Elvis: The Ed Sullivan Shows
Vintage TV show appearances by the King himself! Witness Elvis Presley's earth shattering introduction to the nation in these three unforgettable episodes from The Ed Sullivan Show, complete with a variety of entertainers and original commercials, now on video for the first time ever. Experience for yourself why Elvis became the legendary King of Rock and Roll! Appearing on the show Sept. 9, 1956, Elvis sent shock waves through a repressed nation with his soulful singing, wild hip gyrations and raw energy, attracting a record-breaking TV audience of more than 60 million people. Presley returned on Oct. 28, 1956, continuing to provoke ecstatic screams with hits such as "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender" and "Hound Dog." In fact, these exhilarating performances were so explosive that Elvis was filmed above the waist during his final Sullivan show appearance on January 6, 1957.
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Elvis Presley makes his historic first appearance on the program, captivating an unprecedented audience of approximately 60 million viewers. Because Ed Sullivan is recovering from a recent car accident, actor Charles Laughton serves as the night's guest host. Elvis performs remotely from CBS Television City in Hollywood while simultaneously filming his debut movie, Love Me Tender. Songs include: Don't Be Cruel, Love Me Tender, Ready Teddy and Hound Dog.
Elvis Presley returns for his second live television appearance, this time interacting directly with Ed Sullivan, who has returned to his traditional hosting duties at CBS Studio 50 in New York City. Despite growing conservative backlash in the mainstream press following his debut, massive teenage demand drives high ratings. Earlier in the day, Elvis famously receives a public polio vaccine backstage to support national immunization efforts. Songs include: Don't Be Cruel, Love Me Tender, Love Me, and Hound Dog.
Elvis Presley makes his third and final appearance on the program. Amid public controversy surrounding his dance style, CBS network censors strictly mandate that Elvis be filmed exclusively from the waist up during his rock-and-roll segments. At the end of the night, Ed Sullivan breaks character to publicly defend the young singer, praising him to the nation as "a real decent, fine boy". Songs include: Hound Dog/ Love Me Tender/Heartbreak Hotel Medley, Don't Be Cruel, Too Much, When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again, and Peace in the Valley.
