1990's ELVIS TV Series On ABC

[ElvisLives]

Just wondering how many people have seen the 1990 TV series starring Michael St. Gerard? In my opinion it is the best Elvis-related product committed to film.

It's a shame it only lasted a total of 13 episodes, as it really did do a great job of "recreating" the early days of Elvis, and Sun Studios as well. Michael St. Gerard had a VERY eerie resemblance to a young Elvis, and the costuming and even HAIR were all top-notch.

http://www.freewebs.com/michaelstgerardfan/michaelelvistvshow.jpg

For those who haven't, here's a little "tidbit" from the show. It's definitely worth finding, especially for die-hard fans!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=510SggZu0tQ&feature=related

[piretos]

I also liked it(y) And i agree that Michael did potray Elvis really good(y)

[hounddog]

I loved the series, I think i taped it on VHS when it was on, i've seen it available on DVD recently
here's some info on the actor Michael St. Gerard who played Elvis in this role
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0820544/bio

[TCB81975]

St Gerard played a decent Elvis and it should have lasted more than 13 episodes. I didnt think that Jonathan Rhys Meyers did a bad job of playing a young Elvis in 2005. I am still holding out for them to grow his hair and sideburns long and finish the story. For some reason, these Hollywood producers always shy away from Elvis in the 1970's because they are still afraid of what people might think and thats sad. He's the King, we love him no matter what.

[john carpenter]

I also enjoyed Michael St Gerard as Elvis. J.R.M. was a poor choice to play Elvis I.M.O. But not as bad as Don Johnson in Elvis and the beauty Queen(n)

[monk37]

I really enjoyed that series a lot and had home taped it, bought a VHS release of the first 4 episodes, but never found any more and now I have it on DVD from unofficial sources.

St. Gerard played Elvis more than any other actor - three or four times in movies and tv shows.

The only drawback to the series was not using Elvis' recordings - I loath Ronnie McDowell who has voiced Elvis in almost every production


When I saw Bend it Like Beckham, with Jonathan Rhys Meyers playing the coach, I was struck at how Elvis he looked and was not surprised when he played him.

I think he did a good job, the problem was in the script or the editing. The 2005 Elvis didn't flow - it wasn't done like a miniseries where the action built - it seemed more like a clip show of showing you key moments rather than a narrative story.

The other problems were script related with "Elvis" knowing more in the movie that he would have at the time - the scene where he references Parker being an illegal alien - that wasn't rumoured or known until Parker revealed it in the 1980's when he tried to avoid being sued by EPE.

And the scene with Elvis and Priscilla where Elvis explains about his sexual hang ups - I doubt anyone even now has that kind of insight into their kinks and hangups.

[Jungleroom76]

I thought the ABC series with Michael St. Gerard was an exceptional series, both in quality and acting. In my opinion, I truly think St. Gerard has done the best job portraying Elvis...the looks, the mannerisms...fantastic!! It truly is a shame that the series didn't last longer than it did... (n)

As for Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, all I can say is UGH!!! I honestly don't know who thought of him to portray Elvis, but I hope that person was fired....awful!!! I agree with monk37 that part of the problem with the 2005 mini-series was the script...it jumped around too much and there were too many inaccuracies in the script to make it historically correct. But again, the casting of Rhys-Meyers as Elvis was a horrible choice (in my opinion)... :doh:

hounddog - where did you see the ABC series available on DVD?? I would definitely be interested in checking that out myself... :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

[sasha]

Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, UGH too !!! Michael St Gerard, not so bad .
Don Johnson.....worst, IMO. ;)

[Jungleroom76]

Don Johnson.....worst, IMO. ;)

If there was an award for "Worst Portrayal of Elvis Presley", Don Johnson would win it HANDS-DOWN!!! ;)

TCB!
Mike

[Tommy]

I loved this series, Priscilla had a lot to do with this one.

[Diane]

I enjoyed this series too. Michael portrayed the young Elvis very well.

Diane

[hounddog]

i've seen it on ebay but also at ioffer and sell.com
http://www.ioffer.com/i/ELVIS-1990-TV-mini-series-with-Michael-St-Gerard-2-DVD-109719641
http://www.sell.com/23MP3F

i haven't bought it from any of these sites so i don't know about the quality of the disc.

[KPM]

I recorded it on VHS when it was on-unfortunately one of my machines ate it years ago. I thought it was done very well, if they had actually used Elvis's music instead of McDowells vocals it would have been better.

