{"id":575,"date":"2025-06-09T14:24:33","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T14:24:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/?p=575"},"modified":"2025-06-09T14:24:33","modified_gmt":"2025-06-09T14:24:33","slug":"viva-las-vegas-bloopers-and-mistakes-you-might-missed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/realnewsz13.store\/?p=575","title":{"rendered":"Viva Las Vegas: Bloopers and mistakes you might missed"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Elvis Presley is one of those American icons you just can\u2019t replicate.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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His electrifying chemistry with Ann-Margret lit up the screen in the 1964 film\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>, especially in their playful and perfect duet, \u201cThe Lady Loves Me.\u201d<\/p>\n

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But\u00a0not everything<\/em>\u00a0went as planned on set. There were bloopers and mistakes in the movie that slipped by unnoticed \u2014 until now. Ready to discover what you missed? Let\u2019s take a closer look!<\/p>\n

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Elvis and\u00a0Ann-Margret<\/a>\u00a0made movie and musical history together in\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>, which became the highest-grossing\u00a0Elvis Presley<\/a>\u00a0film. Elvis Presley stars as Lucky Jackson, a determined race car driver aiming to win big in Las Vegas. Ann-Margret plays Rusty Martin, a vibrant dancer who captures Lucky\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

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In my opinion, it\u2019s one of the most underrated films of all time.<\/p>\n

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Aside from the captivating performances, it also offers a rare glimpse of old Vegas landmarks that are now long gone.<\/p>\n

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The on-screen chemistry between Elvis and Ann-Margret was undeniable, and their off-screen connection was just as electric. But beyond the glitz and glamour, there are some hilarious goofs, little-known mistakes, and funny moments that even the biggest fans might have missed.<\/p>\n

Elvis\u2019 box office crown jewel<\/h2>\n

I always thought the legendary\u00a0Blue Hawaii<\/a><\/em>\u00a0was the big money maker among Elvis\u2019 31 theatrical films.\u00a0If someone had asked me in a quiz, I would\u2019ve confidently guessed 10 out of 10 times that it was the top grosser.<\/p>\n

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But surprise, surprise \u2014\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>\u00a0actually took the crown, out-earning\u00a0Blue Hawaii<\/em>\u00a0by a whopping $450,000. Despite receiving mixed reviews, it went on to become the highest-grossing Elvis Presley film.<\/p>\n

At just 1 hour and 25 minutes,\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>\u00a0also holds the title of being the shortest film in Elvis Presley\u2019s career.<\/p>\n

Ann-Margret\u00a0above\u00a0Elvis Presley<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s hard to imagine today, given how much of an icon Elvis was \u2014 and still is. But did you know that some theaters actually billed Ann-Margret above Elvis Presley due to her popularity at the time?<\/p>\n

That says a lot about how huge and in-demand the stunning Swedish-born Ann-Margret was in the mid-1960s.<\/p>\n

Too much emphasis on female physical assets<\/h2>\n

Ann-Margret, 22 at the time, didn\u2019t escape some critique when the film was released. Variety\u2019s reviewer, identified only as \u201cTube,\u201d had this to say about the film\u2019s focus on her physical assets:<\/p>\n

\u201cAny excuse to stare at a derriere in motion seems good enough for director George Sidney and cameraman Joseph Biroc. The provocative pulchritude of Ann-Margret and assorted other chicks and chorines makes the sexy scrutiny downright pleasurable to the male eye, but there is a certain lack of tastefulness or subtlety about the film\u2019s obsession with peeping at anatomical contours and epidermis simply for the sake of peeping.\u201d<\/p>\n

Quite the critique, right? Even with such a focus, Ann-Margret\u2019s star power still shone through.<\/p>\n

The casinos that survived the neon glow<\/h2>\n

Viva Las Vegas played a key role in shaping the city\u2019s image as a global tourism hotspot. But as I mentioned earlier, out of all the casinos featured in the 1964 opening sequence of\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>, only six are still around today. It\u2019s a fun little fact that shows just how much Las Vegas has changed over the years.<\/p>\n

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The filming locations were scattered all over Las Vegas, happening before Elvis\u2019 marriage to\u00a0Priscilla<\/a>\u00a0at the Aladdin and his famous residency at the International Hotel (now the Wingate).<\/p>\n

Why was Vivas Las Vegas so popular?<\/h2>\n

The popularity of\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>\u00a0can be attributed to a mix of factors: the undeniable chemistry between Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret, the catchy and energetic soundtrack, and the film\u2019s dazzling technicolor visuals that showcased both the stars\u2019 magnetic performances and the vibrant, neon-lit allure of Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

The moment Elvis and Ann-Margret met<\/h2>\n

Aside from his family, Ann-Margret held a special place as one of the most significant women in Elvis Presley\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

