Review
by Don Wilson
***1/2 stars out of 5
I just watched the premiere of Elvis Presley: The Searcher on HBO. The production was very good, although it is not "definitive" as Priscilla Presley was quoted as saying. The title throws me, Elvis was a searcher but spiritually. There was a lot left out of Elvis' story, however it is a nice enhancement for a fans collection.
Priscilla Presley spoke well and hit the mark on certain areas of Elvis' life. Jerry Schilling was heard throughout the special as were some Sony producers and writers who did not know Elvis. A great surprise was Red West, very close to Elvis for many years, he was never before included on a EPE production past Elvis' death.
The producers should have included George Klein, Patsy Presley, Richard Davis and other pals, a co-star here and there. I commend the producers for using interviews of Sam Phillips, Scotty Moore, D.J. Fontana, Tony Brown and Ronnie Tutt. No mention of Joe Esposito or archival interview. It can't be definitive without other voices close to Elvis.
Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty did well, but I would have also liked to have heard more voices of those close to the subject, more of Elvis' words as well. Steve Binder, Chris Beard and Bones Howe were very important to this special presentation, as was Mike Stoller.
The special promised never before seen footage. There were some photos, a handful that I never saw. The footage of Elvis shot by Joe Esposito was used before except some clips here and there.
Footage of Elvis on the train in 1960, on movie sets and American Sound Studios were good. The footage of Elvis performing "Burning Love" for MGM's cameras was a standout. Which reminds me of the hours of MGM footage that has not been released as of yet from "Elvis: That's The Way It Is" and "Elvis On Tour" ?
When will MGM and EPE release this footage? There is definitely a market for it! The 50's footage of Elvis at Magnolia Gardens in Houston was used before, as was June Juanico's home movies, as well as Eddie Fadal's.
The footage of Elvis on the set of "Viva Las Vegas" I saw before as well as the clips from Long Beach in 1964. However, it is good to have all of these clips together and some 70's footage of "An American Trilogy".
The special is very good, but it could have been better and even 30 minutes longer with rare concert footage. That's why I gave three and a half stars. For the novice fan, it's a good introduction of Elvis, to the long time fan, it leaves you wanting more.
Towards the end of the program Priscilla spoke of Elvis searching for answers. A interview with close friend Larry Geller who assisted Elvis on his spiritual quest should have been inserted.
Perhaps, it this is a great success, which I wish for projects on Elvis, more footage of the man himself will be released to the public and original fans who have been waiting.
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