User Reviews

Viva Las Vegas is a highly entertaining and lively film, sparked by the chemistry of its two gorgeous stars, Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret. When Ann-Margret appeared on Larry King last year, King kept bringing up Elvis, but she wasn't about to talk about him. They were certainly a hot couple, and if they were crazy about each other, which reportedly they were, who can blame them? There is absolutely nothing special about the story, but the movie has some delightful musical numbers, including the title song - which has become part of the popular culture as it personifies everything Vegas.

Colonel Parker wasn't happy about Viva Las Vegas because he felt that Ann-Margret was getting too many closeups in an Elvis Presley film. But without her sexy presence, the film would have lacked a lot of its energy. Elvis was unhappy making this kind of movie, and I imagine he was more willing to go to work with Ann-Margret on the set. It's fun to see them so young and beautiful, and having fun.

For me this is one of Elvis' best, and all because of his oh-so cool leading lady. The songs are terrific; using some priceless musical banter and really catchy tunes- check out the duet "She Loves Me". And, of course, that amazingly 60s dance number set in the college gymnasium "Lovin' my Baby". Ann-Margret is simply brilliant and there is a real chemistry between herself and the King. Watch this film if you get the opportunity.

Ann-Margret revives Elvis from his stupor. He feeds off her energy in a frolic through classic Vegas. Ann-Margret Olsson was born in Sweden. Her mother brought her to the United States when she was 5. Sparks fly as she and Elvis get together at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas for Come On, Everybody. Elvis is on the stage. Ann is dancing below. She wears a pink top and black tights. She shakes her boobs and hips. Elvis pulls her up on stage. This is sexy. Too bad they only made one movie together. There is a wedding at the end, so they would have been a married couple in the sequel. ZZ Top revived the title track with a growl.

I used to not be a big fan of Elvis movies. For all of his talent with a song, his films (with a few exceptions) were basically all the same formula: a crooning playboy situated in (exotic location of your choice), with any number of young, excited women waiting in the wings. But in "VLV" he has a more independent-than-usual female co-star (the stunningly beautiful Ann-Margret), who not only matches him in sex appeal, but who forces him to fight for her affection. It's a wonderful match of wits, from the first number, "The Lady Loves Me." They are both marvelous as they each musically bait the other, right up until he takes a header into a swimming pool. (In subsequent scenes they water ski, have a western-style showdown, tour Vegas in a helicopter, and dance in a gymnasium.) Later, when they both compete in the same talent show, A-M gives Elvis a run for his money with her hotter-than-hot striptease "Appreciation." It's perfect that the final shot in the movie is a split-screen of the title song sung (by him) and danced (by her). If no one knew that they were having a romance in real life; they'd figure it out from the chemistry generated in this film. This one and "G.I. Blues" (which features another independent co-star) are my favorites.

A Typical early-mid '60's Elvis Presley musical-but what a musical!

Some great performances in this one, check out 'C'mon Everybody', it'll blow your tights off-pardon the pun!

No wonder Priscilla was as furious as hell at the time. If you knew exactly what was going on between 'The King' and Ann-Margret after hours on this one, it would surely be classed as pretty risque for the era that it was made in. But, undeniably, they both have that certain something together that make this movie what it is.It is most certainly one of E.P.'s best '60's musicals-

'Viva Elvis'...'Viva Ann-Margret'...'Viva La Sex!'...

The Beatles had just landed when The King and MGM released this surprisingly fun bit of fluff. Fascinating from a vantage point that the heretofore "wild" Elvis would soon seen rather calm, almost traditional when having to confront the English Wave and the growing youth rebellion. The Rolling Stones would hardly turn to George Sidney and MGM! But put the not especially interesting storyline (something that had been problematic for movie musicals since Broadway Melody in 1928!)aside, and watch Elvis and ideal co-star Ann-Margret at their youthful peaks. The old studio still had a knack, and they are helped by some very tuneful music aligned very well with their talents.

Two numbers are just sheer fun --- "The Lady Loves Me" and "Viva Las Vegas", are splendidly kitsch and yet delightful.

Use that DVR fast-forward button and treat yourself for 45 grand minutes.

