On December 3rd, 1968, Elvis Presley made a triumphant return to the music scene after spending eight years making lackluster movies in Hollywood. His comeback came in the form of an hour-long NBC special titled “Elvis,” which was recorded the previous June in Burbank. The special featured a slim and stylish Presley clad in black leather, performing an intimate and stripped-down acoustic concert for a small studio audience. Director Steve Binder captured the raw energy of Presley’s performance by using handheld cameras, giving viewers an up-close and personal experience.
“Elvis,” also known as “The ’68 Comeback Special,” can be thought of as the precursor to MTV’s “Unplugged” series, which didn’t debut until 20 years later. The special has now been the subject of a new Paramount+ documentary titled “Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback.” This documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of the original NBC telecast, offering a unique perspective from Binder himself. Binder, now 90 years old, shares candid and emotional stories about his work with Presley and his complicated relationship with Presley’s manager, Colonel Tom Parker, who is portrayed as “The Villain” in the documentary.
“Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback” is produced by Spencer Proffer and directed by John Scheinfeld, with Binder and Bruce Gilmer serving as executive producers. Proffer, who has known Binder since 1968, explains that Binder was the only person Elvis truly listened to. This documentary serves as Binder’s chance to bring Elvis back to life visually, delving into the making of the special and exploring Binder’s battle against Parker’s influence.
The Dutch-born Parker had envisioned the NBC special as a cheesy Christmas special with Presley singing holiday songs like Perry Como. However, Binder had a different vision. He knew that Presley felt most comfortable performing with his original bandmates, Scotty Moore and DJ Fontana, who had backed him on his early hits. Despite Parker’s objections, Binder brought Moore and Fontana back for the special, along with Charlie Hodge, Alan Fortas, and Lance LeGault. He also invited a small studio audience to witness this intimate concert, much to Parker’s disdain. Parker attempted to sabotage Binder’s plan by disposing of the audience tickets. Undeterred, Binder recruited a last-minute audience from Bob’s Big Boy restaurant and a local radio station, capturing the essence of the moment.
Proffer believes that the enduring appeal of the “68 Comeback Special” lies in its organic purity. As he explains, Elvis was a true rock star, a force to be reckoned with vocally and musically. Binder’s job was to capture and amplify that essence using handheld cameras, showcasing Presley’s true talent. This special was a stark departure from the forgettable B-movies that Presley had been making at the time. It was a chance to show the world the real Elvis, the cool guy in a black leather suit jamming on his guitar with his bandmates.
“Reinventing Elvis: The ’68 Comeback” aims to dispel the misconception that Elvis was simply the overweight entertainer in his later years, known for his Las Vegas shows in flamboyant jumpsuits. Proffer insists that Elvis was so much more than that. He was a rock ‘n’ roll legend with an undeniable charisma and talent that cannot be replicated or imitated. The documentary showcases Binder’s original vision for the special and sheds light on the true essence of the iconic Elvis Presley.
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