Viva Las Vegas

Released May 20, 1964

1 hr. 26 min.

Musical

List

87%

30 Reviews

Tomatometer

67%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

All musically gifted race-driver Lucky Jackson (Elvis Presley) wants in Las Vegas is to score enough money for a new car motor so he can win the Grand Prix. When he encounters sexy swimming instructor Rusty (Ann-Margret), he considers staying around longer. After Lucky loses his winnings in the hotel pool, he's forced to remain in Vegas long enough to win back his dough -- but now he also wants to win the Rusty's heart. Unfortunately, so does his slick racing enemy, Elmo (Cesare Danova).

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Critics Consensus

Ann-Margret keeps Elvis on his toes and together they elevate Viva Las Vegas into a naughty and rockin' mild delight.

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Jeff M

I had never seen an Elvis Presley movie before this one. While I'm certainly not a hater, I wouldn't necessarily call myself an Elvis fan. I was born a little late to fully appreciate his music and understand his cultural significance. It's not just him - I feel the same way about The Beatles and Marilyn Monroe. This slight but undeniably entertaining musical comedy is pretty much what I imagined an Elvis movie to be - light on plot, heavy on charisma and a few great musical numbers thrown in for good measure. What I didn't expect was that the star wattage of Ann-Margret would totally obliterate Presley into thin air. She lights up the screen, and you can't take your eyes off of her. She sings, she dances and she has that undefinable IT factor in spades! In comparison, Presley feels a bit wooden. Based on what little I know about Presley's filmography, I'm not sure he was ever paired with such a dynamic leading lady. A couple of the musical numbers here are really irresistible and deservedly iconic. Naturally, the plot and screenplay are afterthoughts - this is a star vehicle if there ever was one. I just never expected the star in question wouldn't be Elvis!

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/08/24

Full Review

Franky L

This is a rather good Elvis movie, with the added bonus of Anne Margaret. These two sizzle on the screen, and Elvis' voice is why we watch Elvis movies. I agree with the critics. It's a solid 80+.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/03/24

Full Review

Michele B

this was one of my favorite simple storyline elvis movies. the music is great. the chemistry between elvis and ann was very noticeable and i loved how well they bounced off of each other's energy. the ending ruined it for me as it didn't make too much sense and almost felt rushed into but overall enjoyable for a simplistic movie

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/02/23

Full Review

Anthony J

Beyond badly dated. Corny acting, silly plot, a song and or dance number spontaneously breaking out every five minutes - mostly lousy songs and worse dancing. Truly awful.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

06/04/23

Full Review

Karen S

Since I was very young I enjoyed this movie with my family. Now that I'm an adult it hasn't changed. The chemistry between them is energetic and wonderful. They're both talented and you can see the admiration and respect they show to 1 another as they perform throughout the film. Would have loved to be on that set.👍 All the other members of the cast are just as talented and they make the movie an awesome flick to watch!🎞✨🎶✨🎷✨📽✨💃🏼🕺🏻✨🎤

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/13/23

Full Review

steve d

Elvis is still fun but it is one of his weakest stories.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

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George Sidney

Director

Elvis Presley

Lucky Jackson

Ann-Margret

Rusty Martin

Cesare Danova

Count Elmo Mancini

William Demarest

Mr. Martin

Nicky Blair

Shorty Fansworth

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Variety Staff

Variety

The sizzling combination of Elvis Presley and Ann-Margaret is enough to carry Viva Las Vegas over the top.

Apr 24, 2008

Full Review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

Vulgar, spirited, and neglected director George Sidney meets his match with this 1964 Elvis Presley vehicle.

Apr 24, 2008

Full Review

Tom Milne

Time Out

Thin even by Presley standards.

Jan 26, 2006

Full Review

Danielle Solzman

Solzy at the Movies

Next to Jailhouse Rock, Viva Las Vegas is one of Elvis Presley's finest films.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 1, 2022

Full Review

Robin Holabird

Robin Holabird

Few filming locations survived ensuing decades looking the same, but Elvis never really left the building-or the city...Viva Las Vegas shines brighter than most of his films, helped by surehanded direction from George Sidney...

Aug 11, 2021

Full Review

Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

Don't tell Ann-Margret that this is supposed to be an Elvis Presley movie...

Rated: 2/4

Jun 25, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

All musically gifted race-driver Lucky Jackson (Elvis Presley) wants in Las Vegas is to score enough money for a new car motor so he can win the Grand Prix. When he encounters sexy swimming instructor Rusty (Ann-Margret), he considers staying around longer. After Lucky loses his winnings in the hotel pool, he's forced to remain in Vegas long enough to win back his dough -- but now he also wants to win the Rusty's heart. Unfortunately, so does his slick racing enemy, Elmo (Cesare Danova).

Director: George Sidney
Screenwriter: Sally Benson
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp.
Production Co: Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Genre: Musical
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 20, 1964, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 14, 2017
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

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