Analysis of Elvis Backstage w/Souix Indian Girl

[howardrobardhughes]

CBS..uncut raw footage.pre concert..RAPID CITY.
Elvis arriving ..going to the dressing room..going directly to the mirror to check how he looks...
Joe rushing the cameras out..
Elvis being presented the Medallion of Life by the Souix Indian girl..

any comments or analysis on this???..
I've studied this footage for many weeks....

[Albert]

I don't think there's anything special about it: Elvis comes to Rapid City and the city has decided to welcome him in a special way. As a special welcoming of Elvis in a town (also by the major) is show in On Tour (in the plane), I guess it's a thing that happened a lot.

In this case the major welcomed Elvis to their new auditorium and a native American girl (from the Souix tribe) gives Elvis a special present. Since this tribe originally lived around the Rapid City areay, I think it's a nice personal gift and effort.

[JohanD]

Has anyone ever seen the picture that was taken then?

To my knowkedge it has never been out before...

[howardrobardhughes]

I was curious if anyone had any observations about Elvis' demeanor,how he acted,how his "handlers" acted with him.Also,does anyone think that Elvis was "coherent"...

[Sonny]

I always thought Elvis acted **** good!

He gave the Sioux girl a lot of attention, even asked his guys if they had something to give her, which - besides a scarf maybe - they hadn't.

The way he approached the major was okay - friendly, but with the right distance...

Sonny

[kennyelvis]

I think our man looked good right there, i dont think he was on somthing, so to me he looked "coherent"...

[buttonhead]

yep,..our man looked good, he always been nice to a kid as well, as he asked someone to give the scarf to the kid...mm i wish it was me

[jbgude]

While E certainly seemed to be aware of the things around and made an extra effort to talk to the little girl it seemed just that: he had to make an effort to move and speak, somehow his movements were ponderous and he certainly seemed to be a little spaced - the dummies around him were the usual syncophantic selves.

jb

[Lonniebealestreet]

I think it was a very tender, touching moment and Elvis said, "Baby, baby..."

No, I do think Elvis was very sweet with the girl, and it's a nice scene for us to be able to witness. I don't think Elvis acted funny, but to me he sure looked unwell. He seemed to have a sort of pained look on his face...it was a strange look. As he got into the show, this seemed to pass and he appeared to be really enjoying himself.

It's been said many times before, but in the shows which preceded and followed (and the one that came between) the two filmed concerts, Elvis looked a lot better.

I am very much a fan of Elvis and his shows in his final months, so I'm no stranger to the way he looked then. The way he looked in that backstage scene in Rapid City strikes me as being among the worst moments I've seen in terms of his appearance. He just looked physically uncomfortable.

[0349054]

I think he was very nice. He gave the girl plenty of attention. I always laugh when I watch Elvis On Tour, and Elvis arrives at the airport, and a representative from the city gets onboard the plane to Elvis, and presents him with this small guitar, made by schoolkids I think, Elvis picks up the Guitar and then it breaks!!!

[stilllovinelvis]

I loved this clip of him arriving backstage. I just feel like I was allowed in a "little" closer. I just thought how cute and funny that Elvis made an immediate b-line for the mirror. I just adore him and this was just a small way to see how he acts. I loved his interaction with the Indian girl. I thought he was SO sweet to her and said "Isn't she pretty". His tone with her was so gentle and he bent down to her level and he gently kissed her on the cheek and thanked her and called her sweetheart, I think. It just makes my heart swell with even more love for him. And it makes me imagine how he must have been with his own child, Lisa. She has stated in an interview that she knew her Dad loved and ADORED her. So it makes me feel good to know that he was able to show her a lot of love and that she remembers it.

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

Just watched this again, Elvis certainly looks unwell, as for the way he acted, he seems a little on edge but could that not be nerves before a performance?? The way Elvis acted with the Indian girl was kind and polite.
It saddens me to see Elvis so unwell

[Dudcowboy_1]

For jumpsuits around the privite area they put fabric a little thicker. Because Elvis did not like his briefs or what ever he was wearing roll up on him. I've had that problem. But he did not wear anything under those suits. So camrea guys did not know. Don't think anyone want see Elvis naked. Ok ladies I take that back.lol But...... Also when we(any singer) goes out on stage we get into a zone and we don't like be bothered by anything. I know someone could set a firecracker off infront of me. And i would not hear it.

