Viva Las Vegas – Elvis, Ann-Margret, and the Bloopers You Never Noticed

Elvis Presley remains one of America’s greatest icons, and Viva Las Vegas (1964) captured his charisma at its peak. Paired with Ann-Margret, their on-screen chemistry lit up every scene, especially the playful duet, “The Lady Loves Me.” But even in a legendary film, bloopers and surprises slipped past the cameras — until now.

The movie became Elvis’ highest-grossing film, out-earning Blue Hawaii by $450,000. At just 85 minutes, it was also the shortest of his career. Presley played Lucky Jackson, a race car driver chasing victory in Las Vegas, while Ann-Margret portrayed Rusty Martin, a dancer who stole both Lucky’s heart and the spotlight. Their energy turned Viva Las Vegas into a cultural treasure, blending romance, music, and the neon glow of old Vegas.

Ann-Margret’s stardom was undeniable — some theaters even billed her above Elvis. While critics debated her physical appeal, her talent and charisma were impossible to ignore. The film also captured Las Vegas in 1964, a city long before Elvis’ marriage to Priscilla and his legendary hotel residency, preserving a slice of history now mostly gone.

Read Part 2