Orion: The Man Who Would Be King

Released Dec 4, 2015

1h 28m

Documentary

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87%

Tomatometer

15 Reviews

86%

Audience Score

50+ Ratings

In 1979, Jimmy Ellis is plucked from obscurity and hired to masquerade as Elvis back from the grave.

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Sheri Linden

Los Angeles Times

Through dynamic use of archival footage and intimate new interviews with Ellis' friends and family - all of them founts of down-home sincerity - Finlay unearths a fascinating biography filled with reversals, comebacks and false starts.

Dec 10, 2015

Full Review

Neil Genzlinger

New York Times

It's a curious, bittersweet story, flecked with dashes of bombast and overstatement that Presley himself would have admired.

Dec 3, 2015

Full Review

Alan Scherstuhl

Village Voice

Ellis, who died in 1998, speaks for himself in abashed interview clips. He loved singing and his not-quite-fame, but he yearned to be known for who he was. His music powers the film, and it's well-sung and agreeable Elvis apocrypha.

Dec 1, 2015

Full Review

Phil W. Bayles

One Room With A View

Ellis' story has its fair share of bleak moments; tragic reminders of just how much one can lose in the search for fame.

Rated: 5/5

May 8, 2019

Full Review

Nathanael Hood

Screen Comment

Funny, compelling, and heart-felt.

Rated: 7/10

Dec 27, 2018

Full Review

Jack Rodgers

TV Guide

Orion: The Man Who Would Be King might be a well-made documentary or just one that got ahold of an astonishing true story, but either way, it's fascinating from beginning to end.

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 19, 2016

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StephenPaul C

The greatest 01 hour: and 28 minutes with re-enactments about a resurrection of Elvis Aaron Presley!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/11/23

Full Review

ken k

This one blew me away! At first I thought it was a Mockumentary about Elvis impersonators but when I realized that Jimmy Ellis was a real person I could not believe it was really him singing. I have seen many of the best impersonators but Ellis could have fooled Elvis's family. Simply uncanny, tragic and sad...a great talent born too late! Do not miss this one!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/01/16

Full Review

Audience Member

A brilliantly fascinating and moving documentary, about a man who wanted to achieve stardom. He could do just that, if he remained unknown. Jack.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/04/23

Full Review

Audience Member

this documentary about the man with a voice just like the one from the King,is bittersweet,sad in some ways,but it's really worth your time,especially if you're an Elvis fan.I was pleased with this story.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is another superb doc from 2015. The compelling story of a man who was 'cursed' or 'blessed' with sounding exactly like Elvis manipulated or otherwise into wearing a mask so that he could seek the fame he craved. A real life Bubba Hotep but without the mummy or JFK.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

http://cinephilecrocodile.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/orion-manwho-would-be-king-dir-jeanie.html

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

Full Review

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Jeanie Finlay

Director

Jerry Adams

Nashville Music Manager

Sharon Attaway Nettleton

Orion Fan

Gail Brewer-Giorgio

Author Book of Orion

Boomer Castleman

Member Orion's Band

Nancy Crowson

Jimmy's girlfriend

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Orion: The Man Who Would Be King: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In 1979, Jimmy Ellis is plucked from obscurity and hired to masquerade as Elvis back from the grave.

Director: Jeanie Finlay
Producer: Jeanie Finlay, Dewi Gregory
Screenwriter: Jeanie Finlay
Distributor: IFC Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 4, 2015, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 4, 2017
Runtime: 1h 28m

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