Elvis: That's the Way it Is

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Elvis: That's The Way It Is is a documentary movie about Elvis Presley, released in 1970. The film shows Elvis rehearsing with the members of his band in Culver City, California at the MGM Studios, as he prepares for his engagement at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The film was Presley's first non-dramatic film since beginning his movie career in 1956.

The group is seen going through several songs- including "What'd I Say", "Little Sister", "Words", and "The Next Step Is Love". Later rehearsals show Elvis with his back-up vocalists The Sweet Inspirations, Millie Kirkham and The Imperials Quartet, preparing songs such as "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" and "Bridge Over Troubled Water". There is also a session of rehearsing that takes place in the main showroom of the Las Vegas hotel. Together, Elvis and the entire group run through songs from "Mary In the Morning" to "Polk Salad Annie".

Elvis is also seen relaxing in his hotel suite with various members of his entourage. The movie is also intercut with footage of fans offering commentary about what Elvis means to them; officials at the International Hotel; and celebrities (including Sammy Davis Jr., Cary Grant, Charo, George Hamilton, Juliet Prowse and Xavier Cugat) arriving for opening night of the show. There is also an interview with the president of the Elvis Presley fan club in England.

Subsequently, Elvis performs on-stage. He sings many well-known songs, including several of those that he had been seen rehearsing earlier in the film. By the time he finishes his final number, "Can't Help Falling In Love", Elvis receives a standing ovation as the curtain lowers.

This film was subsequently re-released in a special edition on January 19th, 2001, when this new version made its worldwide debut on the cable network, Turner Classic Movies.