jc-osms Elvis back from the brink. After years of increasingly mediocre movies and records, Elvis pulled himself together and appeared in this US TV special and reminded all the hipster crowd who'd moved onto the Beatles, Dylan, Stones, Doors et al just who was still the coolest cat in town.Looking lean and singing mean, the King gets back to his rock and roll and gospel roots in fine style. The show centres really around his recent minor hit record, the excellent, underrated Jerry Reed-written "Guitar Man", but breaks early on for the show's most celebrated sequence as Elvis pours himself into a black leather jump-suit and kicks back with his band in a succession of rock and roll classics. There's also intercut footage of him on the same small stage sans-band rocking out on his early classics "Don't Be Cruel", "Jailhouse Rock" and "Blue Suede Shoes". Perhaps he sings a little too hard at some of these junctures and I could have done without the onstage Memphis Mafia's sycophantic exhortations but in truth he's in great voice and performs with complete confidence.The show then moves to the "Guitar Man" fantasy sequences which unfortunately see less screen time for Elvis at the expense of the slickly choreographed but very un-rock and roll young dancers, the only excuse for their participation which I can see is to either give Elvis or rest and/or time for a costume change. In fact he acts out these mini-sequences with more conviction than in his latter- day movies - earlier on he even cracks a self-deprecating joke about his 29 Hollywood features. The finale is a no-holds-barred version of his then current hit, the big-message song "If I Can Dream", where garbed all in Southern Gentleman white, he looks great against a giant backdrop of just his name.It's not all perfect, like I said the film sequences go on a bit, some of the arrangements are already heading for Vegas and I don't care much for the sentimental song "Memories" which he sings here and which became a "meet and greet" staple at his future shows, but in truth this is a magnetic, knockout performance by Elvis before his manager Colonel Tom Parker sent him to Vegas, where he bigged up on burgers and drugs, losing his shape, then his voice and sadly, in the end, his life.Remember him like this, not the shambling overweight figure who later had to be propped up on stage, read from a lyric sheet and muck up his own songs.

funkyfry The circumstances surrounding the creation of this TV special are well known to all Elvis fans. This is a movie which should be seen by those who are sceptical that Elvis ever had any musical talent; clearly he did have an extraordinary talent and it's on display here. In the acoustic sections of the concert, Elvis jams with some of his Sun Records bandmates and proves that he can rock for real (something he hadn't done is his 20-someodd mostly mediocre movies for MGM, Paramount, and Sam Katzman in the 60s). There are also surreal dance interpretive numbers that feature Elvis karate fighting to the tune of "It Hurts Me" and a spoof (presumably) of spy movies. Thus, this film, more so than any of Elvis' films or other filmed concerts, presents a full view of the artist and his capabilities, which were great indeed. Elvis looks great, probably better than he ever would again, and fans of outre clothing may appreciate the film on a purely fashion level. This is one to be enjoyed many times.

Callum Gee Magical, Mystifying and Memorable - These words describe Elvis and the whole Production of what came to be known as 'The King's' Television Comeback. But it was more than just that - it was 'The Comeback' full stop!After a full Seven years without ever straying from within the confines of a movie set to perform for his public, the opportune moment finally arrived and it came crashing in at the top of the heap of a formula that had already began to show slight signs of improving itself. The non-movie songs that Elvis had recorded of recent times such as 'Guitar Man', 'The U.S. Male' and 'Big Boss Man' had already made their dents on the charts worldwide and two of these were to be featured in the TV Special in Burbank. The ballads were much classier as well: 'You Don't Know Me', 'We Call On Him' and 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. Dare I say it, but the movies appeared to be taking a somewhat different direction as well since the amicably-casted "Speedway", for "Live a Little, Love a Little" was the man's first venture into then modern day adult comedy in which he only sings four songs, all of which are total quality recordings especially the upbeat numbers of 'Edge of Reality' and 'A Little Less Conversation' (which was to be re-recorded for the TV Show, and the rest is history!). The next film "Charro!", a western, offered another adult role for a bearded Elvis who sings only the title song over the opening credits and the emphasis once more was on the man's acting ability. Then on June 22nd, 1968 the tape machine was switched on in the recording studios and the camera's got ready to roll like never before in the Burbank soundstages and witnessed Black Leather, Gold Lame, Denim, Neckerchieves, Wrist-bands, Guitars, Music, Laughter, Acting and 'If I Can Dream'.....It wasn't the 1950's anymore but it was certainly the next best thing. All these things were rolled into this one handsome, tanned, side-burned, slim, tall and nervous human being who was Rock's first iconic legend....ELVIS....and he was back!....

Jerry Ables I have absolutely no complaints about this special because I think it did a great deal of justice to Elvis Presley's stellar career. Everything about it makes it great from the pit session to the musical production numbers. Elvis even closes it out with the awesomely compelling 'If I Can Dream'. This is very easily Elvis at his absolute best. I highly recommend it to any fan.