[Jungleroom76]

i've seen it on ebay but also at ioffer and sell.com
http://www.ioffer.com/i/ELVIS-1990-TV-mini-series-with-Michael-St-Gerard-2-DVD-109719641
http://www.sell.com/23MP3F

i haven't bought it from any of these sites so i don't know about the quality of the disc.

Thanks for the information hounddog!!! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[molokai123]

St Gerard played a decent Elvis and it should have lasted more than 13 episodes. I didnt think that Jonathan Rhys Meyers did a bad job of playing a young Elvis in 2005. I am still holding out for them to grow his hair and sideburns long and finish the story. For some reason, these Hollywood producers always shy away from Elvis in the 1970's because they are still afraid of what people might think and thats sad. He's the King, we love him no matter what.

your right my friend they ALWAYS SHY away from Elvis in the late 60's n 70's, although i dont think they'll be finishing the story sad, also bucause i think mr meyers had some not to nice comments about Elvis.

[TCB81975]

although i dont think they'll be finishing the story sad, also bucause i think mr meyers had some not to nice comments about Elvis.

Really? I never heard about that. Do you know what he said?

[Raised on Rock]

I thought the ABC series with Michael St. Gerard was an exceptional series, both in quality and acting. In my opinion, I truly think St. Gerard has done the best job portraying Elvis...the looks, the mannerisms...fantastic!! It truly is a shame that the series didn't last longer than it did... (n)

As for Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, all I can say is UGH!!! I honestly don't know who thought of him to portray Elvis, but I hope that person was fired....awful!!! I agree with monk37 that part of the problem with the 2005 mini-series was the script...it jumped around too much and there were too many inaccuracies in the script to make it historically correct. But again, the casting of Rhys-Meyers as Elvis was a horrible choice (in my opinion)... :doh:

hounddog - where did you see the ABC series available on DVD?? I would definitely be interested in checking that out myself... :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

About the Elvis series with JRM, I totally agree with you. Yet there is one thing we can not forget about those series: is the best production ever done on an Elvis themed movie or series, far superior from the 90's Elvis series with Michael St Gerard or anything else.

2005 Elvis series got the clothes right, and I mean every little detail of them, the scenarios, the haircuts, wow that was fantastic! and is the only one I remember that actually uses Elvis music and not someone else performance, that was a big step forward. To bad the scrip, the storylines and JRM where not up to the production values.

The 90's TV series where most enjoyable in terms of story line, it was a GOOD Tv serie I mean, if if you where not a fan you could find it entertainable even. But personally I don't like to much Micheal ST Gerald performances, to much on the cliché side of 50's Elvis.

Best Elvis performance still is Kurt Russell, to bad is to old now to give us another Presley deliver.

Now, if a definitive Elvis bioptic is to be filmed, finally with the right script, the right production, the right director, the right cast, everything in its right place, the big question is: Who will you say, could be taking Elvis role? (that could be a thread in itself haha)

Believe it or not I once though of Joaquin Phoenix for that, but hell, he is Johnny Cash now, and he did it good.

[Raised on Rock]

If there was an award for "Worst Portrayal of Elvis Presley", Don Johnson would win it HANDS-DOWN!!! ;)

TCB!
Mike

Don Johnson as Elvis, man Jonathan Rhys-Meyers IS Elvis Presley besides that abomination.
But let's not forget Mr. Johnson has a big contender to win that price: the guy (whatever his name is) who played Elvis in another abomination: Elvis and Nixon.

Lord have mercy.

[molokai123]

Really? I never heard about that. Do you know what he said?

i beleive i read it on Elvis infonet or elvisnews.com a few years ago but it was about Elvis wearin eye shadow or sumthing about make up, it took awhile but here goes a link buddy

http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/story/meyers-elvis-was-gay_1000355

i remeber when i read this i got pretty pissed off.

[hounddog]

i also remember that JRM had some slightly off things to say about Elvis wearing makeup. Who cares if he wore makeup and mascara one could say he was yet again just ahead of his time.

[TCB81975]

i beleive i read it on Elvis infonet or elvisnews.com a few years ago but it was about Elvis wearin eye shadow or sumthing about make up, it took awhile but here goes a link buddy

http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/story/meyers-elvis-was-gay_1000355

i remeber when i read this i got pretty pissed off.