Take care and God Bless,
Tim Dudley
Dudcowboy_1
Tim Dudley "A History Of Elvis Show"

[Jumpsuit Junkie]

For jumpsuits around the privite area they put fabric a little thicker. Because Elvis did not like his briefs or what ever he was wearing roll up on him. I've had that problem. But he did not wear anything under those suits. So camrea guys did not know. Don't think anyone want see Elvis naked. Ok ladies I take that back.lol But...... Also when we(any singer) goes out on stage we get into a zone and we don't like be bothered by anything. I know someone could set a firecracker off infront of me. And i would not hear it. [/URL]

How did we get to this answer???

[Joe Car]

I thought Elvis was great with that little girl, a very touching moment.

[Captain Elwood David]

Additional hardcore comments:

It's pretty obvious that EP is physcially ill backstage @ Rapid City ......... as well as on-stage.

- EP can also be seen inhaling / spraying ...... some sort of medication for either his lungs or throat .......... right before exiting the door & walking down the hall.

- EP stops suddenly at the corner of the wall when Esposito rushes out telling others to close the curtain so that EP remains unseen ---------> EP's sudden "stop" shows how well-versed he was with all of the "motions" from years of touring.

- EP is so intensely focused on getting ready to enter the stage, that when he does turn the corner, ........ he is completely unaware of the partitioning divider falling over ...... almost hitting him. It is quickly stopped by Ed Parker, who immediately follows EP - watching his back, so to speak. Geller's reflexes are too slow ........ EP & Parker are already moving before Geller catches up.

There is also much, much more to be seen for those with sharp eyes ............

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Good stuff, The CBS Outtakes .............. I was like a kid all over again the first time I viewed them.

- Capt. EL."

[T_J]

It's a very nice segment to watch and shows what we all know - Elvis was great with kids. However, I find it a little tough to believe anyone thinks Elvis looked good. Sadly, he looked precisely what he was; an overweight and sick man.

[stilllovinelvis]

Captain- I have watched the footage you mentioned several times and had not noticed the partition falling etc. Thanks for pointing that out. I will go back and watch again for it. I am interested in things like this, but sadly am not observant enough to detect them on my own. You said there is MUCH more to be seen for those with sharp eyes. Since my eyes obviously are not as keen as yours, will you please point out some other things I may have missed. I would GREATLY appreciate your help. As I stated elsewhere, I thought Elvis, at the beginning of the CBS concert had mouthed "Sit back and read that book". I thought maybe he was talking to Ginger, but she was on the other side of the stage. Then another poster helped me out by letting me know he had said "Smile, you're on camara". Boy was I way off in lip reading. When I went back and watched it again it was obvious. So I would love to receive any info you have on this concert, if you have the time. You can post it here or pm me. Thank you.

[howardrobardhughes]

[B]When watching this footage...it is eerie...how depressed,quiet,and sad the whole entourage seems while with Elvis...almost like a funeral home...None of the TTWIT..or On Tour style of having fun...cutting up..laughing..
It's almost like everyone knows that Elvis is in poor health...and shouldn't even be there...but the mood is very solemn..
it's facinating

[Captain Elwood David]

Wade -

As EP discussed with Red West in the infamous telephone conversation, ....... all of the "fun" had long since disappeared with touring. EP was essentially delivered / removed from venues "like a piece of meat" ............... and most of the guys would only be around Graceland come touring time.

That said, ......... all of those "handlers" were essentially there, because EP wanted them there.

EP knew what was going on / happening. I personally don't think he had the energy / drive / ultimately desire to take control & change the circumstances. The denail and procrastination just went on too long.

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Stillonelvis -

I love The CBS Outtakes and have watched them countless times.

You definitely have to be hardcore to appreciate some of the things that Wade & I are mentioning.

BTW, EP is indeed saying ........ "Smile, You're On Candid Camera" during the Rapid City version of CC Rider. The Rapid City comments were briefly spliced into The CBS Special to cover what was a bizarre stopping of the song by EP at the other venue that comprises the majority of the Special. I had always wondered why the different venue shots were used during the song, before viewing the outtakes.

When I have some more time (this weekend), I will PM you another outtakes tidbit. Again, for hardcore fans only. Gotta run for now, though. Happy to help, when able to.


- Capt. "EL."