Forget Elvis, this is an Ann-Margret movie! She is just outstanding and so wonderfully beautiful to look at! You can tell that she had so much fun making this picture. And I guess The King's acting wasn't all that bad. There are the standard songs he sings but he's here to act, as well.

There's not a whole lot of plot but the thing is, it's not so much about a plot, it's about the musical numbers and the Elvis-Ann-Margret interaction. I also love seeing Vegas in the 1960's so there's some pretty cool scenery, too. This is the second time I have seen this, first in over a dozen years, and I look forward to seeing it again one day.

--The Kat Pirate Screener

Although my own personal favorite Elvis film is "Tickle Me" (1965), "Viva Las Vegas" is the last remotely classy film he made and his best musical in years. The Las Vegas locale enabled M-G-M to put in some rock songs--and Ann-Margret (a cross between Marilyn and Madonna) whose image is similar to Elvis's, was a definite plus. The film was even more successful than "Blue Hawaii" (1961)--Presley's biggest hit to date. They took their time shooting it, the songs are well showcased and Elvis and the sexy Ann-Margret form the most attractive twosome in years. It's even quite possible that the challenging Miss Margret briefly lifts him from the doldrums he's been in; most certainly when they double (as in the very catchy "C'mon Everybody" sequence) the fireworks explode loud and bright. Both performers are sinuous and sensual and assured, and between them they manage to lift a routine movie far above what it would otherwise be. But it also has the bonus of director George Sidney ("Bye Bye Birdie")--and it's the last Elvis film that will be so blessed.

Perhaps his best musical comedy, in Viva Las Vegas Elvis was finally teamed with a co- star whose talent matched the intensity of his own style.Viva Las Vegas" has it all. A kinetic, frenetic look at Las Vegas at its hippest. Ann-Margret, the only leading lady who ever could match Elvis' charisma and smoldering sensuality on screen. A score that spawned a song that everybody knows, every band covers and nobody can get out of their heads once they hear it.

Elvis always dominated his films. He was always the only reason to watch them. Margret's sexuality balances Elvis well. It makes me wonder just how good some of his other movies might have been if the studios could have paired him with better costars.Elvis and Ann-Margret sizzle together like two steaks on a barbecue grill.

This is one of Elvis's most iconic films. The title song is a classic and still used today whenever a movie or TV show takes place in Vegas. Viva Las Vegas is a great musical showcase for two of the most electrifying performers of their day as well as an entertaining look back at a far more innocent time.

Conclusion - Worth watching! Rated this 8/10

Like all of ELVIS PRESLEY movie musical/comedies, this one is pretty lame story wise...BUT... a big BUT...This has ANN-MARGRET. She steals the show in every way. As someone posted, when she dances, no one, not even Elvis' biggest fans, can take their eyes off ANN. Wow. What a talent. Too bad she rose to fame just as the movie musical was dying out. She was lucky enough to make the remake of STATE FAIR and one other musical BYE-BYE BIRDIE. What a knock-out. No wonder the Colonal didn't want anyone like her again to star opposite his meal ticket. Never before and never again did was anyone even close to ANN-MARGRET cast opposite him. They all paled by comparison. VIVA LAS VEGAS is worth the cost just to skim through all the musical numbers, especially ANN'S. ELVIS is not bad in this endeavor either, but it's ANN'S show all the way.

Driver Lucky Jackson (Elvis Presley) goes to Las Vegas to race in the first annual Grand Prix Race. His car needs a new engine and he doesn't have the money. While at the garage, Rusty Martin (Ann-Margret) brings in her car for service. Lucky tries to trick her into staying, but she leaves. After a tour of all the casinos, he spots her teaching kids to swim at the hotel pool.

This movie is overloaded with sexiness and easy charms. It doesn't get sexier than Elvis and Ann-Margret. The audience can visit Vegas without leaving the theater. There are a couple of good songs starting with the iconic titular song. It's the perfect Elvis light musical. It's engineered to appeal to the masses. The story doesn't matter. It's just two of the hottest humans around frolicking all over Vegas. There are showgirls. There are set piece dances. There is that new fandango Rock n Roll. Finally, there is fun little car race to finish it. I love all the cool cars. Driving through the neon main drag looks amazing. This has all the crowd pleasing elements.

