This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/12/2021
Offered is an incredible archive of original medium format negatives and other period prints from the production of Elvis Presley's second film, 1957's Loving You. The professional, medium format negatives were taken by a studio staff photographer to gather promotional material during the shooting of the film. They capture some memorable scenes from the film as well as Elvis on the studio lot meeting with fans, exiting a soundstage, talking with his co-stars and Elvis "blocking" the famous fight scene in the restaurant from the film. In addition to the negatives themselves, there are four period prints from the same photographer. The entire archive was saved from the trash by a studio employee decades ago and has been meticulously stored.
Loving You was loosely based on the screenwriter Hal Kantner's observations of the Machevellian machinations of Colonel Tom Parker behind the scenes of Elvis' career during his time on The Louisiana Hayride radio show and tours. Elvis stars as Deke Rivers, a delivery boy who is discovered by a talent agent and country singer. The film chronicles the adventures of his success on stage and in his love life, a story about a down-to-earth American kid who sings his way to the top and goes too high too fast.
Also accompanying is the original "Studio Order" envelope which held the negatives, with "Presley, Elvis" written on the back. The negatives present with very minimal wear. Stunningly preserved in Near Mint to Mint condition.