Elvis '56

Elvis '56 is a compelling documentary film released in 1987 which aims to condense into an hour and a half all the excitement, charm, music, and overwhelming impact generated by the King of Rock 'n' Roll himself, Elvis Presley in the pivotal year of 1956. This Allan and Suzie Raymond directed film boasts an evocative narration by Levon Helm, renowned drummer and vocalist from The Band, known for his deeply mellow and textured voice. The film also captures footage of Steve Allen, the popular television host who had Elvis on his show during this era.

The movie begins by placing the audience in the context of the times. 1956 is depicted as the year of inception of the Elvis phenomenon that transformed popular culture not only in America but worldwide. During this period, a young Presley was evolving from a regional southeastern singer into a national and international sensation. The documentary makes use of archival newsreel footage, television clips, and interviews collected and combined with home movies of Elvis during this crucial episode of his life.

Elvis '56 utilizes a wide selection of sources to retell this transformative journey. Presley's early live performances are a blend of his raw talent, charisma, charm, and exceptional musical instincts. His performances at the time on regional television, the Milton Berle Show, the Dorsey Brothers' Stage Show, and his notorious appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, where he was shot only from the waist up, are all extensively depicted through footage and stills. Also featuring is his equally controversial appearance on The Steve Allen Show, where he was humorously made to dress in a tuxedo and sing "Hound Dog" to a basset hound, seen as a response to the scandal generated by his erotically-charged performances.

All through Elvis '56, the narration by Levon Helm gives the events a cinematic feel, turning this documentary film into what feels like a compelling journey through time. Helm doesn't just recite facts and figures or introduce video clips. Instead, his narration is an emotive weave of facts, anecdotes, and conjecture, creating an immersive behind-the-scenes story full of heart and soul.

A treasure trove of Presley's music permeates the film, lifting sequences to a whole new level of sensory delight. More than 20 complete performances of his most popular and influential songs are included, making it a must-watch for fans and novices alike. From "Heartbreak Hotel" to "Blue Suede Shoes" to "Hound Dog," viewers are inundated with an audio feast.

However, Elvis '56 is not all about music and gyrating hips. It digs deep into the man behind the legend. It encapsulates the transformation of Elvis Aron Presley, the shy, polite, God-fearing boy from Tupelo, Mississippi into Elvis Presley, the dyed-in-wool superstar - the hypnotic performer whose every vocal inflection, every shimmy shook the globe. The film does not shy away from the controversies that dogged Presley at the time, thoughtfully touching upon societal issues like race, sexuality, youth culture, and social morals of that era.

The filmmakers also include several touching personal moments that offer a glimpse into the man behind the star - his relationship with his parents, his spontaneous visits to the church and his school, and his palpable love for his fans. These are tender elements that humanize the icon. The film pays homage to his contributions to the revolution in the music industry and reflects upon - even if briefly - the vast void his untimely death left.

In summary, Elvis '56 doesn't opt for the usual documentary approach of a start-to-finish biography. Instead, it offers a snapshot. It focuses on the pivotal year in the King of Rock 'n' Roll's life - a year that arguably marked the birth of the celebrity culture that we know today. Whether an Elvis fan, a music enthusiast, or a casual viewer, one is sure to find the film a fascinating record of a transformative time in popular culture history. With a nuanced blend of captivating footage, powerful narration, unforgettable performances, and a decidedly human lens, Elvis '56 vividly brings to life the 21-year-old southern boy who irrevocably changed music and popular culture. Through all its highs and lows, this film remains a testimony to the legend named Elvis Presley.