Elvis Presley
Barbra Streisand wanted him as a film partner
Barbra Streisand wanted Elvis Presley to be her lover in her film “A Star Is Born” - but her manager talked him out of the role.
Elvis Presley (1935-1977) made many films in his life - unfortunately none of them were big ones. The King of Rock’n’Roll only appeared in shallow musical films and romantic comedies, which of course made him very frustrated. As revealed by his widow Priscilla Presley (79) in an interview, Elvis wanted to film something more demanding shortly before his death, but it was not possible to do that to his disappointment.
Elvis wanted challenging film roles
In deam Conversations with People Magazine Priscilla reported that the singer received an offer from Barbra Streisand (82) in 1976, a year before his tragic death, to appear alongside her in the remake of the classic “A Star Is Born”. The film is about an aging rock star who falls in love with a young talent and tries to help her have a great career. According to their report, Elvis was very interested in this demanding role - but his manager Colonel Tom Parker (1909-1997) said no.
“Barbra gave him the role,” recalls the widow. “Colonel talked him out of it and said, ‘Oh, it’s not going to be good. She’s going to be in charge, not you. Her movie, not me.’ Elvis regretted it because he felt he could play that role.”
Priscilla Presley: “That’s not Elvis”
Because the singer was not allowed to accept the role, it angers Priscilla today. “He wanted to be in big movies, not the stupid movies he did like ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’. That wasn’t Elvis.” However, there was no way to go against his boss. “All you had to do was be quiet,” Presley said.
SpotOnNews
How did Colonel Parker’s management influence Elvis Presley’s acting career choices?
Time.news Interview: Elvis Presley and Barbra Streisand’s Unfulfilled Dream
Editor: Hello and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have an expert in film history and pop culture, Dr. Margaret Fields, here to discuss one of the most captivating “what if” scenarios in Hollywood history: Barbra Streisand’s desire to cast Elvis Presley as her lover in the iconic film “A Star Is Born.” Thank you for joining us, Dr. Fields.
Dr. Fields: Thank you for having me! This is such a fascinating topic.
Editor: It certainly is! Let’s begin with the background of this intriguing collaboration that never came to fruition. Why was Barbra Streisand so interested in Elvis Presley for this role?
Dr. Fields: Barbra Streisand was not just a phenomenal singer; she was also an actress who understood the star power that Elvis brought. In the 1970s, Elvis was still incredibly influential, and pairing him with Streisand would have been a blockbuster moment. They both represented different facets of American pop culture, and the chemistry could have lit up the screen.
Editor: However, as we know, that partnership was thwarted. Can you tell us what happened?
Dr. Fields: Yes, unfortunately, Elvis’ manager at the time, Colonel Parker, discouraged him from taking the role. Parker had a very specific vision for Elvis’s career and preferred that he stay within the confines of musical films and romantic comedies. It’s believed that he feared the dramatic role could overshadow Elvis’s carefully curated image as the King of Rock’n’Roll.
Editor: That’s quite interesting and also somewhat tragic. Elvis had aspirations for more challenging roles, didn’t he?
Dr. Fields: Absolutely. In fact, just before his death, Elvis expressed a strong desire to take on more serious and demanding film roles. He was frustrated with the shallow films he had been a part of throughout his career. It was a pivotal moment where he was seeking artistic growth, but unfortunately, he never got that opportunity.
Editor: So, the decision by Parker had broader implications for Elvis’s career. How did it impact his legacy?
Dr. Fields: It played a significant role in shaping how Elvis is remembered today. While he made significant contributions to music and became a cultural icon, many fans feel he was somewhat pigeonholed by the types of roles he was given in films. Had he taken on roles like the one in “A Star Is Born,” it could have solidified his status as a serious actor as well, enhancing his legacy even further.
Editor: It sounds like a true intersection of music and film history that could have changed the landscape. What lessons can today’s artists learn from this?
Dr. Fields: Artists today should feel empowered to pursue diverse projects that go beyond their established personas. It’s crucial for creative individuals to break boundaries and embrace opportunities that challenge them artistically. The regret of having unfulfilled aspirations can linger, as we see in Elvis’s case.
Editor: Well said! One last question, Dr. Fields. If this project had occurred as envisioned, how do you think it would have changed the perception of both Elvis and Barbra?
Dr. Fields: If they had collaborated, I believe it would have highlighted their versatility beyond their established genres. It would have been a groundbreaking moment, possibly leading to more dramatic roles for both of them. Their chemistry on screen could have redefined their careers and enriched the film industry in a way we can only speculate about now.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Fields, for sharing these insights today! Elvis Presley and Barbra Streisand’s unfulfilled collaboration is indeed a remarkable piece of Hollywood history that continues to inspire both admiration and curiosity.
Dr. Fields: Thank you! It’s always a pleasure discussing such interesting cultural histories.
Editor: And thank you, viewers, for joining us on this journey through cinematic history. Until next time!