Elvis deserved to make better movies than this but unfortunately was required to do cloned movies through most of the '60's era.

He proved that he was a good actor but these type of movies didn't show it.

The plot was thin and very corny.

He was also given some woeful songs to sing, except for the title track and one other, the songs were forgettable ..again Elvis deserved better.

If Elvis wasn't in this movie, it would have ended up in the bin.

I love this film! Actually, every time that I see it I like it more. I'm biased, of course, being an Elvis fan (hey, isn't everyone?...if you're not, you should give it a try), but it's still an entertaining way to spend a while. The film's not based on the strongest storyline ever created and it relies on the chemistry between foxy mamacita Ann Margret and the King himself, and that's more than enough. The two had some intense off-screen things going on, too, and perhaps that helps the movie. Both Elvis and Ann Margret look great and they trade lines perfectly. Elvis is more engaged in this film than he had been in any since 1961 and the result's one that he could have been proud of. The shame is that the glossy musical formula than began with 1960's "GI Blues" became an endless rerun throughout Elvis' '60s Hollywood career, but "Viva Las Vegas" is perhaps the highlight of these musicals. Perhaps it's no coincidence that this film has less singing than the ones before and after, the songs all fitting well within the plot. The songs are also among the strongest of Elvis' '60s soundtrack offerings -- pretty much all of them are great tunes. This was most definitely not the case even in earlier films and would progressively become less the norm in subsequent years. The cinematography is also first-rate, as are lighting and transitions -- all of the things that add up to 'production value.' Lush colors and effective use of scenery -- natural and manmade -- included. This is obvious right from the opening credits and is stunningly apparent in the musical numbers. It really looks like a lot of thought went into how the songs were staged, lit, and filmed and that alone is a departure from Elvis' norm. Even most of the other of the better '60s films just stick Elvis up there, singing, while they roll film. Not a lot of imagination very evident in that approach. Check out the great presentation work on songs like "C'mon Everybody" and "What'd I Say," as well as the classic "Viva Las Vegas" talent-contest scene and the perfectly-executed "I Need Somebody To Lean On" scene in which onscreen Elvis is double-tracked with a melancholy inner-voice Elvis. Great stuff.

The film's -- to me -- probably the most entertaining and enjoyable of any of Elvis' '60s musicals. In that category I include most of the films that Elvis shot during the '60s except for the two dramas of 1960 ("Flaming Star" being a particularly excellent film), the two song-sparse movies of 1961 ("Kid Galahad" and the great "Follow That Dream"), and some of the late '60s movies that included only one or a few token songs and had stronger storylines ("Live A Little, Love A Little," "Stay Away, Joe," "Charro!," "The Trouble With Girls," and "Change Of Habit"). Actually, "Viva Las Vegas" is even more enjoyable than most of these ones, too.

Among the supporting actors are Cesare Danova, a beatnik-y Nicky Blair, and William Demarest (Uncle Charlie from "My Three Sons"!), all of whom do a great job. Sharp eyes might also catch Terri Garr, especially in the "C'mon Everybody" scene, though she's in at least one or two others in the film. Red West, Elvis' bodyguard (he also wrote a song -- "If You Think I Don't Need You" -- used in this film) is an extra in the scene that included a bunch of Texas rowdies. Lance Le Gault (a blues singer and Elvis' double in '60s films, inadvertently seen in "Kissin' Cousins" and on full display as a tambourine-player in Elvis' sensational leather-clad 1968 'comeback' shows...he was also Colonel Decker on TV's "The A Team") plays a waiter who, ironically enough, is mistaken for Elvis by Ann Margret's character.

