Viva Las Vegas 1964
Directed by
George Sidney
Made by
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Plot Summary
Lucky Jackson, portrayed by Elvis Presley, heads to the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada, eager to take part in the inaugural Grand Prix Race. However, his beloved race car, an Elva Mk.6 Maserati, is in desperate need of a new engine to be able to compete effectively.
Desperate to gather the funds, Lucky manages to earn the necessary cash, only to see it slip away when he is unexpectedly pushed into a pool by the hotel’s alluring swimming instructor, Rusty Martin. Faced with the dilemma of covering his hotel bill and replacing the lost money, Lucky resorts to working as a waiter in the hotel while simultaneously entering a talent contest in hopes of winning a cash prize hefty enough to fund his car’s repairs.
Throughout this chaotic journey, Lucky finds himself infatuated with Rusty, despite the interference from his main rival, Count Elmo Mancini, played by Cesare Danova, who drives a stunning Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta. Mancini harbors intentions of clinching both the Grand Prix and Rusty’s heart, leading to a tangled love triangle. As the story unfolds, Rusty realizes her affection for Lucky and begins to pressure him to abandon his racing aspirations. In an attempt to incite jealousy, she flirts with Mancini.
When the scheduled talent contest arrives, Lucky and Rusty end up tying for the prize; however, instead of the much-needed cash reward, Rusty is gifted a pool table while Lucky receives a honeymoon package. The plot thickens when Rusty’s father, a man passionate about racing, secretly takes out a loan to support Lucky just hours before the Grand Prix.
In a dramatic twist, Mancini’s car crashes during the race, clearing the way for Lucky to seize victory. Ultimately, he triumphs not only in the race but also in winning Rusty’s heart, leading to their marriage. The film features vibrant performances of songs like “Yellow Rose of Texas,” “What’d I Say,” and “The Lady Loves Me,” all heightening the emotional stakes of this exhilarating and entertaining tale.
Timeline
Lucky arrives in Las Vegas
Lucky Jackson, portrayed by Elvis Presley, arrives in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada, filled with excitement and ambition. He is eager to participate in the inaugural Grand Prix Race that promises fame and recognition.
Lucky's car engine troubles
Upon his arrival, Lucky discovers that his cherished race car, an Elva Mk.6 Maserati, is in dire need of a new engine. This revelation presents a significant obstacle in his quest to compete effectively in the Grand Prix.
Unexpected pool mishap
In his desperation to fund the car repairs, Lucky manages to scrape together the necessary cash. However, his plans derail when he is unexpectedly pushed into a pool by the hotel's enchanting swimming instructor, Rusty Martin.
Working as a waiter
Faced with the dual challenges of covering his hotel bill and replacing the lost cash, Lucky takes on a job as a waiter in the hotel. Despite the stressful situation, he remains determined to gather funds for his racing dreams.
Entering the talent contest
In a bold move to secure the necessary funds, Lucky decides to enter a talent contest. He hopes to win the cash prize, which could potentially cover the repairs for his car and help him regain his racing aspirations.
The love triangle thickens
As Lucky navigates his financial struggles, he finds himself infatuated with Rusty. However, his main rival, Count Elmo Mancini, also desires Rusty's affection, creating a tangled love triangle that complicates Lucky's goals.
Rusty's indecision
Rusty begins to feel a deep connection with Lucky but is pressured by her emotions and the interference of Mancini. She causes tension by flirting with Mancini, hoping to incite jealousy in Lucky.
Talent contest results
When the talent contest finally arrives, Lucky and Rusty tie for the prize. However, instead of the cash they desperately needed, Rusty receives a pool table while Lucky is awarded a honeymoon package, leaving them frustrated.
Rusty's father's secret loan
Amid the chaos, Rusty's father, a racing enthusiast, takes out a loan to support Lucky just hours before the Grand Prix race. This act of kindness adds an unexpected twist to Lucky’s race preparation.
The Grand Prix Race
During the Grand Prix, a dramatic turn of events occurs when Mancini's car crashes, paving the way for Lucky to seize the opportunity. With determination and skill, he races towards victory.
Lucky's victory
Lucky triumphs not only in the race but also succeeds in winning Rusty's heart. His journey from struggle to victory culminates in a heartfelt climax, celebrating both his racing achievement and love.
The marriage
In the end, Lucky and Rusty celebrate their love with a marriage. Their union symbolizes the triumph of love and ambition amidst the challenges faced throughout Lucky's chaotic journey.
Musical performances
The film is interlaced with vibrant performances of songs, including 'Yellow Rose of Texas', 'What'd I Say', and 'The Lady Loves Me'. These musical elements heighten the emotional stakes and entertainment value of the story.
Characters
Lucky Jackson (Elvis Presley)
Lucky Jackson is a passionate and determined race car driver who dreams of success in the Grand Prix. He exhibits a charming blend of ambition and naivety, driven by both his racing aspirations and his feelings for Rusty. His journey is marked by challenges that test his tenacity and relationships.
Rusty Martin (Ann-Margret)
Rusty Martin is a captivating swimming instructor who finds herself in a love triangle with Lucky and Count Mancini. Charismatic and independent, she grapples with her feelings for Lucky while navigating her father's passion for racing. Her actions create tension as she balances affection and loyalty.
Count Elmo Mancini (Cesare Danova)
Count Elmo Mancini is Lucky's rival both on the racetrack and in love, driving a luxurious Ferrari. He is suave and confident, embodying the archetype of a charming antagonist. His desire to win the Grand Prix and Rusty’s affection adds layers to the competition with Lucky.
Setting
Location
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, famous for its vibrant nightlife, casinos, and grand shows. The city is synonymous with excitement, where fortunes can change with a single bet. In 'Viva Las Vegas', the city's allure plays a crucial role in the journey of Lucky Jackson as he navigates dreams and romantic entanglements.
Themes
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Love
The theme of love is central to 'Viva Las Vegas', as Lucky finds himself drawn to Rusty amidst the competitive atmosphere of racing. Their relationship evolves through jealousy and rivalry, portraying the complexities of romantic feelings. The intertwining of love and aspiration adds depth to the characters’ motivations throughout the film.
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Competition
Competition is a key theme in the film, epitomized by the Grand Prix Race and the romantic rivalry between Lucky and Count Mancini. The stakes of both racing and love intertwine, highlighting the lengths one might go to pursue their dreams. This competitive spirit brings tension and excitement to the narrative.
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