Elvis Presley is one of those irreplaceable American icons, impossible to replicate.
His sizzling on-screen chemistry with Ann-Margret in the 1964 classic “Viva Las Vegas” brought sparks to life, especially in their playful and flawless duet, “The Lady Loves Me.”
But not everything went smoothly behind the scenes. There were bloopers and mistakes that slipped through unnoticed — until now. Curious to find out what you missed? Let’s dive in!
Together, Elvis and Ann-Margret made movie and musical history in “Viva Las Vegas”, which became the highest-grossing Elvis film. Elvis stars as Lucky Jackson, a determined race car driver looking to strike it rich in Las Vegas, while Ann-Margret plays Rusty Martin, a lively dancer who wins Lucky’s heart.
In my view, it’s one of the most underrated films of all time.
Beyond the captivating performances, “Viva Las Vegas” also offers a rare look at iconic old Vegas landmarks that have since disappeared.
The chemistry between Elvis and Ann-Margret was undeniable, and their off-screen connection was just as electrifying. However, beneath all the glitz and glamour, there are some hilarious goofs, hidden mistakes, and funny moments that even the most devoted fans might have overlooked.
Elvis’ Box Office Crown Jewel
I always thought “Blue Hawaii” was the big box office hit among Elvis’ 31 theatrical films. If I had been asked in a quiz, I would’ve confidently guessed that it was the top grosser 10 out of 10 times.
But surprise, surprise — “Viva Las Vegas” actually took the crown, out-earning “Blue Hawaii” by an impressive $450,000. Despite receiving mixed reviews, it went on to become the highest-grossing Elvis Presley film.
At just 1 hour and 25 minutes, “Viva Las Vegas” also holds the distinction of being the shortest film of Elvis Presley’s career.
Ann-Margret Above Elvis Presley
It’s hard to imagine today, considering how much of an icon Elvis was — and still is. But did you know some theaters actually billed Ann-Margret above Elvis Presley due to her massive popularity at the time?
That speaks volumes about how huge and in-demand the stunning Swedish-born Ann-Margret was in the mid-1960s.
Too Much Emphasis on Female Physical Assets
Ann-Margret, just 22 at the time, didn’t escape some critique when “Viva Las Vegas” was released. Variety’s reviewer, simply identified as “Tube,” had this to say about the film’s focus on her physical attributes:
“Any 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 other women in the film makes the sexy scrutiny downright pleasurable to the male eye, but there is a certain lack of tastefulness or subtlety about the film’s obsession with peeping at anatomical contours and epidermis simply for the sake of peeping.”
Quite the critique, right? Despite this focus, Ann-Margret’s undeniable star power still managed to shine through.
The Casinos That Survived the Neon Glow
“Viva Las Vegas” played a key role in shaping the city’s image as a global tourism hotspot. However, as mentioned earlier, of all the casinos featured in the 1964 opening sequence of “Viva Las Vegas”, only six remain today. It’s a fun little tidbit that highlights just how much Las Vegas has transformed over the years.
The filming locations were spread throughout the city, taking place before Elvis’ marriage to Priscilla at the Aladdin and his legendary residency at the International Hotel (now the Wingate).
Why Was “Viva Las Vegas” So Popular?
The film’s popularity can be attributed to a mix of factors: the undeniable chemistry between Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret, the catchy and energetic soundtrack, and the dazzling technicolor visuals that showcased both the stars’ magnetic performances and the vibrant, neon-lit allure of Las Vegas.
The Moment Elvis and Ann-Margret Met
Aside from his family, Ann-Margret held a special place as one of the most significant women in Elvis Presley’s life.
The Swedish-born actress first met Elvis Presley in early July 1963 at Radio Recorders studios in Hollywood. It was there, on an empty MGM soundstage—except for a piano—that they were introduced to each other and the press as the stars of “Viva Las Vegas”. Ann-Margret recalled the moment:
“Except 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 pictures of what the film executives hoped would be a historic moment.
‘Elvis Presley, I’d like you to meet a wonderful young lady, Ann-Margret,’ said George Sidney. ‘Ann-Margret, this is Elvis Presley.’ The significance was lost on Elvis and me. I reached out my hand and he shook it gently. ‘I’ve heard a lot about you,’ we both said at the same time, which made us laugh and broke the ice.”