The Swedish immigrant first crossed paths with Elvis Presley in early July 1963 at Radio Recorders studios in Hollywood. It was there, on an empty MGM soundstage\u2014 save for a piano \u2014 that they were introduced to each other and the press as the stars of\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>. Ann-Margret recalled the moment:<\/p>\n

\u201cExcept for a piano, the MGM soundstage where Elvis and I met was empty. In the background, a few of his guys hung around observing their boss, a ritual I would soon come to expect. Under the watchful gaze of director George Sidney, a studio photographer snapped shots of what the film company executives figured would be a historic moment.<\/p>\n

\u2018Elvis Presley, I\u2019d like you to meet a wonderful young lady, Ann-Margret,\u2019 said George Sidney. \u2018Ann-Margret, this is Elvis Presley.\u2019 The significance was lost on Elvis and me. I reached out my hand and he shook it gently. \u2018I\u2019ve heard a lot about you,\u2019 we said at the same time, which made us laugh and broke the ice.\u201d<\/p>\n

The passion between Ann-Margret and Elvis<\/h2>\n

Looking at stills and scenes from\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>\u00a0today, it\u2019s clear: the chemistry between Ann-Margret and Elvis was undeniable from the start.<\/p>\n

Ann-Margret\u2019s energy and charisma were so powerful that she had outshone her previous three male co-stars. But with Elvis, it was different\u2014he matched her every move. Together, they created a dynamic on-screen partnership like no other, one that Ann-Margret would later describe as the best she ever had. And in many ways, Elvis seemed to feel the same.<\/p>\n

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To put it simple, their attraction was instant and electric.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe both felt a current, an electricity that went straight through us,\u201d Ann-Margret said. \u201cIt would become a force we couldn\u2019t control.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m sure that the producers knew that the fast-paced, boy-meets-girl musical would certainly be improved if the chemistry between Lucky and Rusty were right. Initially, Elvis and I might\u2019ve admitted that the only heat between us came from the hot desert sun. But others saw sparks from the start,\u201d Ann-Margret later shared.<\/p>\n

Elvis wanted to marry Ann-Margret<\/h2>\n

Though Ann-Margret has been quite restrictive in revealing what really happened between the two stars, she has detailed some very exciting details in her autobiography,\u00a0My Story<\/em>.<\/p>\n

According to Ann-Margret, Elvis wanted them to get married. Their dates often consisted of driving up a hill, looking down at the city, and talking.<\/p>\n

\u201dWe were truly soul mates, shy on the outside but unbridled within. We both lived on the edge and were self-destructive in our own ways\u2026 In many ways, if you put aside the celebrity and what we achieved so quickly, we both remained very childish and were emotionally insecure,\u201d<\/em>\u00a0Ann-Margret writes in her book.<\/p>\n

There was one problem, though \u2013 Elvis was in a relationship with Priscilla Presley. One year before the\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>\u00a0premiere, Elvis had asked the 17-year-old Priscilla to move in with him in Memphis.<\/p>\n

Motorcycles, family, faith, and late-night talks<\/h2>\n

While working together, Ann-Margret and Elvis quickly realized how much they had in common. Beyond their shared love for music, they both had a passion for motorcycles, a deep love for family, a strong desire for privacy, a devotion to\u00a0God<\/a>, and enjoyed long late-night conversations.<\/p>\n

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During the early days of filming, Elvis invited her to join him and his crew for a night out at a show in Las Vegas. Ann-Margret recalled, \u201cIt was an innocent, friendly date. I was used to having my parents accompany me on dates, so Elvis\u2019 entourage wasn\u2019t a problem. His guys always treated me wonderfully.\u201d<\/p>\n

In return, Elvis\u2019 friends felt at ease around Ann-Margret. Elvis\u2019 cousin, Billy Smith,\u00a0shared<\/a>, \u201cShe made his life a little easier because she understood him and didn\u2019t make any demands on him. She even understood his need for us. Priscilla never understood that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why didn\u2019t Elvis marry Ann-Margret?<\/h2>\n

In the end, the energetic and charismatic Swede was too similar to Elvis. They were \u201dmirror images,\u201d and that wasn\u2019t a good thing, considering Elvis\u2019 values.<\/p>\n

He was traditional and conservative in his view of marriage. Priscilla Presley fitted the profile \u2013 Ann-Margret did not.<\/p>\n

They continued to send each other love letters after\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>, but soon after that, Elvis knew he had to break it off with Ann-Margret.<\/p>\n

