ELVIS PRESLEY STARTS FILMING: FIRST BRITISH LP RELEASE NEXT MONTH
“MR DYNAMITE” – Elvis Presley – has commenced filming in his first Hollywood screen role, under the auspices of Twentieth Century-Fox. He stars in “Love Me Tender” (formerly titled “The Reno Brothers”), which also includes Debra Paget and Richard Egan.
In order to gain maximum benefit from Presley’s tremendous popularity, Twentieth Century will speed the production at a whirlwind pace, completing shooting within a period of four weeks.
STATISTICSThe Reno Brothers” will be released in America at the beginning of November, whilst British cinema audiences will have a nation-wide release in December. In the film, Presley sings four compositions, including the title song. He is reported to be receiving $35,000 for this screen debut.
Latest statistics received from America, detail a phenomenal list of accomplishments by Presley during the past year. His record sales have exceeded ten million in twelve months; three discs have each earned him a “golden record,” whilst his royalties are estimated at the minimum sum of £120,000.
His LP album sales are five times greater than the previous top presentation of the “Glenn Miller Story.” Seven double-sided releases from the LP have been issued separately, with each disc selling at the rate of 15,000 copies daily.
Revenue from Presley’s sales during the past year has yielded a gross total of £1,500,000 to RCA. Of their current output, Presley is responsible for more than 60 per cent of RCA’s entire sales
In Britain, HMV release to-day (Friday) Elvis Presley’s fastest selling U.S. record – “Hound Dog,” coupled with “Don’t Be Cruel.” Next month, his first LP album will be available here, comprising twelve titles.
New Musical Express, 15 September 1956
