Elvis Presley is a true American legend, a talent so unique he’s impossible to replicate. His undeniable chemistry with Ann-Margret set the screen ablaze in the 1964 classic Viva Las Vegas. Their playful duet, “The Lady Loves Me,” remains a highlight of the film, showcasing their dynamic connection.

However, not everything on set went off without a hitch. The movie features several bloopers and mistakes that slipped under the radar—until now. Curious to see what you may have missed? Let’s dive in!

Elvis and Ann-Margret made cinematic and musical history with Viva Las Vegas, which went on to become the highest-grossing Elvis Presley film. Elvis starred as Lucky Jackson, a determined race car driver with big dreams of striking it rich in Las Vegas. Opposite him, Ann-Margret played Rusty Martin, a vivacious dancer who captures Lucky’s heart.

In my view, this film is one of the most underrated gems of all time.

Beyond the captivating performances, Viva Las Vegas offers a nostalgic look at Las Vegas landmarks from an era long gone. The sizzling on-screen chemistry between Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret mirrored their electric off-screen connection, but behind the glitz and glamour, the film is packed with amusing bloopers, surprising mistakes, and hidden gems even die-hard fans may have overlooked.

Elvis’ Box Office Champion
While many might assume Blue Hawaii was Elvis’ biggest box office hit, Viva Las Vegas took the crown, surpassing it by an impressive $450,000. Despite receiving mixed reviews, the film became Elvis’ highest-grossing feature. At just 1 hour and 25 minutes, it also holds the distinction of being his shortest movie.

Ann-Margret Billed Above Elvis?
Though Elvis was already an icon, Ann-Margret’s popularity in the mid-1960s was so immense that some theaters billed her name above his on posters. This speaks volumes about the Swedish-born actress’s status during that time.

A Provocative Critique
At just 22, Ann-Margret dazzled audiences, but not without controversy. A Variety critic, identified only as “Tube,” commented on the film’s heavy focus on her physical attributes:

“Any excuse to stare at a derriere in motion seems good enough for director George Sidney and cameraman Joseph Biroc… While pleasurable to the male eye, the film’s obsession with anatomical contours lacks subtlety or taste.”

Despite the critique, Ann-Margret’s star power shone through, solidifying her status as a Hollywood legend.

The Evolution of Las Vegas
Viva Las Vegas not only celebrated the city’s neon-drenched glamour but also played a role in cementing its image as a global tourist destination. Interestingly, of the many casinos featured in the iconic 1964 opening sequence, only six still stand today—a testament to how much the city has transformed over the decades.

Why Was Viva Las Vegas So Popular?
The film’s success can be attributed to its dazzling combination of Elvis and Ann-Margret’s undeniable chemistry, an energetic soundtrack, and vibrant Technicolor visuals that captured the allure of Las Vegas. Together, these elements made the movie a timeless classic.

Elvis Meets Ann-Margret
Elvis first met Ann-Margret in July 1963 on an empty MGM soundstage, where director George Sidney introduced them. Ann-Margret later recalled the moment vividly:

“Except for a piano, the MGM soundstage was empty. In the background, a few of his guys hung around observing their boss, a ritual I would soon come to expect. George Sidney introduced us, and we both laughed after saying, ‘I’ve heard a lot about you’ at the same time. It was an icebreaker that set the tone for what would become a very special bond.”

An Electric On-Screen Partnership
The chemistry between Elvis and Ann-Margret in Viva Las Vegas was nothing short of magnetic. Ann-Margret had previously outshone her male co-stars in other films, but with Elvis, it was different—he matched her charisma step for step. Their dynamic partnership brought unparalleled energy to the screen, with Ann-Margret later describing it as the best collaboration of her career. Elvis, too, seemed to share the sentiment, making their pairing one of the most memorable in Hollywood history.

The attraction between Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret was undeniable and immediate.

“We both felt a current, an electricity that went straight through us,” Ann-Margret said. “It became a force we couldn’t control.”

Elvis had romantic feelings for Ann-Margret.

Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret’s connection was instant and electric, both on and off the screen.

“We both felt a current, an electricity that went straight through us,” Ann-Margret once shared. “It became a force we couldn’t control.” She admitted that while their chemistry was undeniable, others noticed it even before they fully realized it themselves.

In her autobiography, My Story, Ann-Margret revealed just how deeply their bond ran. According to her, Elvis wanted to marry her. Their dates often involved quiet moments overlooking the city, sharing personal conversations.

“We were truly soul mates, shy on the outside but unrestrained within. We both lived on the edge and were self-destructive in our own ways. Emotionally, we were still very childlike,” she wrote.