\u201dWe knew that our relationship had to end, that Elvis needed to fulfill his commitment,\u201d Ann-Margret wrote in\u00a0My story<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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Although their romantic relationship ended, the couple stayed in contact after Elvis\u2019 marriage to Priscilla. \u201dThe King\u201d used to send her guitar-shaped floral bouquets every time she performed in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

Ann-Margret and Elvis remained lifelong friends, and when she didn\u2019t receive any flowers after a show in 1977, she knew that The King was dead. Ann-Margret was the only female co-star of Elvis\u2019s to attend his funeral.<\/p>\n

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The camera angle controversy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Some say\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>\u00a0is the only Elvis movie where he actually looked like he was having fun and fully invested in the project. But is that the whole truth?<\/p>\n

Because Elvis seemed to have a bone to pick with director George Sidney and the way Ann-Margret\u2019s camera angles seemed to favor her \u2014 at his expense.\u00a0According to Red West<\/a>, one of Elvis\u2019 closest confidants and bodyguards, the King wasn\u2019t shy about his displeasure: \u201cHe would complain bitterly to us that the sonofabitch was trying to cut him out of the picture.\u201d<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take long for Elvis\u2019 complaints to reach Colonel Parker, who wasn\u2019t about to let anyone steal the spotlight from his cash cow. The Colonel, ever the protector, reportedly gave Sidney a piece of his mind, reminding the producers in no uncertain terms that this was an \u201cElvis Presley picture.\u201d<\/p>\n

The hottest dance scene in Viva Las Vegas<\/h2>\n

When it came down to it, Elvis clearly got the lion\u2019s share of the musical spotlight. He had six solo numbers, while Ann-Margret only had two.<\/p>\n

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One unforgettable and sizzling dance scene in\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>\u00a0is when Elvis and Ann-Margret\u00a0hit the floor for the song \u201dViva Las Vegas.\u201d<\/a>\u00a0Lookin at it now, 60 years later, Ann-Margret is the embodiment of the phrase \u201cdance like no one\u2019s watching.\u201d<\/p>\n

It\u2019s almost impossible to take your eyes off her, she just\u00a0explodes<\/em>\u00a0with talent and charisma. Some fans have even said it\u2019s the only time Elvis truly shared the spotlight with someone whose dancing talent could match his.<\/p>\n

While Elvis brought his signature energy to the scene, let\u2019s be honest \u2014 Ann-Margret\u2019s choreography is in a whole other league. Thank you to the choreographer (the brilliant David Winters), for bringing us a dance sequence so full of life, it\u2019s still mind-blowing.<\/p>\n

Bad lip-syncing<\/h2>\n

As some have\u00a0pointed out<\/a>, during the\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>\u00a0dance\/music sequence, it\u2019s hard to ignore how badly Elvis Presley lip-syncs the lyrics \u2014 but honestly, with Ann-Margret\u2019s high-energy performance stealing the spotlight, who\u2019s really paying attention to Elvis anyway?<\/p>\n

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Future Oscar nominee in the background<\/h2>\n

During the iconic \u201dWhat\u2019d I Say\u201d number, you can spot a woman dancing to Ann-Margret\u2019s right, wearing a white top with black trim, a black skirt, and black heels.<\/p>\n

And in another number, she rocks a top with red, green, and blue horizontal stripes.<\/p>\n

If you look closely, you\u2019ll see her in the background behind Ann-Margret \u2014 proof that even before her Oscar nominations,\u00a0Teri Garr<\/a>\u00a0was already making her mark on the big screen.<\/p>\n

Familiar faces in the movie<\/h2>\n

And while we\u2019re on the topic of familiar faces in\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>, here\u2019s another fun tidbit: one of the guitar players on the soundtrack was none other than singer\/actor\u00a0Glen Campbell<\/a>. He played guitar on both the \u201dWhat\u2019d I Say\u201d number and the title track.<\/p>\n

Elvis Presley\u2019s close friend, Red West, makes multiple appearances in\u00a0Viva Las Vegas<\/em>, playing several different uncredited characters. If you look closely, you might spot him throughout the film in various roles.<\/p>\n

Quirky foof in the \u2018What\u2019d I Say\u2019 dance scene<\/h2>\n

In the \u201dWhat\u2019d I Say\u201d dance number, there\u2019s a fun goof to watch for \u2014 white tape or something similar appears and disappears on Lucky\u2019s right hand fingers during the performance.<\/p>\n

Elvis\u2019 rivals\u2019 unlikely survival<\/h2>\n

Here\u2019s another funny little trivia nugget from the movie \u2014 one of the more puzzling moments comes during the race sequence.<\/p>\n

Elvis\u2019 rival, Count Mancini (played by\u00a0Cesare Danova<\/a>), gets into a horrific crash near the end of the race, but Elvis barely bats an eye.<\/p>\n

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