Elvis Presley remains an irreplaceable figure in American pop culture, a true legend whose charm and talent are unmatched. His on-screen connection with Ann-Margret in the 1964 classic Viva Las Vegas is the stuff of cinematic magic, particularly their delightful duet, “The Lady Loves Me,” which showcases their undeniable chemistry.

However, like any film production, Viva Las Vegas wasn’t without its hiccups. Behind the glitz and glamour were bloopers and subtle mistakes that flew under the radar—until now. Curious to uncover what you might have missed? Let’s dive into the details.

In this iconic film, Elvis takes on the role of Lucky Jackson, a determined race car driver with big dreams in Las Vegas. Ann-Margret stars as Rusty Martin, a spirited dancer who becomes the object of Lucky’s affection. Together, they created cinematic and musical history, making Viva Las Vegas Elvis’s highest-grossing movie.

Despite its success, I believe this film remains one of the most underrated gems in Elvis Presley’s career. From its vibrant energy to its unforgettable performances, it’s a movie that deserves a closer look.

Viva Las Vegas: A Snapshot of Old Vegas and Timeless Chemistry
Beyond its dazzling performances, Viva Las Vegas offers a nostalgic glimpse of a bygone era, showcasing iconic Vegas landmarks that have since disappeared. The undeniable on-screen chemistry between Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret captivated audiences, while their real-life connection only added to the film’s allure. But beneath the glamour lie humorous bloopers, subtle mistakes, and hidden gems even die-hard fans may have missed.

Elvis’ Box Office Triumph
It’s easy to assume that Blue Hawaii was the pinnacle of Elvis’ cinematic success. After all, the tropical romance is often hailed as one of his most iconic films. But the numbers tell a different story: Viva Las Vegas outperformed Blue Hawaii at the box office, earning an impressive $450,000 more and securing its place as Elvis’ highest-grossing film.

Remarkably, Viva Las Vegas is also the shortest movie in Elvis’ career, clocking in at just 85 minutes.

Ann-Margret: A Star in Her Own Right
In an era when Elvis Presley dominated the entertainment world, Ann-Margret’s star power was formidable enough to earn top billing over the King in some theaters. This rare occurrence highlights the Swedish-born actress’s immense popularity during the mid-1960s.

Even so, her role wasn’t without criticism. A Variety reviewer at the time took aim at the film’s heavy emphasis on her physical appeal, calling it “a certain lack of tastefulness.” Despite such commentary, Ann-Margret’s magnetism remained undeniable, with her vibrant personality shining through every scene.

Vegas Then and Now
Filmed in a city defined by neon lights and showbiz charm, Viva Las Vegas played a pivotal role in cementing Las Vegas’ image as a global entertainment destination. Yet, only six casinos featured in the film’s opening sequence have survived the city’s relentless evolution. This contrast between the Vegas of 1964 and today reflects the film’s unique position as a historical snapshot.

Interestingly, the movie’s production predated Elvis’ later Vegas milestones, such as his 1967 wedding to Priscilla at the Aladdin and his legendary residency at the International Hotel.

What Made Viva Las Vegas So Popular?
The film’s enduring appeal lies in a mix of factors: Elvis and Ann-Margret’s electric chemistry, a vibrant and energetic soundtrack, and the vibrant technicolor cinematography that brought Las Vegas to life.

Elvis and Ann-Margret: A Meeting of Icons
Ann-Margret, a rising star at the time, first met Elvis in July 1963 on an empty MGM soundstage. The introduction, arranged by director George Sidney, marked the beginning of a unique partnership. Ann-Margret later recounted the moment, recalling Elvis’ warm demeanor and their instant rapport.

Their dynamic on screen mirrored their off-screen connection. Ann-Margret had already proven her ability to outshine her male co-stars, but Elvis matched her step for step. The two created an unforgettable pairing, one Ann-Margret would later describe as the best collaboration of her career. Elvis, too, seemed to cherish their bond, both personally and professionally.

A Classic That Stands the Test of Time
From its iconic performances to its glimpses of mid-century Vegas, Viva Las Vegas remains a fan favorite for a reason. It’s a film that captures the magic of two stars at their peak and celebrates an era of cinematic and musical history that continues to resonate today.

