Facts about the "Elvis Presley lost footage from 1955" (Jeffrey Schrembs)
by Jeffrey Schrembs
On or about October 20, 1955 in/around Cleveland Elvis Presley, along with other Rock N Roll Stars such as Pat Boone, Bill Halley and the Comets, LaVern Baker, Johnny Ray, Roy Hamilton and others, were filmed for a documentary of famous Disc Jockey…Bill Randle. This was the first movie involving Elvis Presley contrary to popular belief that “Love Me Tender” was Elvis’ first film. Bill Randle produced this film but it was directed by Arthur Cohen. Elvis performed (along with Scotty and Bill); Thats All Right, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Good Rockin’ Tonight, I Forgot to Remember to Forget, and Mystery Train. The documentary “plot”, as well as the movie name, was “The Pied Piper of Cleveland: A Day in the Life of a Famous Disc Jockey Bill Randle”. Due to various legal problems concerning ownership, royalties, etc. the film was never released yet Bill Randle was able to obtain a copyright . In 1993 Bill Randle “sold” his rights to this film to Universal/Polygram for a reported 1.9 million dollars. At the time it was reported that Universal/Polygram was going to use this footage for an undisclosed movie project. Bill Randle has stated that at the time of the shooting that Elvis approached him and inquired about him managing Elvis and Scotty and Bill. This conversation has not been validated but the fact is that shortly thereafter Elvis entered into a management agreement with Colonel Parker. Why it is that this rare footage of Elvis in 1955 has yet to be released remains one of the mystery’s that befuddle Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide. There is no doubt that there is a great demand/interest, by Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide, to see this footage. Speculation among Elvis Fans Worldwide ranges from sub-par footage, other entertainers seeking payment(s), and even a dispute between EPE and Universal. As of March 2011 no one knows for sure why this valuable footage has not been released but hopefully this footage will be shown and given it’s rightful place in Rock N Roll History as well as concerning the greatest entertainer who ever lived…Elvis Presley. 2011 Jeff Schrembs ALL RIGHTS RESERVED |