I appreciate that bro. You know what, its never bothered me that E wore eye liner. Hell, everyone has done it in rock and pop ever since. From David Bowie and KISS to even Adam Lambert,they all took that cue to some degree from Elvis.Not to mention the fact that Elvis had more women than he knew what to do with. That bothers me that JRM said that period, let alone in such a derogatory fashion. Now I think he is an ungrateful SOB,considering that the miniseries should have been the role of a lifetime for him.

[Jungleroom76]

Don Johnson as Elvis, man Jonathan Rhys-Meyers IS Elvis Presley besides that abomination.
But let's not forget Mr. Johnson has a big contender to win that price: the guy (whatever his name is) who played Elvis in another abomination: Elvis and Nixon.

Lord have mercy.

OH MY GOD!!! I FORGOT ALL ABOUT THE "ELVIS & NIXON" MOVIE!!! :jawdrop:

You are ABSOLUTELY right...I guess it's a tie for "Worst Portrayal of Elvis Presley" between Johnson and the "Elvis" from that movie... :doh:

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

...is the best production ever done on an Elvis themed movie or series, far superior from the 90's Elvis series with Michael St Gerard or anything else.

In my opinion, it's hard to compare the two in production value since the '05 mini-series focused on more than just the early years of Elvis' career like the 90's series did. As for the early years portion of the '05 movie, I still have to give the nod to the '90's series...I just really think they nailed it with that show, especially with St. Gerard's portrayal of Elvis. :hmm:


...and is the only one I remember that actually uses Elvis music and not someone else performance, that was a big step forward.

While I personally enjoy Ronnie McDowell's singing and have no problem with him singing Elvis' songs, like he did for the St. Gerard series, I do agree with you that is the one saving grace from the '05 mini-series - they actually used Elvis' original recordings. (y)


Best Elvis performance still is Kurt Russell, to bad is to old now to give us another Presley deliver.

I have always enjoyed Kurt's portrayal of Elvis, but still....if I had to choose an early Elvis, I'll stick with St. Gerard. Now whether St. Gerard could have pulled off the older Elvis is up for debate... :hmm:


Now, if a definitive Elvis bioptic is to be filmed, finally with the right script, the right production, the right director, the right cast, everything in its right place, the big question is: Who will you say, could be taking Elvis role? (that could be a thread in itself haha)

THAT is an excellent question my friend!!! Personally, in order to tell the Elvis story the right way, perhaps instead of going the route of using an actor, maybe a "definitive" version of his story should be told by Elvis himself, a' la THIS IS ELVIS. Who better to tell his story than the man himself?? :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

[john carpenter]

Here is a bit of a blooper for my friends to look out for when they watch "Elvis" with Johnathon Rhys Myers. In the scene when elvis and his girlfriend are walking out from a church, they walk by a few old houses. Watch carefully ...one of the houses has a Satilitte Dish on the roof....:supriced: I guess they missed that in editing:blush:

[goodelvisgirl]

yeah i would love to see a complete elvis movie from his beginings till the end with good quality actors and the proper vocals the walk the line movie for johnny cash was amazin wish someone could do that with the elvis story but i suppose elvis is harder to play u need the look and the dance moves and a decent voice would like to see shawn klush do a 70's elvis movie he has all 3 not sure about 50's or 60's

[ElvisLives]

In my opinion, it's hard to compare the two in production value since the '05 mini-series focused on more than just the early years of Elvis' career like the 90's series did. As for the early years portion of the '05 movie, I still have to give the nod to the '90's series...I just really think they nailed it with that show, especially with St. Gerard's portrayal of Elvis. :hmm:

Yeah, it's hard to fathom how they can say the clothing was "better" in the Rhys-Meyers series. I would suggest anyone who thinks so should pull out a copy of the 1990 series and watch it again.


While I personally enjoy Ronnie McDowell's singing and have no problem with him singing Elvis' songs, like he did for the St. Gerard series, I do agree with you that is the one saving grace from the '05 mini-series - they actually used Elvis' original recordings. (y)

It had never been tried before, and that was one of the "selling points" for the 2005 series. "First time with actual ELVIS songs!!". Too bad it also included a glaringly short actor as Elvis too...


I have always enjoyed Kurt's portrayal of Elvis, but still....if I had to choose an early Elvis, I'll stick with St. Gerard. Now whether St. Gerard could have pulled off the older Elvis is up for debate... :hmm:

There really is no comparison. Michael St. Gerard did his best to BECOME Elvis.

Kurt Russell just had fun PLAYING one of his idols.