Elvis and Ann-Margret: A Love Story Beyond the Screen
The connection between Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret was instant, electric, and undeniable. Ann-Margret later reflected on their meeting, saying, “We both felt a current, an electricity that went straight through us. It would become a force we couldn’t control.”

Even during the early days of filming Viva Las Vegas, their chemistry was evident. Ann-Margret recalled how others noticed the sparks before they did, saying, “Initially, Elvis and I might’ve admitted that the only heat between us came from the hot desert sun. But others saw sparks from the start.”

A Romance That Could Never Be
In her autobiography My Story, Ann-Margret revealed intimate details about their relationship. Elvis, she wrote, wanted to marry her. The two spent their dates talking for hours, often overlooking the city from a hill.

“We were truly soul mates, shy on the outside but unbridled within,” Ann-Margret wrote. “We both lived on the edge and were self-destructive in our own ways. In many ways…we both remained very childish and were emotionally insecure.”

But there was a complication: Elvis was already in a relationship with Priscilla Presley, who had moved in with him in Memphis a year before the film’s premiere.

What They Shared
Despite their differences, Elvis and Ann-Margret had much in common. They bonded over music, motorcycles, family values, faith, and their shared desire for privacy. Even Elvis’ close-knit entourage warmed up to Ann-Margret.

Elvis’ cousin, Billy Smith, reflected on how well Ann-Margret fit in, saying, “She made his life a little easier because she understood him and didn’t make any demands on him. She even understood his need for us. Priscilla never understood that.”

Why They Didn’t Marry
Although deeply connected, Elvis and Ann-Margret’s similarities ultimately became a hurdle. She described them as “mirror images,” a dynamic that clashed with Elvis’ traditional views on marriage.

Priscilla Presley, with her reserved demeanor, fit the mold Elvis envisioned for a wife. Realizing this, Elvis ended his romance with Ann-Margret to fulfill his commitment to Priscilla.

Ann-Margret later reflected, “We knew that our relationship had to end, that Elvis needed to fulfill his commitment.”

Though their romantic relationship ended, they remained close friends. Elvis continued sending Ann-Margret guitar-shaped floral bouquets for her Vegas performances until his death in 1977. She knew something was wrong when the flowers stopped arriving and was one of the few of Elvis’ co-stars to attend his funeral.

On-Screen Sparks and Behind-the-Scenes Tensions
Viva Las Vegas is often regarded as one of the few Elvis movies where he looked genuinely invested and happy. But behind the scenes, not everything was smooth.

Elvis grew frustrated with director George Sidney’s apparent favoritism toward Ann-Margret in certain camera angles. Red West, one of Elvis’ closest confidants, recalled, “He would complain bitterly to us that the sonofabitch was trying to cut him out of the picture.”

When these complaints reached Colonel Parker, Elvis’ manager quickly stepped in to ensure the focus stayed on his star. Parker reportedly reminded Sidney that this was an “Elvis Presley picture.”

The Iconic Dance Scene
Despite the tensions, Elvis still dominated the musical spotlight, performing six solo numbers compared to Ann-Margret’s two.

One of the most iconic moments from Viva Las Vegas is the fiery dance scene to the title song. Watching it today, Ann-Margret’s vibrant energy and moves truly embody the phrase, “dance like no one’s watching.”

A Legacy of Love and Friendship
Though their romantic relationship was short-lived, Elvis and Ann-Margret’s bond endured. Their chemistry on and off screen continues to captivate fans, making Viva Las Vegas one of the most beloved films in Elvis Presley’s career.

Viva Las Vegas: Hidden Gems, Goofs, and Standout Performances
It’s impossible to ignore Ann-Margret’s magnetic presence in Viva Las Vegas. Her unmatched talent and charisma light up the screen, making her one of the few performers who could share the spotlight with Elvis Presley — and hold her own.

Fans often say this is the only film where Elvis truly shared the stage with someone whose dance skills rivaled his own. Ann-Margret’s choreography, brought to life by the brilliant David Winters, is electrifying and unforgettable. While Elvis dazzles with his signature moves, Ann-Margret takes the dance sequences to an entirely different level.

