Everybody loved Elvis Presley in this movie – but few noticed the weird detail about his hair

Did you know that the entire movie “Love Me Tender” is readily available for you to watch for free on YouTube? For those experiencing it for the first time, it’s a truly special experience. And for devoted fans who have loved Elvis for years, it offers a wonderful chance to once again witness the undeniable charm and powerful presence of Elvis Presley right at the very start of his amazing journey in Hollywood.

Because here’s the honest truth: Elvis wasn’t just known as “the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” for nothing. He possessed a unique combination of incredible talents. That unforgettable voice, his captivating dance moves, his natural and appealing charm, and yes, he even had a genuine talent for acting. In “Love Me Tender,” we get to see the King not only sing his heart out but also truly act. And he delivers much more than just a series of musical performances.

A Different Kind of Start in the Movies

Released to audiences in 1956, “Love Me Tender” marked Elvis Presley’s very first step into the world of filmmaking. The story is set shortly after the American Civil War, and the movie skillfully combines elements of romance, family disagreements, and classic Western-style action. While the film was originally going to be called “The Reno Brothers,” its title was changed to “Love Me Tender” to take advantage of the massive success of the song of the same name, which quickly became a number-one hit.

Elvis took on the role of Clint Reno, who was the youngest of four brothers. Interestingly, Clint Reno is the only character Elvis ever played in any of his films who was based on a real historical person. The movie draws loose inspiration from the infamous Reno Gang, who were known as some of the first American train robbers during the 1860s.

The Excitement of the Movie Premiere

When “Love Me Tender” first opened at the Paramount Theater in New York City, over 1,500 dedicated fans actually camped out overnight under a huge, impressive 40-foot cutout image of Elvis. Inside the theater, audiences were so loud with their excited screams during his scenes that many of his spoken lines were actually drowned out. It wasn’t just a movie premiere; it was a major cultural event that showed just how popular Elvis had become.

The Young Man with Big Dreams

Before he ever stepped onto a movie set as an actor, Elvis actually worked as a cinema usher, where he would admire big stars like James Dean, Marlon Brando, and Tony Curtis. He genuinely wanted to be like them – he aspired to be a serious actor, not just a famous singer who happened to make movies.

However, his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, had somewhat different plans for Elvis’s film career. Colonel Parker believed that each film should also serve as a way to promote Elvis’s music. This meant that the film’s musical soundtracks were considered just as important as the movie’s storyline itself.

Despite these differing views, Elvis took his acting role very seriously. Even though he was only listed third in the credits – after seasoned actors Richard Egan and Debra Paget – he made sure to memorize not only his own lines but also everyone else’s. The film’s producer, David Weisbart, later commented that Elvis was “humble, polite, and very serious about acting.”

Behind the Scenes: Fascinating Discoveries & Heartfelt Moments

As the talented actress Debra Paget once wisely said, “Sometimes you can learn more about a person in a few hours than in weeks of constant contact.”

Elvis did not originally plan to sing in the film at all. But that plan quickly changed! Within just five minutes of his first appearance on screen, he is already performing. And by the time the benefit concert scene comes around, it feels much more like the year 1956 than 1865. Screaming girls in the Wild West? That’s certainly not historically accurate – but it was entirely typical for an Elvis performance!

Interestingly, the role of Clint Reno was initially offered to and rejected by actors Jeffrey Hunter and Robert Wagner. Once Elvis was chosen for the part, the producers decided to make the character larger and added brand new scenes – including extra songs – specifically to highlight his amazing charisma and talent.

The Music That Made the Movie Special

The famous title song of the film, “Love Me Tender,” wasn’t originally written for Elvis at all. “Love Me Tender” is actually a new version of an older Civil War-era song called “Aura Lee.” New lyrics were written and credited to Vera Matson, though they were actually penned by her husband, Ken Darby. Elvis first performed the song on “The Ed Sullivan Show” before the movie was even released. The demand for the song was so incredibly high that RCA, his record label, received over a million pre-orders for the single. It achieved “gold record” status even before it was available in stores!

The single remained at the top of the music charts for an impressive five consecutive weeks. And Elvis would continue to perform this beloved song live in his concerts for the next two decades. This truly speaks to its enduring popularity and the deep emotional connection people felt to the song.

The Impact of Debra Paget

Debra Paget, who was only 22 years old at the time of filming, had already made a name for herself in Hollywood. When she first met Elvis, she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. She openly admitted, “I’d heard and read a lot about this new young singing sensation, and most of it was not complimentary.”

But Elvis pleasantly surprised her. He was polite, showed great respect, and was even charming to her mother. They quickly formed a connection, much “like two shy souls bumping into each other in a storm.”

Elvis was reportedly very smitten with Debra. He considered her the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. According to various reports, he even proposed marriage to her – but Debra respectfully declined, mentioning her parents’ objections. She was, at the time, already developing feelings for someone else: the famous businessman Howard Hughes.

Still, her influence on Elvis lingered. In fact, it is widely believed that Priscilla Presley, years later, adopted Debra’s memorable hairstyle from “Love Me Tender” as a way to capture Elvis’s attention.

Elvis’s Mother Helped Change the Ending!

Here’s a lesser-known but fascinating fact about the movie: Elvis’s character, Clint Reno, actually dies in the original cut of the film. He is shot and cradled in Cathy’s arms. Clint Reno’s tragic fate genuinely shocked audiences – especially Elvis’s own mother, Gladys Presley. Devastated by this sad ending, she strongly urged the movie producers to make the ending less harsh.

So, the filmmakers added a new final scene: a silhouette of Elvis singing “Love Me Tender” over the closing credits of the film. While this was a sweet addition, it did lead to a noticeable mistake in the movie’s continuity. By the time this final scene was filmed, Elvis had dyed his hair black, creating a clear difference from earlier scenes where he had sported his natural light brown hair.

Funny Mistakes, Goofs, and Accidental Time Travel to the 1860s!

For viewers who pay close attention to details, “Love Me Tender” is filled with several amusing mistakes that only add to its vintage charm and appeal:

• One character unzips his pants – even though zippers were not invented until many decades after the Civil War era.
• A car from the 1950s can be seen in the background through a window in a scene supposedly set in the Civil War period.
• During the song “We’re Gonna Move,” Elvis stops playing his guitar, but the sound of strumming continues anyway!
• And in one particular scene, a hidden gun appears, then disappears, and then reappears again – all due to inconsistent camera angles during filming.

These small, unintentional errors certainly do not detract from the film’s lasting legacy. If anything, they make it even more lovable and memorable – a true product of its time, beautifully preserved in film and in the memories of those who cherish it.

A Lasting Mark in History

“Love Me Tender” might not be the most praised film by movie critics in Elvis’s career, but it undeniably marks the significant moment when the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll made his grand entrance into Hollywood. He did so with wide-eyed wonder, sincere effort, and a heart brimming with ambitious dreams.

It serves as a powerful reminder that even legendary figures start somewhere, taking their first steps. And sometimes, they surprise us not only with their incredible talent but also with the genuine goodness and passion in their hearts.

Ready to Watch the Movie?

You can easily watch “Love Me Tender” on YouTube right now and experience this classic for yourself. And while you’re enjoying it, please consider sharing this article with other Elvis fans you know – or with anyone who simply enjoys a good story that combines music, romance, and a few amusing historical blunders!