Elvis Presley’s Viva Las Vegas (1964) remains one of the most iconic and energetic films in his career. Featuring Elvis Presley as race car driver Lucky Jackson and Ann-Margret as the charming dancer Rusty Martin, the musical romantic comedy not only captivated audiences but also became the highest-grossing film of Elvis’ career, according to the Graceland Archives and Box Office Mojo.

Beyond the unforgettable soundtrack and electric on-screen chemistry, the film is packed with entertaining quirks, behind-the-scenes trivia, and cinematic moments that continue to fascinate Elvis fans and film historians alike.

Why Viva Las Vegas Was a Box Office Hit

Released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Viva Las Vegas capitalized on the growing popularity of Elvis Presley and the rising stardom of Ann-Margret. Despite mixed critical reviews upon its release, the film grossed approximately $9.4 million at the box office, outpacing Blue Hawaii by over $450,000, as confirmed by Turner Classic Movies (TCM).

Clocking in at 85 minutes, it’s also one of Elvis’ shortest feature films, but arguably one of the most dynamic in both pacing and energy.

Ann-Margret’s Star Power

At the time of filming, Ann-Margret, a Swedish-American actress, was rapidly becoming a household name. According to Variety archives from 1964, some theaters even listed Ann-Margret ahead of Elvis on promotional material due to her popularity, especially in European and female markets.

In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Ann-Margret recalled her first meeting with Elvis:

“We were both so shy off-stage but completely transformed when performing. There was this unspoken understanding between us.”

Their chemistry onscreen would help Viva Las Vegas become a pop culture phenomenon.

Iconic Dance Numbers and Musical Highlights

The film features memorable numbers such as “The Lady Loves Me” and “What’d I Say”, performed with vibrant choreography by David Winters, who would later become a legendary choreographer and director in Hollywood.

One standout moment is the title song, “Viva Las Vegas,” which became synonymous with both the film and the city. While Elvis had six solo numbers in the film, Ann-Margret had two, including an energetic dance scene that showcased her range and physical charisma.

A Glimpse of Classic Las Vegas

Filmed on location, Viva Las Vegas captures the dazzling neon lights and vintage charm of the Las Vegas Strip in the early 1960s. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), only a handful of the casinos shown in the film’s opening scenes are still in operation today. It serves as a visual time capsule of a city in transition.

Fun Film Trivia and On-Set Moments

Several interesting production notes and “goofs” have made their way into fan discussions and film retrospectives over the years:

1. Camera Angles Debate

According to Red West, a member of Elvis’ entourage, Presley was reportedly frustrated by how some camera angles appeared to favor Ann-Margret. These concerns were reportedly taken up with Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’ manager, who reminded producers that this was first and foremost an Elvis Presley feature. However, no formal documentation or dispute was ever recorded publicly.

2. Minor Continuity Goof

In the high-energy “What’d I Say” dance scene, some viewers have spotted a strip of white tape appearing and disappearing on Elvis’ hand — a minor continuity error common in fast-paced musical films.

3. Famous Faces in the Background

Teri Garr, who later became an Oscar-nominated actress, can be spotted in background dance scenes. She was working as an uncredited dancer at the time, as confirmed by her IMDb filmography.

Another surprise cameo includes Glen Campbell, who played guitar on some of the soundtrack’s iconic numbers. Campbell, who would later have his own successful music and television career, contributed as a session musician.

4. The Curious Case of Count Mancini

In the film’s climactic race sequence, Elvis’ rival — Count Mancini (played by Cesare Danova) — crashes dramatically. Yet, he surprisingly appears unharmed at the wedding scene shortly after, a classic example of 1960s “movie logic” that fans still enjoy debating.

Off-Screen Relationship: Respect and Legacy

Though much speculation has surrounded Elvis and Ann-Margret’s personal relationship, only verified details from Ann-Margret’s autobiography “My Story” (Putnam, 1994) provide credible insight.

In the book, Ann-Margret describes Elvis as a deeply emotional and passionate person with whom she shared a sincere connection. Their bond included shared interests in music, motorcycles, faith, and family.

“We were truly soulmates,” she wrote. “But we also understood that Elvis had commitments he needed to honor.”

The two remained close friends until Elvis’ passing in 1977. In fact, Ann-Margret was the only leading lady from his films to attend his funeral, according to Elvis Australia Official Fan Club.

A Respectful Critique: Media Reception Then and Now

Not all reviews were glowing at the time. A 1964 Variety review criticized the film for “focusing excessively on physical appeal,” particularly in scenes involving Ann-Margret. While modern audiences view these scenes as a product of their era, they have sparked discussions on how film perspectives have evolved regarding gender and camera portrayal.

Today, Viva Las Vegas is regarded more fondly. Publications like Rolling Stone, Esquire, and Film Comment have re-evaluated the movie as an important piece of pop culture history and a snapshot of mid-century American entertainment.

Celebrating 60 Years of a Cultural Milestone

As of 2024, Viva Las Vegas celebrates its 60th anniversary — and it continues to find new fans. The film’s legacy is preserved through Warner Bros., which owns the MGM catalog, and numerous retrospectives hosted by TCM (Turner Classic Movies).

Ann-Margret, now 83, was recently honored by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) for her contributions to the arts, reaffirming her legacy in the city where the movie was set. During her speech, she fondly remembered working with Elvis, stating,

“I had never seen him perform before we made the movie. But once we started dancing and singing, it just clicked.”

Conclusion: A Timeless Film, A Legendary Pair

Whether you’re revisiting Viva Las Vegas for its colorful soundtrack, stunning choreography, or simply the joy of watching Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret at their peak, there’s no denying the film’s enduring appeal.

It’s a film that captures the magic of early Las Vegas, the charisma of two of the era’s brightest stars, and the timeless spirit of American pop culture. More than just a musical comedy, Viva Las Vegas remains a celebration of entertainment, energy, and unforgettable chemistry.

Verified Sources:

• Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
• Las Vegas Review-Journal
• Variety Archives
• Box Office Mojo
• Ann-Margret Autobiography – My Story (Putnam, 1994)
• Graceland Archives – Elvis Presley Enterprises
• IMDb – Viva Las Vegas Film Credits
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas – College of Fine Arts