This very kind profile is new to me, hope for you as well. Presley's quoted in it, too.
Southland entertainment scene
Presley talent 'priceless gem'
Elvis makes a new discovery in the lovely form of pert Shelley Fabares in his new film for MGM, "Spinout."
Miss Fabares makes a complete transition from girl to woman in a frantic effort to lead Elvis to the altar.
PART IV
Louis B. Mayer, founder and former head of the great Metro-Goldwn Mayer Studios, once said, "Rare talent is like a priceless gem. It is difficult to find, but once discovered end polished, nothing can ever dull its luster."
Through the years there have been these great talents in motion pictures. Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby . . . . and now, Elvis Presley. As a matter of fact it was Crosby who went out on limb with his praise for Presley at a time when the then swivel-hipped singer was considered strictly a flash In the pan.
"Nonsense," said Crosby. "This boy is a spectacular talent."
Since that time the ever upward trend in Presley's career has been the subject of much analysis by show business specialists. In profession that is among the moat unpredictable, the actor-entertainer has managed to grow from an overnight success to one of the most enduring and popular stars Hollywood has ever known.
In 1963 Elvis starred in MGM's "Viva Las Vegas" and made motion picture history. The Elvis Era was in full swing and there were still no guesses as to how high his career could soar. Proving there is no rest for the successful, the same year as "Viva" saw him before the cameras in another record hit, "Kissin' Cousins."
SUPPORT OF FRIENDS
Surrounding Elvis friends and employees are former classmates, childhood friends and Army buddies, many now married with their own families but still loyal to the entertainer. His fairness, respect for the skills of others and his rapport with people have prompted this nucleus of old friends to stand by Elvis through good times and bad. They have enjoyed his success as much as Elvis' real family.
The year 1964 was one of the busiest in the busy career of Elvis Presley. In addition to two other pictures away from die studio, he returned to MGM once again, this time in "Girl Happy." Later that same year he made "Harum Scarum" which also registered in a big way at the ticket-wickets.
"Not many realize that Elvis selects every song he records," said "Spinout" Director Norman Taurog. "He works actively on his career. He senses what is best for him and feels he owes his fans the best he can deliver."
Not only does Elvis select all his own material, but he is in full control at recording sessions and the musicians know it. They've worked with him long enough to realize his creativity. He improves all he touches. He communicates with the various members the orchestra and can in an instant, in a glance, his thoughts on a certain passage.
HOURS OF WORK
"To a God-given gift he adds hours of hard work," Taurog continued. "He is constantly striving to improve himself. His reading covers a wide range of subjects, books on music theory, medical research, psychology, mechanics, good fiction, you name it.
His lean, athletic build didn't just happen. He works out regularly by playing hectic football with his Memphis clan. While the world knows Elvis Presley as an artist, his buddies know the man capable of concentrating 100 per cent on the immediate challenge, whether sports or music. His tip-top physical condition (6' in height, weight, 175 lbs.) is the result of these team sports, plus the fact he never hits the Hollywood party circuit.
An inveterate TV watcher and the star occasionally dates but characteristically refuses to make these "times out" public events. Sometimes the girls are stars with whom he has worked, but more often they are unknowns.
And what constitutes a date with Elvis?
In own words . . . "not really anything different than I'd do if not on a date." "I'd sooner go out and get a hamburger or go to a movie than go into a nightclub."
Does he have any requirements for the girl he might marry?
"Only that she would have to like Memphis."
FATHER IN MEMPHIS
Back in Memphis, Elvis' father, along with several attorneys, looks after his son's investments and business affairs. But, as in a recording session, Elvis is boss. That same good judgment which guides his professionally aids him in knowing a good deal when he sees it.
When not home in Memphis, Elvis lives in a leased Bel Air mansion staffed by couple who clean and cook. A few intimates know the address but it's not indicated on those maps of Hollywood homes hawked to tourists.
Elvis is a man who shares his success, not only with family and friends but also with people, he hu never met 'His mammoth contributions to charity are well-known despite attempts keep such activities personal and unpublicized.
He has contributed more than generously to such funds as the Motion Picture Relief and the Motion Picture Home. In 1961 he made a benefit appearance in Memphis which raised $50,000 for 49 Memphis charities and one charity in Tupelo. He has not appeared at a benefit since but annually makes the same contribution to these charities. During a recent Hollywood telethon, Elvis and his manager swelled the total take by doubling the amount reached at any plateau coming in under the wire.
Venice Evening Vanguard - Friday, November 18, 1966
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