On this day April 4 1981 the documentary film This is Elvis premiered in theaters. Directed by Malcolm Leo and Andrew Solt and narrated by a voice actor portraying Elvis himself the film blended rare footage home movies interviews and reenactments to tell the story of Elvis Presley’s life and career.
The film gave fans an intimate look at Elvis from his early rise to fame through his struggles and ultimate legacy. It featured a mix of real concert footage and dramatized scenes with actors portraying the King at various stages of his life. This is Elvis earned 2 million at the box office and was praised for offering a more personal view of the icon’s journey both on and off stage.
80s insight: The narration was done by country singer Ral Donner who had a voice so similar to Elvis that many fans thought it was actually the King speaking throughout the film.
The film gave fans an intimate look at Elvis from his early rise to fame through his struggles and ultimate legacy. It featured a mix of real concert footage and dramatized scenes with actors portraying the King at various stages of his life. This is Elvis earned 2 million at the box office and was praised for offering a more personal view of the icon’s journey both on and off stage.
80s insight: The narration was done by country singer Ral Donner who had a voice so similar to Elvis that many fans thought it was actually the King speaking throughout the film.
