When I watched Viva Las Vegas on a whim a little over a year ago, I was hooked. Sure, I’d heard Elvis’ songs growing up, but I did not fully appreciate him until I saw him in this film.
The chemistry rolls off him and Ann-Margret like the most intense thing in the world. It is obvious how into each other they were. I found myself wondering what would have happened to him had they been able to make it work. Would he have held together better or would Ann have left him anyway? As it stands, we lost Elvis way too soon. He was only 42, but at the end, he looked much older and sick.
There is no doubt that Viva Las Vegas is one of his best–if not his best–films. And the reason why is his relationship with Ann-Margret. If you choose to buy this film, I may earn a commission as an Amazon affiliate. Grab it here on DVD or Bluray!
Synopsis
When Lucky Jackson (Elvis) heads to Las Vegas to race, he needs a new engine to participate the event. He’s able to get the money, but his pursuit of Rusty (Ann-Margret) ends with her pushing him in the pool where it falls out of his pocket.
Once he finally convinces her to date him, they go on a date montage that includes water skiing, shooting, and riding motorcycles. It’s an odd section really, but they looked like they were having fun together. Rusty soon gets upset because she’s worried about him getting hurt during his big race, but they make up since it is a romance afterall.
The plot isn’t really what’s important here though really. It’s okay, but what really makes this film stand out is the chemistry in the way they look at each other and their musical numbers.
The Players
Elvis and Ann-Margret
Given their chemistry, it’s hard to even notice anyone else in this movie! Though there is this mild love triangle going on with Cesare Danova’s Count Elmo Mancini too, it doesn’t last long.
Background Trivia
The Chemistry
There’s good reason there’s so much palpable chemistry between our leads. Elvis and Ann-Margret started dating during pre-production, and their love affair continued on for a year.
For the rest of his life, Elvis sent Ann flowers every time she opened a show in Vegas. This shows how deep their relationship really was. I wonder what would have happened had they stayed together. I’m not sure if he would have been able to handle such a strong personality or not, but I think she could have been an even more positive influence on him.
The Pool Scene
The pool scene, one of my favorites, was filmed at the Flamingo.
Viva Las Vegas
This scene was filmed in just one shot, which was the only time this technique was used in any of his films. He also never performed this song live, even though many others did cover it.
Ann-Margret Had Equal Billing
Because of how successful she was at the time, just coming off Bye Bye Birdie (which ironically enough was based on Elvis’ enlistment into the army), Ann-Margret got equal billing with Elvis. She was the only one of his female co-stars to get this distinction. This was well-deserved, given her performance here. She is just great and holds her own against him. Her spunk and strong character come through the screen. She dishes out the flirting and little looks just as much if not more than he does.
There was no soundtrack released at the time
Colonel Tom Parker blocked the soundtrack release because Ann was given equal billing with Elvis. While Elvis didn’t seem to have an issue with it, Parker did.
The Script was Written in 11 Days
When Elvis decided to do the film, there was no script or context except that it would be an Elvis movie. The script was then written in just 11 days.
Colonel Tom Parker Fought with Director George Sydney
Parker pushed for more screen time, closeups, and songs for Elvis, even going so far as to threaten to pull him from the film. Sidney maintained control and snuck in more footage of Ann dancing during the end credits to give her more screen time.
What if…?
Elvis had played Conrad Birdie
He was the first choice for the role, which would have meant that he and Ann would have met sooner. Given that her role was a teen in Bye Bye Birdie, it would have presented a different dynamic. Maybe they still would have dated since she was actually 22 at that time. I wonder if their chemistry would have come through there as well and ruined the film.
Elvis had turned it down
Given Ann’s popularity and female lead status, Elvis was concerned he wouldn’t measure up to her talent. He wasn’t sure he wanted to do the film. We’re sure to have missed out if he hadn’t done this movie. It probably never would have been made because it started off as a vehicle for him. He and Ann wouldn’t have had their love affair either.
Alternative History/Classic Film Era Novels
If you like alternative history or biographical/historical fiction, I write that as well under the pen name Dottie Fray and historical paranormal romance under Elvira Fray. With two books planned for next year, one biographical fiction entitled Planes and Promises and a paranormal romance to follow up Fang Me Tender called No Angel of His Own.
If you choose to buy this film, I may earn a commission as an Amazon affiliate. Grab it here on DVD or Bluray!
This was written as part of MovieRob‘s Genre Grandeur for December 2025.