"Elvis: Hollywood Hot Shot or Flop?"

And so it was that show biz veterans watched and wondered as the girls trailed Presley everywhere he went, as pandemonium broke out wherever he appeared in person, and as police valiantly tried to curb and control his followers at Presley's personal appearances. Say what you will about the sometimes uncontrolled enthusiasm of his fans, no one can deny that they are orderly and consistent about remembering to rush out and buy such RCA records as "Heartbreak Hotel," "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Hound Dog." And they do collect themselves enough to rush out to the nearest theatre or night club at which Presley appears, too.

In the midst of all the excitement about the young man with the booming baritone (called caterwauling by non-Presley fans) and gyrating singing style, Hal Wallis announced that Elvis would be introduced to movie audiences as a college lad in a straight dramatic role.

You could have heard the gasp all the way back to RCA Victor. Actually, however, Wallis may not be taking so big a gamble as some people think. Presley's white tie and tails, non-gyrating stint on Steve Allen's NBC show impressed viewers enough to help Steve out rate his seemingly unbeatable TV rival, Ed Sullivan, a feat seldom achieved in more than eight years. His stint on the Allen show obviously impressed Ed Sullivan, too, for Elvis has been signed for three appearances on Sullivan's CBS-TV program. 

As we go to press, Elvis's first appearance is slated for Sunday, September 9th. His other two appearances are scheduled to follow at eight-week intervals.

Aside from Sullivan, more and more people are convinced that Elvis can and will prove to be, a solid performer - and not just a sensational headline personality.

In any event, you can bank on Elvis' doing whatever pays -off for Presley. Though Elvis claims he just "jumps with the beat, 'cause the jumpin's in me," he knows full well that fame is a fragile thing. When asked directly how long he thought his popularity would last, he commented, "That I couldn't tell you. I wish I knew. As long as it (rock 'n' roll) sells, I'll try to make the most of it. When it stops, I'll try to do somethin' else the public likes."

As of now, it looks as though Hal Wallis hopes to anticipate the public's zest for something different - even from Presley. But in the final analysis, as with Wallis' other headliners, Martin and Lewis, Presley 's future depends on the public. He'll be Hollywood hot shot or flop depending upon how much excitement moviegoers think he generates on film.

Our guess is that given a sound story, expert direction and a little time, he'll prove an overnight sensation can become a big movie star. This, after all, is within the realm of possibility - and should be easy for one who has already achieved the well-nigh impossible with stunning success.

EIN Note: This Movieland article was "going to press" probably in early August since it was after Ed Sullivan's September TV show with Elvis had been announced. The article however states that Elvis' first movie is going to be a Hal Wallis production with "Elvis introduced to movie audiences as a college lad in a straight dramatic role" yet by mid-August 20th Century Fox had signed Elvis up for 'The Reno Brothers' with Hal Wallis waiving his rights to produce Elvis' first picture.

The featured concert photos appear to be from June 9, 1956 at the State Fairgrounds, Phoenix, Arizona.

The previous night, June 8, Elvis performed at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, looking very similar but wearing a tie, which produced these two memorable photos.. 

Spotlight "Elvis Presley: Sun's Newest Star": Printed in the US 'Cowboy Songs' June 1955 issue this was the first national magazine article about Elvis. 
The magazine was dedicated to "Hillbilly - Western Songs" and "Favorite Folktunes", country musicians Webb Pierce, Ferlin Husky and The Davis Sisters were all noted on the font cover - along with "Elvis Presley - A Dream Come True".
The article noted that, 'Elvis Presley 'Sun’s Newest Star' at 19 is already enjoying the first reality of life’s dream: to sing for people and hear the spontaneous applause that means he’s made a hit!'
It is interesting that despite the magazines focus on folktunes / country songs the article praises Elvis for his "authentic treatment of Rhythm and Blues songs".

The first in an EIN series looking at early, original magazine articles about Elvis Presley.
Go here to discover more..
(EIN Spotlight by Piers Beagley / Paul Gansky) 

Magazine Review -'Remembering Elvis... The King at 90': LIFE magazine commemorates Elvis' upcoming 90th birthday. It is described as:
“Celebrate the King of Rock 'n' Roll with this keepsake biography of Elvis Presley, lavishly illustrated with dozens of historic photos, including many from the archives of LIFE magazine.
“A detailed timeline traces Elvis's life from when he received his first guitar to his glory days filled with recording, acting, and gyrating for shrieking fans, to his great '68 comeback, and right up to his untimely death in 1977.
“Intimate photojournalism combines with insightful text to reveal Elvis behind the scenes: at Graceland and on the road, with Priscilla and Lisa Marie, in front of the cameras, and on the stage.
Explore the days of "Heartbreak Hotel," "Don't Be Cruel," "Blue Suede Shoes," "Jailhouse Rock," "Love Me Tender," "Blue Christmas" and so many other unforgettable hits.

Does the magazine add anything new to their previous "Remembering Elvis" publications?
EIN's Piers Beagley shelled out hard-earned cash hoping for something new, but sadly he was disappointed - Check out our review to find out why.
(Book Review, Source;ElvisInformationNetwork)

'1956, Elvis Presley’s Pivotal Year': TIME magazine featured this recent article by SONY/FTD's music producer and consultant Roger Semon. The article helps explain to readers what the new deluxe box-set 'Young Man With The Big Beat' is all about.
... "In the mid-1950s, the post-war Eisenhower era of social conformity in America was at its peak, and musically, the most threatening image appeared to be Bill Haley’s kiss-curl as he sang “Rock Around The Clock.” That all changed on Jan. 28, 1956, when a raw and electric Elvis Presley made his breakthrough on the CBS program Stage Show. Presley’s good looks, sensuous moves and mesmerizing voice made him a sensation overnight. But it wasn’t until a third appearance on the show that Presley truly challenged the status quo. On Feb. 11, the singer performed “Heartbreak Hotel” and by April, the single would be #1 on the Billboard chart. At last, teenagers had music of their own to swoon over while their parents continued listening to Frank Sinatra and Mario Lanza....

Click HERE for the full article and fabulous Elvis Photos.
(Spotlight; Source;Time/ElvisInfoNet)