The Complicated Reality
However, there was one major obstacle: Elvis was already in a committed relationship with Priscilla Presley, who had moved in with him in Memphis a year before the Viva Las Vegas premiere. Despite their shared love of motorcycles, music, family, and faith, Elvis and Ann-Margret’s relationship faced inevitable limits. They exchanged love letters even after the film, but Elvis ultimately ended things to honor his commitment to Priscilla.

Lifelong Connection
Although their romance ended, their friendship endured. Elvis sent Ann-Margret guitar-shaped floral bouquets every time she performed in Las Vegas. When the flowers stopped arriving in 1977, she instinctively knew he had passed away. Ann-Margret was the only female co-star to attend Elvis’ funeral, cementing the unique bond they shared.

A Battle for the Spotlight
Behind the scenes of Viva Las Vegas, Elvis reportedly clashed with director George Sidney over the attention Ann-Margret received. According to Red West, a close confidant, Elvis complained that Ann-Margret’s camera angles made her the focal point at his expense. The tension escalated until Colonel Parker stepped in, reminding Sidney that this was “an Elvis Presley picture.”

Unforgettable Performances
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Viva Las Vegas delivered some of the most iconic moments of Elvis’ career. While he had six solo numbers compared to Ann-Margret’s two, their duet during the title song remains one of the most memorable dance scenes in cinema history. Ann-Margret’s energy and charisma lit up the screen, embodying the phrase “dance like no one’s watching” and leaving an indelible mark on audiences even decades later.

It’s nearly impossible to look away from Ann-Margret in Viva Las Vegas—she radiates pure talent and charisma. Some fans have even argued that this was one of the rare moments Elvis truly shared the spotlight with someone who could match his energy and skill on the dance floor.

While Elvis brought his signature dynamism to the performance, Ann-Margret’s choreography was in a league of its own. Thanks to the genius of choreographer David Winters, the dance sequence is so electrifying that it remains breathtaking even decades later.

The Lip-Sync Mishap
As keen-eyed viewers have noted, Elvis’ lip-syncing during the Viva Las Vegas performance isn’t exactly flawless. But let’s face it—Ann-Margret’s high-octane moves steal the show so thoroughly that it’s easy to overlook Elvis’ missteps.

A Future Star in the Background
Eagle-eyed fans might spot a young Teri Garr dancing beside Ann-Margret during the iconic “What’d I Say” number. Dressed in a white top with black trim, a black skirt, and heels, Garr makes a memorable appearance. In another scene, she’s sporting a vibrant striped top in red, green, and blue. Long before earning her Oscar nominations, Garr was already leaving her mark in Hollywood.

Familiar Faces in the Mix
Viva Las Vegas also boasts appearances from some familiar names. Glen Campbell, the famed singer and actor, lent his guitar skills to the soundtrack, contributing to both the “What’d I Say” performance and the title track. Meanwhile, Elvis’ close friend and confidant Red West makes multiple uncredited appearances in various roles throughout the film. Keep an eye out—you’ll spot him popping up in different scenes.

A Fun Continuity Goof
In the “What’d I Say” dance number, there’s a quirky detail that’s hard to miss once you notice it. White tape (or something similar) mysteriously appears and disappears from Lucky’s right-hand fingers during the performance. Can you spot it? These little quirks only add to the charm of this classic film!

Elvis’ Rival’s Unlikely Comeback
One of the most amusing and puzzling moments in Viva Las Vegas occurs during the climactic race sequence. Count Mancini, played by Cesare Danova, suffers what appears to be a catastrophic crash near the finish line. However, Elvis’ character, Lucky Jackson, barely reacts, offering a casual “that’s a shame” before speeding off to claim victory.

The real kicker? Despite the severity of the crash, the Count miraculously survives unscathed and even makes an appearance at the wedding scene later in the film, looking perfectly fine. It’s a classic case of movie magic that leaves viewers chuckling.

Ann-Margret on Elvis: A Timeless Bond
Ann-Margret, now 83, continues to enchant fans with her enduring energy and charm. Recently honored by the UNLV College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame, the legendary actress remains a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes stories from her time on Viva Las Vegas.

In a candid interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Ann-Margret reflected on her unique connection with Elvis Presley, offering fresh insights into their bond.

“This might sound strange, but I had never seen him perform before we did the movie. I know that’s hard to believe,” she admitted. “We just discovered how much we had in common. We were both very shy, but something changed when we performed—we became different people. I loved my parents deeply, and he loved his mother just as much.”

Even decades later, Ann-Margret’s reflections keep the magic of Viva Las Vegas alive, reminding fans of the special connection that made the film unforgettable.

Whether you’re drawn to its iconic music, captivating performances, or timeless vintage charm, Viva Las Vegas remains a beloved gem in cinematic history.

Take a moment to celebrate the film that captured the magic of Vegas’ neon lights and introduced us to the unforgettable pairing of Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret. Relive the nostalgia, share the joy with friends, and help keep the legacy of this classic alive for future generations!