Elvis Presley was clearly the most popular entertainer of his era. He’s been given the nickname ‘The King,’ and he has the star power to back it up. His multiple hit records and movies are cherished by his fans.
On November 15, 1956, Elvis made his big-screen debut in ‘Love Me Tender.’ The movie was set in Texas following the Civil War. Elvis played the role of ‘Clint Reno,’ who was the younger brother of a Confederate soldier.
The movie was initially titled ‘The Reno Brothers,’ but after Elvis sang the hit song ‘Love Me Tender,’ the name was changed. This was the first Elvis movie, and he went on to make over 30 more in his career.
Elvis signed to ‘Sun Records’ in 1954, and by March of 1956, he released his first album. It went to the top spot on Billboard’s pop album chart. In the same year, Presley had his first Hollywood screen test for the movie ‘The Rainmaker,’ but he didn’t get the role.
By 1957, Presley’s third hit film ‘Jailhouse Rock’ opened in theaters, and it became one of the most critically-acclaimed films of his career. Elvis went on to star in many more hit films, including his 4th movie ‘King Creole.’
The Western-themed Love Me Tender’ was the only time Elvis didn’t receive top billing in his career. He starred alongside Richard Egan and Debra Paget. Once Elvis’ song ‘Love Me Tender’ passed one million in sales, the film’s title was changed.
This was the only time in his career that Elvis played a historical figure. The romantic plot involves a complicated love triangle. It turned out to be a massive success for Elvis in 1956.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2AgGfg1U74
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