Review of Elvis on Tour (1972) by Devon B — 22 Jan 2010

Filmed just a two years after "Thats Just The Way It Is", the deterioration of Elvis' stage performance in "Elvis on Tour" is considerably evident. That's not to say he doesn't still have "it", but the documentary is padded with lots of non-related, old performance clips from his early days as well as plenty of footage demonstrating the hysteria of his fans.

It documents a tour of the southern states which took place in the early 70s, and this time focuses on the fans just as much as the king himself. In such a short period, Elvis went from that slender, sleek Vegas debut to the onset of his "fat Elvis" years, and while he can still hit the highs and lows, and can still do the karate kicks, there's a considerable amount of offkey singing, out-of-breath singing, and sweaty, double-chin fumbling.

He brings a lyric sheet out to sing "Hunka Burnin' Love", for example. The king who was once a god among men is revealed to be merely mortal. As Elvis neared his final years, his focus on gospel music seemed to intensify, and this shown extensively in the film.

But even if his performing ability had deteriorated by then, it doesn't make this documentary any less fascinating. The mania of Elvis fandom was especially strong in the south, and it's amazing to watch the women (of all generations) following him everywhere he goes, from the hundreds waiting at a small airport, to the thousands who came, screaming just to have Elvis glance their way.

The costumes and pageantry, it's all equally fascinating and crazy.