This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/27/2024
The offered "Wide World Photos" original news service photo captures Elvis Presley at his home, Graceland, on December 19, 1957, reading his just-delivered U.S. Army Induction notice. The included original paper caption reads "Memphis...Elvis Presley his pup 'Dook' tucked under his arm studies the notice of induction into the Armed Forces he received today. The Teen ager rock and roll idol was ordered to report Jan. 20. He said he is ready and willing. However, in Hollywood, Paramount Pictures said it will ask for an eight weeks delay so Presley can fulfill a movie commitment. The studio head said Paramount stands to lose $300,000 to $350,000 already sunk in the picture if Presley doesn't show up. 12/20/57" Elvis’ Army service ended all arguments about his sense of decency in the minds of the American public. It had been questioned by the media for years as a hair-trigger reaction to his unprecedented impact on popular culture, popular music and the teenage fans whose lives were changed forever by his impact on our national consciousness. It cannot be overstated how significant this moment was to the life and career of Elvis Presley. Regardless that he and his manager Colonel Tom Parker were unsure that his fame and popularity would survive the two-year pause his service would require of him, Elvis considered it a sacred duty. This PERFECTLY PRESERVED period photograph measures 7 x 9 inches and presents in Near Mint to Mint condition.