Experience the Magic of Elvis Presley in ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ Full Movie
Live a little love a little Elvis Presley full movie, also known as the King of Rock and Roll, was not only a music icon but also a film star. Throughout his career, he starred in 31 feature films which showcased his talent both in singing and acting.
_NRFPT_03.jpg "Experience the Magic of Elvis Presley in 'Live a Little, Love a Little' Full Movie")
One of his lesser-known films, but still a fan favorite, is ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’. Released in 1968, this romantic comedy received mixed reviews from critics but gained a cult following among Elvis fans. In this post, we will dive into the world of ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ and explore its plot, cast, production, reception, soundtrack, trivia, legacy, and more.
Plot Summary
‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ tells the story of Greg Nolan (Elvis Presley), a photographer for a magazine called Classic Cat. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Bernice (Michele Carey), a beautiful woman who hires him to take photos of her late father’s mansion. Soon enough, Greg finds himself entangled in a complicated love triangle between Bernice and her eccentric roommate, Ellen (Rudy Vallee). As Greg tries to navigate through this unusual situation, he also uncovers a scandal involving a missing fortune and a secret society.
The film’s plot may seem simple on the surface, but it is filled with comedic twists and turns that keep the audience entertained. It also showcases Elvis’s charm and charisma as he effortlessly portrays the charming and carefree Greg. The chemistry between Elvis and Michele Carey is palpable, making their on-screen romance even more endearing.
Live a little love a little Elvis Presley full movie – Greg Nolan: The Playful Playboy
In ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’, Elvis plays the character of Greg Nolan, a young and handsome bachelor who enjoys his single life. He is a free-spirited and adventurous photographer, always looking for the next adrenaline rush. However, his carefree attitude is put to the test when he meets Bernice and Ellen, two women who bring excitement and chaos into his life.
Elvis’s portrayal of Greg is a departure from his usual roles in films where he played a more serious and brooding character. This allowed him to showcase his comedic timing and playful side, which was well-received by fans and critics alike. Despite being a playboy, Greg’s character also has a vulnerable side, making him relatable to the audience.
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Live a little love a little Elvis Presley full movie – Bernice and Ellen: Two Women, One Heart
Bernice and Ellen are two very different women who both fall for Greg’s charms. Bernice is a wealthy socialite, while Ellen is an eccentric artist. While their personalities may clash, they both have one thing in common – their love for Greg. This leads to some hilarious and chaotic situations as they try to win his heart.
Michele Carey gives a strong performance as Bernice, portraying her as a confident and independent woman who knows what she wants. On the other hand, Rudy Vallee brings the perfect balance of quirkiness and charm to her character, making Ellen a memorable supporting role. The chemistry between all three actors is evident on screen, making their love triangle even more captivating.
Live a little love a little Elvis Presley full movie – Cast and Characters
‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ boasts a talented cast of actors that bring the characters to life. In addition to Elvis Presley, Michele Carey, and Rudy Vallee, the film also features familiar faces such as Don Porter, Dick Sargent, and Sterling Holloway.
| Actor/Actress | Character |
|---|---|
| Elvis Presley | Greg Nolan |
| Michele Carey | Bernice |
| Rudy Vallee | Ellen |
| Sterling Holloway | Mr. Penlow |
| Dick Sargent | Harry |
| Don Porter | Mike Lansdown |
| Celeste Yarnall | Ellen’s Secretary |
Although Elvis is the main star of the film, the supporting cast also delivers memorable performances that enhance the overall viewing experience. Each character brings their own unique personality and adds depth to the story.
Production and Release
Filming for ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ began in January 1968 and was completed in March of the same year. The movie was directed by Norman Taurog, who had previously worked with Elvis on nine other films. The screenplay was written by Michael A. Hoey and Dan Greenburg, based on Greenburg’s novel ‘Kiss My Firm but Pliant Lips’.
The film was released on October 23, 1968, in the United States. It grossed over $2 million at the box office, making it a moderate success. However, it received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising Elvis’s performance and chemistry with Michele Carey, while others criticized the script and direction.
Live a little love a little Elvis Presley full movie – The Comeback Special
‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ was released during a pivotal time in Elvis Presley’s career. In 1968, he was struggling to connect with his audience and adapt to the changing music scene. However, that same year, he made a comeback with his televised special called ‘Elvis’, which featured him performing live in front of a small audience. The special was a huge success and marked the beginning of the next phase of Elvis’s career.
Some fans believe that this success may have overshadowed the release of ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’, leading to its mixed reception. However, the movie gained a cult following over the years and is now considered one of Elvis’s underrated films.
Reception and Reviews
As mentioned, ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised Elvis’s performance and the light-hearted tone of the film, while others criticized the script and direction.