But yeah, when it comes down to it this is a film that succeeds primarily on the strengths of its male and female leads. Some great work by supporting actors doesn't hurt, but Elvis seems inspired to do a good job of acting -- not the walk-through that was becoming increasingly tempting in the face of uninspiring and mediocre storylines and production staff and accountants who didn't care about quality as long as the film was completed on time and on budget to result in the predictable crazy profits that Elvis movies generated in the first half of the '60s. The scene with Elvis waiting on the Count and Rusty exploits Elvis' comedic talents and was a nice touch. I'm surprised, really, that the pairing of Elvis and Ann Margret was never attempted again. They could've done "Grease" in '68!

The film also accomplishes its travelogue role and both it and the title song have become inextricably linked with that desert city. For those of us who have only visited Vegas in more recent years, and to those who remember it as it was in the summer of 1963, this film is a handy time capsule to the Vegas of yore. It was a kick for me to see Elvis and Ann Margret at the Sahara's camel statues because I had my picture taken there, atop one of the camels, back in the '80s (without realizing that it had such a direct Elvis connection). Cool!

All in all, if you haven't yet seen this film you might just enjoy it. It's not going to change your life (then again...who knows?) and it's not "Citizen Kane" (it's a lot more fun, though), but it's a classic of its kind. Scratch that -- it's just a classic. Unfortunately, a couple of months after wrapping "Viva Las Vegas" Elvis began production of "Kissin' Cousins," a film from producer Sam Katzman ("King of the Quickies") that was as cheap and nasty as they come and that showed the way to even greater profit (but at what cost?).

Elvis was before me, or at least I felt like he was. I was part of that group of kids who discovered rock music when the Beatles landed. So even though Elvis was still on the scene and having hits, I tended to think of him in the same way I thought of Frank Sinatra or Bing Crosby. Previous generation's music, old hat, passé. And aside from the occasional single that caught my ear and made me think, "hmm, not bad," that's pretty much how my perception stayed, until he died. Then I thought I'd give him a second chance. So I took a crash course in Elvis. Went out and bought a bunch of his albums, from the earliest to 'Moody Blue.' Even watched a bunch of his movies, which I wouldn't have been caught dead doing before. Not surprisingly, perhaps, I found a lot to like. My own quirky tastes led me to enjoy his sixties music, especially the singles from the films, more than his earlier and supposedly 'purer' songs. And one of the things I found that I liked most about Elvis was his attitude; he didn't take himself seriously at all. A lot of high-minded music and film critics thought he was goofy, but guess what? So did he. And he was a movie star, for over a decade. Maybe an Elvis expert can tell me some day why he kept churning out essentially B-movies year after year when he should have issuing classic rock albums and standing at the pinnacle of popular music. Did he think he could do both, or was doing both? Or maybe it gets back to that 'attitude' thing again, that he just didn't give a damn. So then, 'Viva Las Vegas.' Probably the quintessential sixties Elvis flick. As with all of his vehicles, the plot doesn't bear close scrutiny, but in this case, he's a race car driver who's trying to raise money to fix his race car, so he winds up in Las Vegas and fools around with Ann-Margret. Makes sense to me. Thanks to some reliable old movie hands, like director George Sidney, and a VERY energetic Ann-Margret, 'Viva Las Vegas' is a cut above Elvis' other films from the period. The energy level is high and the musical numbers are very entertainingly staged. In fact, if I were to pick a single sequence in any of the movies to illustrate Elvis' appeal, it would be the set-piece given 'C'mon Everybody.' It is so great and so goofy, it sums up everything there is to love about Elvis in a little over two minutes. He is the epitome of cool, his dance moves elegantly effortless and supremely silly at the same time. It really is as though he doesn't even have to try, once the music's on, Elvis is on and you can't take your eyes off him, no matter how hard Ann-Margret tries to provide distraction. As he struts, slinks and stomps across the stage, singing those immortal lyrics-

Ain't nothing wrong with longhair music

Like Brahms, Beethoven, and Bach

But I was raised with a guitar in my hand

And I was born to rock!

-you just KNOW you're watching the King of Rock 'n Roll. Elvis Presley's films exist outside the world of the sixties as most remember them; there are no real hippies and no attempts at psychedelia. In the party scenes where Elvis inevitably gets up and sings, the men look like insurance salesmen and the women all seem to be refugees from Hefner's Playboy Mansion. They didn't come across as 'hip' even at the time. But 'Viva Las Vegas' infuses the insular Elvis formula with jolts of star-powered electricity and its own kind of rock and roll energy, propelling it above the rest and reminding us why that peculiarly American rock icon, Elvis Presley, still occupies a unique place in our culture, heart, and soul.

