Elvis ’56 was inspired by Alan Raymond’s discovery of the trove of intimate photographs by Alfred Wertheimer that immortalized a young man at the beginning his iconic journey. With exclusive rights to these rare photos, the Producers animated approximately 800 black and white still photographs to bring life to the story of that year.   

The film chronicles rare early Elvis performances on The Dorsey Brothers Show, Milton Berle Show, Steve Allen Show and finally the Ed Sullivan Show that captures the early raw energy of 1950’s rock and roll. Also included are rare 8mm clips and audio interviews Presley gave that year as well as a scene from his debut Hollywood movie, “Love me Tender.”

The Video Vérité DVD Edition is the Original Director’s Cut that includes a previously lost kinescope recording of “Baby Let’s Play House” from The Dorsey Brothers Show, the opening performance of American Trilogy, and a very rare Hy Gardner interview with Elvis proclaiming his desire to pursue an acting career.

Narrated by Levon Helm

Streaming: 58 minutes; DVD: 61 minutes

Premiered at Sundance Film Festival 1987