One reviewer from Variety gave the film a positive review, saying, “Elvis Presley has an off-beat role that suits him to the T, and he makes the most of it. He does a fine job.” The New York Times also praised Elvis’s acting, stating, “Mr. Presley is not bad at all in this movie. He is charming, funny, and fully believable as a photographer who gets himself into some odd situations.”
On the other hand, Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film a negative review, saying, “The trouble with ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ is that the plot keeps getting in the way of the comedy.” Another critic from The Washington Post stated, “There isn’t much story in ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’. Just a series of sight gags, which are often very amusing but lack purpose.”
Despite its mixed reception, the film remains a fan favorite among Elvis fans due to its whimsical nature and memorable performances.
Live a little love a little Elvis Presley full movie – A New Image for Elvis
One of the main criticisms of ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ was that it didn’t fit the traditional image of Elvis Presley films. Unlike his previous movies, this one had a more modern setting and less of a musical focus. This shift in style may have been one of the reasons for its mixed reception.
However, this film marked a change in the type of roles Elvis would take on in future films. It showed that he was capable of playing a wide range of characters, not just the brooding heartthrob or the singing cowboy. This opened up new opportunities for him in the film industry and allowed him to break away from the stereotypical image of a teen idol.
Soundtrack
Like most of Elvis Presley’s films, ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ also had a soundtrack album released. However, unlike his other movies, this one only had four songs featured in the film. They were “A Little Less Conversation”, “Wonderful World”, “Edge of Reality”, and “Almost in Love”.
Out of these four songs, “A Little Less Conversation” became a hit single for Elvis in 1968, reaching
69 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also gained popularity decades later when it was remixed by Junkie XL for a Nike commercial in 2002.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ is the only Elvis Presley movie that does not feature him singing an entire song.
- The original title for the film was ‘Kiss My Firm But Pliant Lips’, but it was changed to ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ due to concerns over censorship.
- Michelle Carey’s character, Bernice, was originally named Suzy before being changed during production.
- This was the first movie where Elvis’s character was shown sleeping with a woman on screen.
- The mansion used in the film was previously owned by Frank Sinatra.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Although ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ may not be as well-known as some of Elvis’s other films, it still holds a special place in the hearts of fans. The chemistry between Elvis and Michele Carey, as well as the memorable one-liners and comedic moments, have made this film a cult classic among die-hard Elvis fans.
The success of ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ also paved the way for future roles for Elvis in more modern and unconventional films. It showed that he was capable of playing diverse characters and helped shed the image of him as just a singer and teen idol.
Live a little love a little Elvis Presley full movie – Influence on Pop Culture
One of the most iconic scenes in the film is when Elvis performs a musical number in a karate outfit. This scene has been referenced and parodied in various forms of media over the years, solidifying its place in pop culture. It has been featured in TV shows, movies, and even video games.
Comparison to Other Elvis Presley Films
One thing that sets ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ apart from other Elvis Presley films is its modern setting and plot. Most of his other movies were set in a specific time period, such as the Old West or the 1950s. This movie, however, had a more contemporary feel to it, which may have been one of the reasons for its mixed reception upon release.
Another aspect that differentiates this film from others is the lack of musical numbers. Unlike his other films where Elvis would sing multiple songs, this one only had four songs featured. While this may have disappointed some fans, it showed that Elvis could still make a successful film without relying on his musical talent.
Behind the Scenes
Like many other films, ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ had its own share of behind-the-scenes stories and drama. One of the most notable incidents happened during the filming of the fight scene between Greg and Harry. Dick Sargent, who played Harry, accidentally hit Elvis in the face while filming the scene, causing him to bleed. Despite the accident, Elvis continued filming and the scene was used in the final cut of the film.
Another interesting fact is that the movie’s original ending was changed at the last minute due to censorship concerns. The original ending showed Greg and Bernice getting married, but it was changed to show them riding off into the sunset together instead.
Overall Review
As a fan of Elvis Presley, watching ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ was a delightful experience. It was refreshing to see him in a different type of role and showcase his comedic talent. The chemistry between him and Michele Carey was charming, and the plot kept me entertained from start to finish.
While the film may not be a masterpiece, it definitely has its own charm and holds a special place in Elvis’s film career. It is a must-watch for any Elvis fan and a fun and lighthearted movie to watch on a lazy afternoon. So next time you’re in the mood for some Elvis magic, give ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ a chance and experience the King in a whole new light.
Conclusion
‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ may not be as well-known as some of Elvis Presley’s other films, but it still holds a special place in the hearts of fans. Its light-hearted tone, memorable performances, and iconic scenes have solidified its place as a cult classic among Elvis enthusiasts.
This romantic comedy showcased a different side of Elvis, proving that he was more than just a music icon but also a talented actor. And even though it received mixed reviews upon release, it remains a fan favorite and an important piece of Elvis’s legacy. So if you haven’t seen it yet, go ahead and experience the magic of ‘Live a Little, Love a Little’ full movie for yourself.
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