Elvis on Tour

As indicated by the title, the film is a documentary – edited by Martin Scorsese! – showing highlights of Elvis Presley touring the USA (with much use of the then-trendy split-screen technique); interesting in itself, this also served as the iconic singer’s cinematic swan-song. Of course, his inflated appearance by this time – a far cry from his lean early years, seen intermittently throughout via stock footage – is rather sad to witness but, at least, he seemed to be in good spirits.

We’re shown Elvis performing in front of several different hysterical audiences – at one point, even admitting to still getting stage fright before going on – but also get to see him relax with his backing musicians (generally by singing gospel songs). The musical numbers include very few of his hits (“Love Me Tender” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love”, while others like “That’s All Right”, “Mystery Train” and “Suspicious Minds” are only heard via original recordings) but there are two outstanding cover versions by The King of then-vintage rock classics – Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”!

The great final line of the film – “Elvis has left the building” – spoken by the compere (and which I suppose was uttered during most of his shows from this era) clearly attests to Presley’s legendary status even when he was still alive; this is followed by an inspired last shot of Elvis in pensive but evidently happy mood. Incidentally, the film won the Golden Globe Award as the year’s Best Documentary Feature – but, then, didn’t even make the list of nominees at the Oscars!

This is a multiple-screen documentary that provides an intimate and electrifying portrait of Elvis Presley. This was filmed during a 15-day tour that criss crossed the country. This dynamic glimpse of the legendary performer won the 1972 Golden Globe for Best Documentary. This is positive support proving Elvis being one of the world's most beloved entertainers. After viewing this film, even non-fans have trouble denying that Presley is the greatest American phenomenon of the 20th century.

Elvis had gotten chubby but he wasn't fat like he was when he died. Elvis still looks decent, and is in top vocal form. What "That's the Way It Is" did by showing Elvis's life in rehersal, this one did by showing Elvis's life on the road. It was good to see Elvis at or still near the peak of his performing career.

The final era of the 20th Century's most respected Rock icon-Elvis Aaron Presley is captured here by MGM doing what he did best of all: Performing to various live audiences around the U.S.

It's almost a couple of years on from the first MGM filmed documentary about the Man and his live act, 'That's The Way It Is', and 'On Tour' is filmed in a different retrospective. In this one there aren't as many as those annoying fan interviews and interruptions and mainly concentrates on the different performances that Elvis manufactures to create his touring Stage-Show at this time.

Some of the old favourites are in there such as 'Johnny B.Goode'(Great opener to the film!), 'Polk Salad Annie'(Performed somewhat faster-wow!), 'Love Me Tender'(Nice touch showing some of the scripted movie kiss scenes!), 'Lawdy Miss Clawdy'(A total free-for-all with Elvis and the Band-magnetic!), 'I Got A Woman'(Amen to this!) and the finale sound of 'Can't Help Falling In Love'(Cape-wielding showstopper!).

New tunes 'The King' was bringing into his act at this particular time included 'Until It's Time For You To Go', 'Burning Love', 'An American Trilogy', 'You Gave Me A Mountain' and 'Never Been To Spain', and it's all a delight to hear and see him perform these in his own special, voice-to-the-limit, inimitable way.

After 32 previous attempts at trying to get himself recognised on film for the most part as a serious actor it's justifying that Elvis didn't need to act to do this, as the Golden Globe came winging it's way to 'On Tour' for Best Movie Documentary. Elvis appears slightly more weighty than in 'That's The Way It Is', with his hair somewhat longer and sideburned. The undeniable animal magnetism and aurora and God-gifted musical talent of this human being, which the film also sets out to portray, are here in evidence as a filmed testimony to any young, up and coming Singers even to this day who are trying to cut a niche for themselves in the unpredictable world of Pop Music-At the end of the day it's sheer hard work, just like in any job you may hold down, that helps to get you established and recognised for a lengthy period of time in the industry.

Elvis in 'On Tour' is dogged with personal problems and obviously reliance on prescription drugs are quite evident in some scenes, which ironically add to the sad and touching biography that is being told before you on the screen. Unlike 'That's The Way It Is', Elvis doesn't seem to enjoy himself as much surrounded by his so-called buddies, and it seems as though Vernon (his father)is more present than ever which certainly gave Elvis that family connection that he no doubt craved at this point, especially being on the road for weeks at a time. Infact, the only time Elvis seemed happy apart from on stage was when he was with his band in private singing many a gospel number.

Nevertheless, fan or non-fan, you'll love this and it's a unique testimony to a Performer who was being filmed for his official final movie in his career. The greatest triumph was still yet to come after this movie, in the form of his record-breaking Satellite TV Special the following year-'Aloha From Hawaii'. In this Special Elvis would never look and sound this consistently good again, but that was another time and another place...

I've never been a big fan of Elvis Presley, though I will admit he could certainly belt out a great song, and he also knew how to put on a good show in front of an audience. "Elvis on Tour" is without doubt a valuable rock and roll concert documentary, capturing what Elvis was like in a key part of his career. It shows that he still had considerable singing chops and magnetism.

But at the same time, something often seems to missing as he's singing, almost like he is just going through the motions. It may be because he was older, it may be because of the narcotics he was taking - I'm not sure why he isn't as energetic as he was just a few years earlier. The only portions of the documentary where he performs with genuine enthusiasm and energy is with a couple of gospel songs.

The behind-the-scenes portions of the documentary are also a bit of a letdown. We learn very little about Elvis, like what he's thinking about this entire tour, what he thinks about where he is in his career, and a number of other unanswered questions.

I will say, however, that the musical numbers in the movie are very well directed and edited; the split screen techniques bombard the viewer with a lot of information, giving the feeling of actually being at an Elvis concert. This does make up for Elvis' somewhat lack of the energy he had in the past, and push the movie up to being an okay viewing experience, though more for real Elvis fans than more casual appreciators like myself.