $3 million at the box office, and reigniting interest in his films.
A Transition into More Mature Roles
As mentioned earlier, “Live a Little, Love a Little” allowed Elvis to break away from his usual typecast roles and explore more mature characters. This shift opened the doors for him to take on more complex and serious roles in his future films, such as his highly acclaimed performance in “Change of Habit.”
A Gateway to His Music Career
“Live a Little, Love a Little” also paved the way for Elvis’s return to live performances and touring. The success of the film reminded audiences of his talent as a musician and reignited their interest in his music. It was clear that Elvis had not lost his touch as a performer and was ready to take on the stage once again.
Elvis Presley’s Iconic Songs Featured in ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’
The soundtrack of “Live a Little, Love a Little” is filled with iconic songs that have become synonymous with Elvis Presley. These songs showcase his incredible vocal range and add to the overall entertainment value of the film.
“A Little Less Conversation”
One of the most popular songs from the film is “A Little Less Conversation,” which was written by Mac Davis and Billy Strange. This catchy track was released as a single and reached number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 2002, a remix of the song by DJ Junkie XL became a worldwide hit, reaching number one in over 20 countries.
“Edge of Reality”
“Edge of Reality” is another fan favorite from the film, featuring a more rock ‘n’ roll sound compared to the other songs on the soundtrack. This song was written by Bernie Baum, Bill Giant, and Florence Kaye and was used in the dream sequence where Greg wakes up next to Bernice’s Great Dane, Albert. Elvis’s powerful vocals and the energetic guitar riffs make this song a standout on the soundtrack.
“Wonderful World”
“Wonderful World” is a cover of the Sam Cooke classic and is one of the few romantic ballads featured in the film. Elvis’s rendition of this song showcases his smooth vocals and adds a romantic element to the soundtrack. This song is played during a scene where Greg and Bernice dance together, adding to the chemistry between the two characters.
The Success and Reception of ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ at the Box Office
“Live a Little, Love a Little” was released on October 23, 1968, and became an instant hit among audiences. The film’s success not only proved Elvis’s star power but also marked a turning point in his career as an actor.
Commercial Success
The film grossed $3 million at the box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1968. It also ranked at number 24 on the list of top-grossing movies of that year. These numbers were impressive considering the competitive movie market at the time, with other popular films like “For Love of Ivy” and “Funny Girl” also being released.
Critical Reception
While “Live a Little, Love a Little” was well-received by audiences, it received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised Elvis’s performance and the film’s comedic elements, while others criticized its convoluted plot. However, over the years, the film has garnered a cult following and is now considered a fan favorite, standing the test of time.
Elvis Presley’s Co-Stars in ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’
Apart from Elvis Presley, “Live a Little, Love a Little” also featured a talented cast of actors who added to the overall appeal of the film.
Michele Carey as Bernice
Michele Carey plays the role of Bernice in the film, the no-nonsense editor of “Hollywood Today” magazine. Her character serves as the love interest for Elvis’s character, Greg. Michele’s chemistry with Elvis is palpable, and her performance adds a layer of depth to the film. Despite only appearing in a handful of scenes, Michele’s portrayal of Bernice leaves a lasting impression on audiences.
Don Porter as Mike Lansdown
Veteran actor Don Porter plays the role of Mike Lansdown, Bernice’s boss, and the editor-in-chief of “Hollywood Today” magazine. His character serves as a father figure to Bernice and disapproves of her relationship with Greg. Don brings his charm and acting skills to this role, making it a memorable one.
Rudy Vallee as Harry Belew
Rudy Vallee plays the role of Harry Belew, an eccentric millionaire who hires Greg to take pictures of him in various situations. His character adds comic relief to the film, and Rudy’s portrayal is nothing short of hilarious. He was a popular singer and actor during the 1920s and 1930s, and his inclusion in the film added to its star-studded cast.
Trivia and Fun Facts About ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ Starring Elvis Presley
Apart from being a fan favorite, “Live a Little, Love a Little” also has several interesting trivia and fun facts associated with it. Here are some fun tidbits about the film that you may not have known before.
The Original Title of the Film
The film is based on the novel “Kiss My Firm But Pliant Lips” by Dan Greenburg, but the title was changed to “Live a Little, Love a Little” for its theatrical release. The original title was deemed too suggestive and was thought to discourage families from watching the film.
Alternative Endings
The film’s ending went through several changes during production. In one ending, Greg ends up with Ellen, while in another, he gets together with Bernice. However, the final version of the film leaves the audience guessing about Greg’s love interest, adding to the film’s mystery element.
A Dog Named Albert
In the film, Elvis’s character is surprised to find Bernice’s Great Dane, Albert, in his apartment. However, the real-life dog who played Albert on set was actually named Brutus.
Elvis’s Favorite Scene
Elvis himself claimed that his favorite scene from the film was the dream sequence where he wakes up next to Bernice’s dog, Albert. He enjoyed working with the dog and found the scene to be hilarious and memorable.
Why Fans Still Love ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ and Its Soundtrack Today
Despite being released over 50 years ago, “Live a Little, Love a Little” continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Elvis fans worldwide. The film’s enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors.
A Perfect Combination of Music and Comedy
The film’s soundtrack is filled with some of Elvis’s most iconic songs, making it a must-have for any fan. The music perfectly complements the comedic elements of the film, making it a joy to watch. Even after all these years, the songs continue to be popular and are featured on numerous Elvis tribute albums and playlists.
Elvis’s Charismatic Performance
No one could deny the charm and charisma that Elvis Presley exuded on screen. In “Live a Little, Love a Little,” he brings his A-game and delivers an unforgettable performance. His chemistry with co-star Michele Carey adds to the overall charm of the film, making it a fan favorite.
A Reminder of Elvis’s Iconic Career
For many fans, “Live a Little, Love a Little” serves as a reminder of why they fell in love with Elvis in the first place. The film showcases his talents as a performer, musician, and actor, reminding us all of his incredible impact on the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
“Live a Little, Love a Little” may not be among Elvis Presley’s most talked-about films, but it holds a special place in the hearts of his fans. The film’s entertaining storyline, fantastic performances, and iconic soundtrack make it a must-watch for any Elvis fan. It also marked an important point in Elvis’s career, paving the way for his return to live performances and showcasing his versatility as an actor. Even today, over 50 years since its release, “Live a Little, Love a Little” continues to captivate audiences with its magic and charm, making it a timeless classic.
Experience the Magic of Elvis Presley in ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ Full Movie