Yeah! Viva Las Vegas, baby!

Elvis and Ann-Margaret, probably the best looking couple to share the screen, whoop it up big time in Sin City. The plot is silly, but the songs are wonderful, especially the title theme. How many times have you been driving down the road when suddenly you sing "Viva Las Vegas!" and then hum that perfect guitar riff that follows?

Oh, and did I mention that Elvis and Ann-Margaret are both hot? Fun for the whole family!

Elvis Presley movies, by and large, aren't very good. Thirty one feature length pictures he made, of which arguably only half a dozen are jointly watchable and entertaining. But even the stinkers have fans, and not just fans of the King in general, also cinema fans happy to embrace the cheese and kind of just run with it. Yet to totally dismiss Presley's input into the world of cinema is doing a disservice to the small number of movies he made that actually hold up well under scrutiny. One such film is Viva Las Vegas. A film that is of course a frothy hip shaking colourful bonanza, but one that also shows that given a quality co-star to work off, Presley had it in him to move successfully away from the cash cow dirge that his manager Colonel Tom Parker was binding him to.

The plot sees Presley as race car driver "Lucky Jackson" who arrives in Vegas for the Grand Prix that is being held there. But his car is in need of engine repair and he just hasn't got the money to fix it. Taking a job as a waiter, things are further complicated when he meets sexy pool attendant/dance teacher Rusty Martin {Ann-Margret}. Not only is she spurning his advances, but he has a rival for Rusty's affection; Count Elmo Mancini (Cesare Danova), who is also a fellow race driver and is set on winning the Grand Prix himself.

That's really all there is to it, plot simplicity at its finest. Naturally the film is an excuse for Presley to chase the girl, sing some tunes and become a race car hero too. But Viva Las Vegas has a real fun quality that is so lacking in most of his other musicals, it's vibrant, savvy and, yes, sexy. Due in no small part to the chemistry between Presley and Margret. It's believed there was an affair between the two, but casting aside that fact, there was also to be a friendship between them both that lasted up until Presley's sad and untimely death. This film serves as a fitting testament to the birth of that friendship. Old professional George Sidney directs the piece unfussily, even if we perhaps get one too many camera shots of the lovely Miss Margret's derrière (seriously, see how many rear shots you can spot). While Joseph F. Biroc is on hand for cinematography duties as the Vegas piece is brought to life in Panavision & Metrocolor.

The film is also notable for two other points of worth, it's one of Elvis' highest grossing pictures and it contains arguably the best set of songs assembled for one of his film's. Along with the wonderful title song we also get the likes of "The Lady Loves Me", "Come On Everybody", "The Yellow Rose Of Texas", "The Eyes Of Texas Are Upon You", "I Need Somebody To Lean On", "Today, Tomorrow And Forever", "What'd I Say", "If You Think I Don't Need You" & Margret weighs in too with the delightful "Appreciation" & "My Rival". Oddly, and the subject of much criticism over the passing decades, RCA pretty much ignored the soundtrack for the film. Cutting some highly regarded tunes from the film and failing to truly market and utilise what was on offer. The fools.

With both stars looking and sounding terrific (Presley looks like he is cut from porcelain), and Margret matching the King for energy and ants in your pants dancing, Viva Las Vegas is a ball of fun. An ode to love, joy and music, so really there's no excuse to not let the Pelvis and the Derriere take you to foot tapping Nirvana. 7/10

Okay, so most Elvis movies aren't great. But they weren't INTENDED to be. They were intended ONLY to entertain, and they do just that. They also took care of that back in the 60's when Elvis was a money maker for the box office. Viva Las Vegas isn't a SPECTACULAR movie, but its definitely full of eye candy; and the pairing of the beautiful Ann-Margret with the beautiful Elvis Presley was perfection. I like A-M, I like Elvis. Neither out-shined the other in this movie, regardless. They were fully complimentary to one another, period. The movie is light, harmless, fun and colorful. No big cinematic deal, but that doesn't mean this one is forgettable. Elvis COULD act, contrary to popular belief. "King Creole" and "Jailhouse Rock" stand as testament to that; but mainly good clean fun was the name of the game. I personally don't always want to sit down and watch something too in depth. I'm well rounded; and it doesn't have to be a super blockbuster to get my attention. Good movie, and I do recommend it.

