Elvis Presley Graceland Extra Magazin Nr.05 - 1985

(1985/EPG) Magazine, 21 x 29.7 x 0.4 cm, 52 pages, German. Foreword by Peter Kranzler. With this Graceland EXTRA 5, the EPG begins a new 'series within the series'. Time and again we were asked to cover Elvis's films in even greater detail – in words and pictures. So, in the 'Golden Elvis Year', we resolved to devote an issue of Graceland EXTRA to each of his films. From now on these film specials will appear at irregular intervals. This year, besides the present 'Love Me Tender' issue, 'Loving You' will also be published. Elvis's films are honoured in Graceland EXTRA more fully than anywhere else. For one thing, this fulfils the wish of many members; for another, it is high time to engage so comprehensively with this part of Elvis's work. Elvis the actor is always treated somewhat as a stepchild. Certainly Elvis was first and foremost a singer. But with 33 films he achieved a great deal in this field too. Even if the quality of the individual films varied, that does nothing to change the fact that, taken together, it is a mighty body of work. Too often it is globally panned, with not a single good word left for Elvis's films. Anyone who judges so only shows they have no idea. First, a whole number of good films were among Elvis's – some very good, even a few outstanding. That cannot be denied. Second, most of his films were conceived as pure entertainment, meant to be as commercially successful as possible – and so they were. That is what counted for Colonel Parker, and his calculation paid off. Third, Elvis was demonstrably a highly talented actor whose talent was, sadly, far too rarely challenged – but that was not his fault; sometimes he was sold below his level. Fourth, Elvis films were meant to give viewers fun and relaxation. Most of his films have given me much joy, again and again. I even like some films that were torn apart by the critics, and I don't shy away from admitting it. What the critics think about it is all the same to me; some people just have a disturbed relationship with entertainment and gripe about everything. So if you engage soundly with Elvis's work, you cannot simply leave out the films or treat them only in passing. They are an important part of Elvis's career. Hence the extensive appreciation from now on in Graceland EXTRA. The launch issue lies before you, packed with information and rare photos. You will find a very detailed film description and background facts – in German and English – plus scene and publicity photos from 'Love Me Tender', photos from the filming, reproductions of the original poster and the two German film posters, images of two film programmes, and – yes – a beautiful colour poster with four rare and fantastic 'Love Me Tender' photos. And so on. Much joy with this Graceland EXTRA 5 – much joy with the first film special, 'Love Me Tender'.