Viva Las Vegas
Viva Las Vegas

Viva Las Vegas

1964Movie85 minEnglish

Lucky Jackson arrives in town with his car literally in tow ready for the first Las Vegas Grand Prix - once he has the money to buy an engine. He gets the cash easily enough but mislays it when the pretty swimming pool manageress takes his mind off things. It seems he will lose both race and girl, problems made more difficult by rivalry from Elmo Mancini, fellow racer and womaniser.

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Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes67%
Google Users85%
Director: George SidneyGenres: Musical, Comedy, Romance

Plot Summary

Race car driver Lucky Jackson needs to raise money to buy a new car to compete in the first Las Vegas Grand Prix. He attempts to raise the money by performing in Las Vegas casinos. He also finds himself caught between two beautiful women, Rusty Martin and the hotel's lounge singer, who both vie for his attention. The film follows Lucky's attempts to win the race, secure funding, and win the heart of his desired woman.

Critical Reception

Viva Las Vegas is often cited as one of Elvis Presley's best films, praised for its energetic musical numbers, vibrant Las Vegas setting, and the palpable chemistry between Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret. The film was a commercial success, further cementing Presley's status as a movie star. While critically it received mixed to positive reviews, it remains a fan favorite for its entertainment value and iconic performances.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its energetic song-and-dance numbers, especially those featuring Ann-Margret.
  • The chemistry between Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret is a major highlight.
  • The plot is considered thin but serves as a sufficient backdrop for the musical sequences and Vegas spectacle.

Google audience: Google users generally praise Viva Las Vegas for its entertainment value, vibrant musical numbers, and the charismatic performances of Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret. Many enjoy the nostalgic aspect of the film and its depiction of classic Las Vegas.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. Ann-Margret won a Laurel Award for Top Female Comedy Performance.

Fun Fact

Ann-Margret performed many of her own stunts in the film, including most of the high-energy dance sequences.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
DanDare

DanDare

Most Elvis movies were the product of a conveyor belt. Quickly written and produced and Elvis was not stretched as an actor or singer. Viva Las Vegas does not stretch this formula but is fun, thanks in part due to the chemistry between E...
John Chard

John Chard

Viva the King and Annie. Elvis Presley movies, by and large, aren't very good. Thirty one feature length pictures he made, of which arguably only half a dozen are jointly watchable and entertaining. But even the stinkers have fans, and n...