Elvis Meets Nixon (1997) (TV)

User Rating:

6.5/10   

Director:

Allan Arkush

Writer (WGA):

Alan Rosen (written by)

Release Date:

10 August 1997 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

Truth is funnier than fiction!

Plot:

A "mockumentary" about Elvis's real-life trip to the White House to become a federal marshal under the DEA...

Plot Keywords:

Drugs | Mockumentary | Incognito | 1970s | Character Name In Title

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Rick Peters	...	Elvis Presley
Bob Gunton	...	Richard M. Nixon
Alyson Court	...	Priscilla Presley
Denny Doherty	...	Vernon
Jackie Burroughs	...	Dodger
Curtis Armstrong	...	Farley Hall
Gabriel Hogan	...	Bobby Bishop
Robbi Jay Thuet	...	Lisa Marie Presley
Thom Sears	...	Bodyguard #1
Wayne Ward	...	Bodyguard #2
Rick Wharton	...	Bodyguard #3
Keith Jones	...	Bodyguard #4
Robyn Stevan	...	Karen (airline agent)
Patrick McKenna	...	Karen's supervisor
Hamish McEwan	...	Wait carpenter

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language and some drug content.

Runtime:

95 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Certification:

UK:15 | USA:PG-13

Company:

Showtime Networks

Quotes:

Richard M. Nixon: Hmm, maybe I should add the Beatles to my "enemies list."
Elvis Presley: You have an *enemies* list, sir?
Richard M. Nixon: Um, no.

I loved it!

This film is absolutely terrific!..so good, in fact, that I bought several copies when it came out on VHS. I watch it all the time and recommend it to other Elvis fans. A lot of them haven't even heard of it. Thanks to the Director..who is always the 'Captain of the Ship"..for a wonderful presentation of an amazing story. There are a few moments in the film that I was uneasy with..particularly, when Elvis is alone in his hotel room and becomes morose..we cannot try and imagine what his private moments were and it is unfair to him. Other than that, I was riveted. Rick Peters did an outstanding job..the best of anyone who has tried to portray our hero. I wish Rick had been offered the job in the recent mini-series, "Elvis", because the only flaw in that film was the actor portraying him..(and he won a Golden Globe award?). This film had lots of humor and it truly gives new generations of Elvis fans a glimpse into the man himself..his love of laughter and his generosity and tenderheartedness. Elvis 'took off' a couple of times in his youth. He was only 6 years old when he tried to hitchhike from East Tupelo to Tupelo Proper..he was looking for his hero, Mississippi Slim. Another time, he reached the Fairgrounds..at the tender age of 11 and sang in a contest there..he was quoted as saying that he."came in 5th place, not 2nd as has been said". I believe there was another time, when he entered a contest in Mississippi..country music singing..and actually won!. I think he loved the adventure of doing something totally impulsive and secretive. His adventures in Washington D.C. are just a part of that. Yes, he would have made a great policeman or detective but, I'm glad he chose to entertain us instead. There will never be another like him. Too bad, because we need another Elvis.