Viva Las Vegas remains one of Elvis Presley’s most beloved films, largely due to the undeniable chemistry between him and Ann-Margret. Their duet, “The Lady Loves Me,” showcases this perfectly—it’s playful, electric, and charming from start to finish. In my opinion, the film is often overlooked when discussing great musicals of the era. It captures not only the youthful energy of its stars but also the unique spirit of 1960s Las Vegas, with locations that no longer exist and a mood that’s impossible to replicate today. Yet behind the polished screen performances, there were numerous mishaps and moments of tension that most viewers never noticed. These little quirks only add to the film’s charm, and looking back now, they give us a fuller picture of the production and the people behind it.
Behind-the-Scenes Realities and Shifting Spotlight
One of the most surprising facts I learned was that Viva Las Vegas turned out to be Elvis’s highest-grossing film, outperforming Blue Hawaii by $450,000. Despite its brief 85-minute runtime, it packed a memorable punch. However, not everything during production was smooth. Director George Sidney’s focus on Ann-Margret, especially in choreography and camera angles, led Elvis to feel overshadowed. His concerns eventually reached Colonel Parker, who insisted that the spotlight return to Elvis. Still, Ann-Margret’s influence couldn’t be ignored. In some theaters, she was even billed above Elvis, a testament to her growing star power at the time. Variety’s review from that era wasn’t entirely kind, stating, “Any excuse to gaze at a moving derriere seems welcomed by director George Sidney and cameraman Joseph Biroc,” reflecting how Ann-Margret’s screen presence challenged the norms of the time.
A Real-Life Romance That Rivaled the Screen
What made the film even more compelling was the off-screen relationship between the two leads. Elvis and Ann-Margret met at a Hollywood recording studio in July 1963, and their connection was instant. She remembered, “The stage was empty save for a piano,” and described their introduction as a moment both anticipated and unforgettable. Their relationship quickly deepened, becoming more than just a professional bond. “We felt an electric current that neither of us could control,” Ann-Margret later said. Their late-night conversations, shared love of motorcycles, and mutual devotion to family brought them closer. Elvis even discussed the possibility of marriage during quiet moments together. In her memoir, she wrote, “We were soulmates, shy outwardly, yet untamed inside. We lived on the edge, both destructively, remaining in many ways emotionally insecure.” But with Elvis already committed to Priscilla Presley, their romance was destined to remain incomplete.
Friendship Beyond Romance and an Everlasting Connection
Though their relationship did not result in marriage, the emotional connection between Elvis and Ann-Margret endured. They continued exchanging letters and gifts for years. Elvis famously sent her guitar-shaped flower arrangements during her Vegas shows—until 1977, when they suddenly stopped. That silence was how Ann-Margret learned of his death. She was the only woman among his former co-stars to attend his funeral, which speaks volumes about the depth of their bond. Their chemistry onscreen was unlike anything else in Elvis’s career, and even fans could see he genuinely enjoyed working with her. However, creative tensions did exist, particularly around how much attention Ann-Margret received. Despite this, both stars delivered some of their best performances, especially in scenes like the high-energy “Viva Las Vegas” number choreographed by David Winters. Elvis performed more songs, but it’s Ann-Margret’s movement and presence that truly stand out in that sequence.
Flaws, Cameos, and a Legacy That Lives On
Like many classics, Viva Las Vegas comes with its share of bloopers and hidden gems. There’s a visible lip-sync mishap during one of Elvis’s dance scenes, and eagle-eyed viewers can spot continuity errors, like tape that appears and disappears on Elvis’s fingers. In the “What’d I Say” scene, future star Teri Garr dances beside Ann-Margret, marking one of her earliest on-screen moments. Glen Campbell contributed guitar work to the soundtrack, and Red West—Elvis’s close friend—showed up in uncredited roles. The ending race features a humorous movie magic moment: Count Mancini crashes dramatically, but turns up perfectly fine at the wedding. While small details like these might slip by unnoticed, they now add a nostalgic charm for longtime fans.
Ann-Margret, now 83, still speaks fondly of her time with Elvis. She was recently honored by UNLV’s College of Fine Arts and continues to reflect on their unique relationship. In a recent talk, she said their shared shyness brought them closer, especially because they both transformed completely when performing. Watching Viva Las Vegas today is not only an entertaining experience, but a reminder of two stars whose spark has never quite been matched. Their shared moments on screen and behind the scenes continue to resonate with those who admire sincerity and brilliance in performance.
