Elvis Presley’s award-winning, final film, “Elvis on Tour,” was released 45 years ago this week.
“Elvis on Tour” covers Elvis’ 15-city tour in the United States in April 1972. It’s Elvis’ second concert documentary, a follow-up to the 1970 documentary, “Elvis: That’s the Way It Is.” “Elvis on Tour” features concert, rehearsal and backstage footage, interviews with Elvis and his father, Vernon, plus footage of fans’ reactions at various venues. There are also clips from Elvis’ appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show and Elvis’ movies.
The concert footage included in the documentary was shot in Hampton Roads, Virginia; Richmond, Virginia; San Antonio, Texas; and Greensboro, North Carolina.
Elvis discusses his stage fright and his desire to put on a good show for his fans during the documentary.
Robert Abel and Pierre Adidge directed “Elvis on Tour,” and Martin Scorsese worked on the movie, too, overseeing the montage sequences.
Fans well-versed in everything Elvis can have fun picking out members of Elvis’ TCB Band, like Ronnie Tutt, James Burton and Glen D. Hardin; members of Elvis’ entourage, such as Jerry Schilling and Charlie Hodge; and the king’s back-up vocal groups, The Sweet Inspirations and J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet.
Elvis fans of all ages share their love for the king in "Elvis on Tour."
Songs included in “Elvis on Tour” include “A Big Hunk O’ Love,” “Never Been to Spain,” “Polk Salad Annie,” “Burning Love,” “An American Trilogy,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “Love Me Tender.”
Elvis and J.D. Sumner and the Stamps Quartet often jammed backstage, and some of those sessions are included in the documentary.
“Elvis on Tour” was a hit upon its release on November 1, 1972, hitting No. 13 on Variety’s National Box Office Survey. Critics loved the documentary, too: the movie won the 1972 Golden Globe Award for Best Documentary.
“Elvis on Tour” is a fan favorite, as it showcases Elvis’ powerful live concerts while giving a bit of insight into the man in the jumpsuit.
"Elvis on Tour" was Elvis' 33rd and final movie.
If you’re an Elvis fan in the UK, be sure to check out the new “Elvis on Tour” exhibition at The O2 in London. The exhibition will cover Elvis’ tours from 1969-1977, and will feature artifacts such as jumpsuits, guitars, tour trunks still filled with silk scarves, costume sketches by Elvis’ designer Bill Belew and more. Get your tickets to the exhibition now.
If you love Elvis’ music, concerts and movies, the Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum at Elvis Presley’s Memphis at Graceland will soon be your favorite, too. You can see artifacts from Elvis’ film and music careers, including jumpsuits, movie costumes, awards and much more. Learn more about the man himself when you visit Graceland and see how the king lived at his beloved mansion. Start planning your rock ‘n’ roll journey today!