Rare Footage of Elvis Presley Unearthed in NYC
NEW YORK – As the music world prepares to celebrate Elvis Presley’s 90th birthday on January 8, 2025, a remarkable piece of history has emerged. Peter Facini, managing editor at FOX 5 NY, stumbled upon previously uncharted territory in the Fox Movietone archive while searching for footage to commemorate the occasion.
The Unveiling of the Clip
Facini’s meticulous review of the newly digitized clips led him to a silent film segment lasting slightly over two minutes. It begins with Elvis in a film studio, offering essential date and directional context: October 29, 1956, helmed by director Robert Webb.
Context Behind the Footage
A quick online search reveals that on this date, Elvis was filming a new ending for his debut movie, Love Me Tender. This adjustment came after early previews showed that young audiences were distressed by the death of Elvis’s character. To mitigate this reaction, studio executives decided to add a segment featuring Elvis’s ghost singing “Love Me Tender.”
Identifying the Filming Location
As the clip progresses, viewers see Elvis greeting fans after completing his recording session. Recognizing the exterior of the building, Facini identified it as an old carriage house located on East 69th Street, which has remained largely unchanged for 70 years. This building, he recalls, once housed Junco Studios, which had history intertwined with Elvis’s early career.
Expert Insights
To gauge the significance of this archival find, Facini reached out to Angie Marchese, Vice President of Archives and Exhibitions at Graceland, who expressed her excitement. “All the casual behind-the-scenes interactions, meeting the fans outside the studio, and him going to the car—this was all new to me. To find two minutes of unedited Elvis film from 1956 is pretty priceless,” Marchese stated.
The Next Steps
Recognizing the historic value of this footage, Marchese intends to acquire the clip for Graceland’s permanent collection, aiming to enrich the narrative of Elvis’s extraordinary life for his ongoing admirers.
Conclusion
In light of this fantastic discovery, the cultural impact of Elvis Presley continues to resonate, inspiring future generations. This unique footage captures a pivotal moment in his iconic career, destined to be shared with fans at Graceland and beyond.
Watch Robert Moses’ special report, “Finding Elvis,” airing tonight on the 5 O’Clock News. Click here to watch live.