THAT is an excellent question my friend!!! Personally, in order to tell the Elvis story the right way, perhaps instead of going the route of using an actor, maybe a "definitive" version of his story should be told by Elvis himself, a' la THIS IS ELVIS. Who better to tell his story than the man himself?? :hmm:

TCB!
Mike

Want to know the funny thing? Watch This Is Elvis, and follow it up with the 2005 series. It's almost liked they watched it and said, "Hey, let's just film THAT!". They copied a lot straight from that film.

A lot.

But if they did make a Walk The Line for Elvis, I think the ONLY actor that could pull it off, and give it the acting skill it requires is Leonardo DiCaprio.

http://www.hollywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/leonardo-dicaprio-watches-for-charity.jpg

[Lisarose]

But if they did make a Walk The Line for Elvis, I think the ONLY actor that could pull it off, and give it the acting skill it requires is Leonardo DiCaprio.

http://www.hollywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/leonardo-dicaprio-watches-for-charity.jpg

DiCaprio is certainly a handsome young man, but his voice is much to high pitched to do Elvis any justice

[Raised on Rock]

Yeah, it's hard to fathom how they can say the clothing was "better" in the Rhys-Meyers series. I would suggest anyone who thinks so should pull out a copy of the 1990 series and watch it again.

Actually, I got a VHS with the 90's series, and although they got the clothes right, well that is great, but they are still look a likes of how Elvis suposedly dressed. The '05 series, despite all the faults, did in fact reproduce most of Elvis wardrobe: stage and street clothes, accesories, guitars even!!! all are exact replicas. There is no debate on that, that was never done before and it was something cool to do.



Want to know the funny thing? Watch This Is Elvis, and follow it up with the 2005 series. It's almost liked they watched it and said, "Hey, let's just film THAT!". They copied a lot straight from that film.

A lot.

But if they did make a Walk The Line for Elvis, I think the ONLY actor that could pull it off, and give it the acting skill it requires is Leonardo DiCaprio.

http://www.hollywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/leonardo-dicaprio-watches-for-charity.jpg

Even worst, they replicated some scenes from the awful "Elvis and Me" it could not be worst.

Wonder when some will produce a bioptic hiring a writer that instead of watch all the crap that has been done before, or, and hope you don't take it bad, make up romantic bullshit like in the 90's series, will instead study Guralnick books as THE storyline, and adapt something from there. And do focus on his career and not so much on the soap opera details of his life.

Di Caprio, that's interesting, definetively, even if he is not Elvis looking or sounding enough, he is talented enough to pull out something good. So you bring something important here, is not just about looking like Elvis, is about, and because the complicated character Elvis is, about being a real good actor

[Jungleroom76]

Here is a bit of a blooper for my friends to look out for when they watch "Elvis" with Johnathon Rhys Myers. In the scene when elvis and his girlfriend are walking out from a church, they walk by a few old houses. Watch carefully ...one of the houses has a Satilitte Dish on the roof....:supriced: I guess they missed that in editing:blush:

Interesting catch pal...I'll have to check that out next time I see it! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[Jungleroom76]

But if they did make a Walk The Line for Elvis, I think the ONLY actor that could pull it off, and give it the acting skill it requires is Leonardo DiCaprio.

http://www.hollywire.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/leonardo-dicaprio-watches-for-charity.jpg

Definitely an interesting choice... :hmm:

I'd have to give that one some thought, especially since I'm not too familiar with DiCaprio's acting and body of work. :blush:

TCB!
Mike

[ElvisLives]

Definitely an interesting choice... :hmm:

I'd have to give that one some thought, especially since I'm not too familiar with DiCaprio's acting and body of work. :blush:

TCB!
Mike

Watch The Aviator, where he plays Howard Hughes.

DiCaprio is a VERY dedicated actor, and was actually rumored to possibly play Elvis in a "Last Train To Memphis" movie a few years back.

[Jungleroom76]

Watch The Aviator, where he plays Howard Hughes.

DiCaprio is a VERY dedicated actor, and was actually rumored to possibly play Elvis in a "Last Train To Memphis" movie a few years back.

Thanks for the information...I'll definitely have to give that movie a look! (y)

TCB!
Mike

[monk37]

I thought that Elvis and Nixon was a pretty funny and entertaining movie

and it had that moment in LA in the record store and coffee shop - when Elvis hears real truth form a guy he meets - like in Heartbreak Hotel with David Keith - that if only Elvis had had a moment when he really connected with someone - it could have saved his life.