The Passion Between Ann-Margret and Elvis
Looking at stills and scenes from “Viva Las Vegas” today, it’s undeniable: the chemistry between Ann-Margret and Elvis was electric from the start.
Ann-Margret’s energy and charisma were so magnetic that she had outshone her previous three male co-stars. But with Elvis, it was different—he matched her every move. Together, they formed an on-screen partnership like no other, one that Ann-Margret would later describe as the best she’d ever had. And in many ways, Elvis seemed to feel the same. Simply put, their attraction was instant and powerful.
“We both felt a current, an electricity that went straight through us,” Ann-Margret said. “It would become a force we couldn’t control.”
“I’m sure the producers knew that the fast-paced, boy-meets-girl musical would be improved if the chemistry between Lucky and Rusty was just right. Initially, Elvis and I might’ve admitted that the only heat between us came from the hot desert sun. But others saw sparks from the very beginning,” Ann-Margret later shared
Elvis Wanted to Marry Ann-Margret
Though Ann-Margret has been cautious about revealing the full details of her relationship with Elvis, she shared some intimate insights in her autobiography, “My Story”.
According to Ann-Margret, Elvis had expressed a desire to marry her. Their dates often consisted of quiet moments, driving up a hill, gazing at the city below, and having deep conversations.
”We 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… In many ways, if you put aside the celebrity and what we achieved so quickly, we both remained very childish and were emotionally insecure,” Ann-Margret writes in her book.
However, there was a significant obstacle—Elvis was in a committed relationship with Priscilla Presley. Just a year before the “Viva Las Vegas” premiere, Elvis had asked 17-year-old Priscilla to move in with him in Memphis.
Motorcycles, Family, Faith, and Late-Night Talks
While working together on “Viva Las Vegas”, Ann-Margret and Elvis quickly discovered how much they had in common. Beyond their shared love of music, both had a passion for motorcycles, a deep devotion to family, a strong commitment to their faith, and enjoyed long, intimate late-night talks.
Early on during filming, Elvis invited Ann-Margret to join him and his crew for a night out at a Las Vegas show. Ann-Margret recalled, “It was an innocent, friendly date. I was used to having my parents accompany me on dates, so Elvis’ entourage wasn’t a problem. His guys always treated me wonderfully.”
In return, Elvis’ friends found themselves comfortable around Ann-Margret. Elvis’ cousin, Billy Smith, shared, “She made his life a little easier because she understood him and didn’t make any demands on him. She even understood his need for us. Priscilla never understood that.”
Why Didn’t Elvis Marry Ann-Margret?
Ultimately, the deep connection between Ann-Margret and Elvis proved to be a double-edged sword. They were “mirror images” of each other, and that wasn’t necessarily a good thing, given Elvis’ values.
He was traditional and conservative in his view of marriage, and Priscilla Presley fit that profile—Ann-Margret did not.
Though they continued exchanging love letters after “Viva Las Vegas”, Elvis eventually knew that he had to end the relationship with Ann-Margret. As she writes in “My Story”, “We knew that our relationship had to end, that Elvis needed to fulfill his commitment.”
A Lasting Bond Despite Their End
Though their romantic relationship ended, Elvis and Ann-Margret continued to stay in touch after his marriage to Priscilla. “The King” had a special way of showing his affection—every time Ann-Margret performed in Las Vegas, he would send her stunning guitar-shaped floral bouquets.
Their bond remained strong throughout the years, with Ann-Margret and Elvis staying lifelong friends. However, in 1977, after a show in Las Vegas, Ann-Margret noticed something missing—no flowers had arrived. In that moment, she knew something was tragically wrong. It was the heartbreaking realization that Elvis had passed away.
Ann-Margret was the only female co-star of Elvis to attend his funeral, a testament to their enduring friendship and the profound connection they shared.
The Camera Angle Controversy
Viva Las Vegas is often hailed as the Elvis film where he seemed to be having the most fun, fully engaged with the project. But was that the entire picture?