Bad Lip-Syncing? Who’s Watching Anyway
During the iconic “Viva Las Vegas” performance, sharp-eyed viewers have noticed Elvis’ lip-syncing isn’t exactly on point. But honestly, with Ann-Margret’s high-energy performance stealing the scene, who’s really paying attention to Elvis’ lips?

Future Star Alert: Teri Garr
Eagle-eyed fans might notice a familiar face in the background of the “What’d I Say” number. Look to Ann-Margret’s right, and you’ll spot a woman in a white top with black trim, a black skirt, and black heels.

That woman? None other than Teri Garr, who went on to become an Oscar-nominated actress. She also appears in another scene wearing a top with red, green, and blue horizontal stripes, further proof that she was destined for big things.

Cameos from Familiar Faces
The film also features a few unexpected appearances:

Glen Campbell, the legendary singer and actor, lent his talents as a guitarist on both the “What’d I Say” number and the title track.
Red West, Elvis’ close friend and confidant, appears multiple times in the film in uncredited roles. Keep an eye out for him playing various characters throughout the movie.
Quirky Goof in “What’d I Say”
During the “What’d I Say” dance number, there’s a fun blooper that sharp-eyed fans can spot: white tape (or something similar) mysteriously appears and disappears on Lucky’s right-hand fingers during the performance.

It’s a small slip that adds a bit of charm to the scene. Can you spot it?

A Dance Sequence for the Ages
The choreography in Viva Las Vegas is unforgettable, particularly the dance to the title song. Ann-Margret’s performance is a masterclass in energy and expression, embodying the phrase, “dance like no one’s watching.” It’s a moment that continues to blow audiences away, even decades later.

From iconic performances to fun behind-the-scenes tidbits, Viva Las Vegas is packed with moments that remind us why it remains one of Elvis’ most beloved films — and why Ann-Margret is still considered one of his greatest co-stars.

Elvis’ Rival’s Miraculous Return: A Quirky Viva Las Vegas Moment
Among the amusing trivia from Viva Las Vegas, one particularly puzzling scene involves a surprising turn of events during the climactic race. Count Mancini, played by Cesare Danova, suffers a dramatic and seemingly catastrophic crash near the finish line. Rather than expressing concern, Elvis Presley’s character, Lucky Jackson, offers a casual remark: “That’s a shame,” before speeding off to claim victory.

The twist? Despite the severity of the accident, Count Mancini reappears at the film’s conclusion, attending the wedding scene without a scratch. It’s a classic example of movie magic where continuity takes a playful detour, leaving audiences both amused and bewildered.

Ann-Margret Reflects on Her Unique Bond with Elvis Presley
At 83, Ann-Margret continues to captivate fans with her enduring charm and vivacity. Recently inducted into the University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame, the actress keeps the spirit of Viva Las Vegas alive by sharing behind-the-scenes stories that intrigue new and longtime admirers alike.

In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, she offered fresh insights into her relationship with Elvis Presley during the making of the film.

“This sounds weird, but I had never seen him perform before I did the movie. I know that’s hard to believe,” she confessed. “We just found out we were very much alike. We were both very shy, but then you become this other person when you are performing. I loved my parents so much, and he loved his mother so much.”

Her candid revelations shed light on the deep connection they shared, both as co-stars and as individuals navigating the complexities of fame. Ann-Margret’s reflections not only honor their past collaboration but also continue to enrich the legacy of Viva Las Vegas for future generations.

Whether you’re drawn in by the unforgettable music, the electrifying performances, or the nostalgic charm of old-school Vegas, Viva Las Vegas remains a shining gem in cinematic history.

This iconic film captured the allure of the neon-lit city and brought to life a dynamic duo who left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret’s chemistry, combined with the vibrant energy of the film, continues to enchant audiences decades later.

So, why not revisit this classic? Share the joy, the music, and the nostalgia with friends, and celebrate the movie that made us all fall in love with Las Vegas. Let’s keep the legend alive for generations to come!