I have always been an Elvis fan, but I've never really seen a movie with Ann-Margaret featured in it. I always thought she was just a (very) pretty face, but I feel bad that I only now know what a dynamic entertainer she was in her day...and what a knockout!!! The scene."The lady loves me" is such a keeper!!! Forty-one years later, it's still a blast. Most people would call it corny as hell, but I thought it was a great performance by both Elvis and A-M. I just really don't think there are any female performers today with the combination of looks, personality and overall talent of Ann-Margaret in her hey-day!...a terrific movie....

Elvis Presley plays a singing race car driver hotly pursuing swimming instructor Ann-Margret. She's a singer, too; and, they make beautiful music in Las Vegas. Can Elvis win both Ann-Margret and the "Big Race"?

Beautifully choreographed and directed, "Viva Las Vegas" is one of the best Elvis movies. The "Elvis Presley Movie Formula" is well-represented. His performance is confident and relaxed. He has a co-star of worth in Ann-Margret; clearly, they enhance each other's performance. The title song is classic, heading up an extraordinary "Viva Las Vegas" soundtrack. You can see the studio spent some more money on this production. The movie lacks a complimentary, well-constructed story; but, the filmmakers were, probably, not aware they had a potential classic.

****** Viva Las Vegas (3/30/64) George Sidney ~ Elvis Presley, Ann-Margret, Cesare Danova, William Demarest

Was this movie shoddily written for the time or have we just gotten better at making movies? The plot pacing is terrible, Elvis' character is a creep, the romance happens too fast, and the entire movie is a mess. I do like the shots of Vegas.

I am might be one of those rare breeds that prefer the lighter fare of Elvis films rather than his earlier and dramatic output. And this one is a great example of that fun film with plenty of songs and hip swinging and girls. The inclusion of the exquisite Ann Magaret increases the fun, has a great chemistry with the king and can sing just as good. The plot is smooth, well paced and your time goes past agreeably.it's a feel-good mind candy film, the kind that makes you feel good, and forget your troubles.

I saw "Viva Las Vegas" for a different reason than some people.

I have visited Las Vegas in 2002, 2003, and 2004, and I wanted to see the difference.

Some of the hotels, like the "Stardust", and the "Flamingo" are still there. Others are gone. Well, it has been 40 years.

The movie was supposed to be shot inside the "Flamingo". It is different now. Also, downtown Las Vegas, where the "Goldern Nugget" was shown (it's still standing), now has a covering, the "Freemont Street Experience".

It is a good picture. Nice love story. Probably wouldn't have been made (or watched) without Elvis in it.

One thing, at the "Imperial Palace" hotel, they have "Legends in Concert", where they have imitators of celebrities. I think they always have Elvis, but he only sings part of "Viva Las Vegas" (he sings other songs). Since "Viva Las Vegas has singing about possibley going broke, that may be why they don't sing it all.

In a episode of "Thunder in Paradise", Chris Lemmon duels a Frenchman. The Frenchman says "Viva Le France". Lemmon says "Viva Las Vegas". The Fenchman says he hates Elvis.

Probably encouraged travel to Las Vegas. Made me want to return.

I was in the Air Force when this came out. All of us guys forced to live in barracks were anxious to get out and go somewhere whenever we could. One destination was the movie theater on the Base -- I remember when "Viva Las Vegas" opened, and a bunch of us went to see it. There was one reason that we did, and only one: Ann-Margret! Except for her, it's another insipid Elvis film, but by the time the film is over, the writers have turned even her into another mindless creature chasing after Elvis the King. With the wholesale changes in Vegas over the past 60 years (not necessarily for the better), the film is now badly outdated.