It turns out, Elvis had some issues with the way things were being done behind the scenes, particularly with how the camera angles seemed to favor Ann-Margret. According to Red West, one of Elvis’ closest confidants and bodyguards, the King wasn’t shy about expressing his displeasure: “He would complain bitterly to us that the sonofabitch was trying to cut him out of the picture.”
This complaint didn’t go unnoticed. Elvis’ grievances reached Colonel Parker, who wasn’t about to let anyone overshadow his prized client. The Colonel, always protective of his star, allegedly confronted director George Sidney, reminding him in no uncertain terms that this was an “Elvis Presley picture.”
The Hottest Dance Scene in Viva Las Vegas
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Elvis clearly still had the lion’s share of the spotlight. He delivered six solo numbers in the film, while Ann-Margret only had two. But there’s one iconic dance scene where both stars brought their A-game: the unforgettable “Viva Las Vegas” sequence.
Looking at it now, 60 years later, Ann-Margret’s electrifying presence on the dance floor is impossible to ignore. Her energy and charisma light up the screen—some fans even argue it’s the only time Elvis shared the spotlight with a dancer whose talent could truly match his own.
While Elvis exuded his signature enthusiasm, it’s clear that Ann-Margret’s choreography is in a league of its own. Thanks to choreographer David Winters, we’re left with a vibrant, exhilarating dance number that’s still as captivating as ever.
Bad Lip-Syncing
During the iconic “Viva Las Vegas” dance/music sequence, Elvis Presley’s lip-syncing is noticeably off. While some have pointed out the lack of synchronization, it’s hard to focus on Elvis when Ann-Margret’s high-energy performance dominates the scene. After all, with her electrifying moves and magnetic presence, who’s really paying attention to anything else?
Future Oscar Nominee in the Background
A fun Easter egg for fans: during the “What’d I Say” number, you can spot a young Teri Garr in the background. She’s wearing a white top with black trim, black skirt, and heels, dancing beside Ann-Margret. Later in her career, Teri Garr would go on to receive Oscar nominations, but here, she’s already making her mark as an extra in this high-energy sequence.
Familiar Faces in the Movie
Viva Las Vegas is full of familiar faces! One standout is Glen Campbell, who plays guitar on the soundtrack for both the “What’d I Say” number and the title track. In addition, Elvis’ close friend, Red West, makes several uncredited appearances throughout the movie, playing different characters. If you’re paying attention, you can catch him in multiple scenes, adding an extra layer of fun for fans of the King.
Quirky Foof in the ‘What’d I Say’ Dance Scene
There’s a quirky goof in the “What’d I Say” dance scene that’s easy to miss — a piece of white tape or something similar appears and disappears on Lucky’s right hand fingers during the performance. It’s a fun little detail to spot next time you watch the iconic number.
Elvis’ Rivals’ Unlikely Survival
One of the funniest and most puzzling moments in *Viva Las Vegas* comes during the race sequence. Elvis’ rival, Count Mancini (played by Cesare Danova), is involved in a horrific crash near the race’s end, but Elvis simply shrugs it off with a casual, “That’s a shame,” before speeding off to victory. The real kicker? Somehow, the Count walks away from the crash completely unscathed and even shows up at the wedding scene at the end — totally fine! It’s a perfect example of movie magic at its most charming.
Ann-Margret’s Honest Confession About Elvis
At 83, Ann-Margret continues to mesmerize audiences with her timeless allure. Recently inducted into the UNLV College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame, she remains as captivating as ever, keeping the legacy of “Viva Las Vegas” alive through fascinating stories from behind the scenes. In an interview with the “Las Vegas Review-Journal”, Ann-Margret opened up about her relationship with Elvis, offering a fresh perspective on their connection.
One of her most surprising confessions? “This sounds weird, but I had never seen him perform before I did the movie. I know that’s hard to believe,” Ann-Margret shared. Despite their initial shyness, she revealed that they quickly discovered they were very much alike. “We were both very shy, but then you become this other person when you are performing. I loved my parents so much, and he loved his mother so much.” This heartfelt revelation adds another layer of depth to their unforgettable chemistry.
