Elvis - A Lighted Candle

[Wanda June Hill]

(NOTICE; You may copy these to other Elvis Websites for the purpose of sharing with other true Elvis fans.
Should you choose to copy them, we ask that you include the address: www.elvislightedcandle.org as the source of the post. Thank you, Wanda June Hill and
Maia Nartoodmid, ELC Host.)

Wanda: Do you have things that you regret? Not doing-other than what you have?

E: Sure-everybody does... I'm no different. (Petulant tone of voice)

W: Didn't mean it that way- I know you're not different-in any way that counts.

E: I'm not different in ANY way! I just lead a different kind of life than many-than most people. There are few of us... and many of them out there. That's the only difference. I want the same things they do- it's just given to me in larger portions on account of what I do for a living. Not because I'm.... different!

W: I wasn't trying to put you on the defensive-I know all of that all ready.

E: Okay, I'm not... well; didn't mean to be... defensive. It's it..just I I get tired of explaining ME to people. Know I don't have to with you...it's its habit, maybe.

W: Yeah....

E: Anway, wish I had been able to do things...like better movies. I'd give anything just about... even if I wasn't the star... played anybody if it was somethin' good...but they never offered... (Col. T. made sure of that).

W: What's one you would have liked- that you really thought about?

E: Oh, lots of 'em. I guess one of the best was Dr. Zivago- I'd of loved playing Urichy - could of done that. I know it! But they wanted somebody who looked more foreign 'n they didn't think with my... Southern bred ness that I could pull it off. I 'd liked to have tried, but they wouldn't let me. An' then I wanted to do "Death Wish". I got the script first! An' they wanted to test...

W: You mean Charles Bronson's film? That one?

E: Yeah-it was good- could have done it and made it work. He did a good job- Hell, it made his career, ya know! I could of done it too.

W: Why didn't you get the role?

E: They said I was....too pretty! (Disgusted tone of voice) Hell! I put make up on, used a scar on my face, did my hair scraggy and wore a black, old turtle neck sweater an' changed my voice 'n looked good! Did the f----in' test- they liked it, then they decided it was too much- with my image an' all, the public wouldn't buy it.
So Bronson walked in-hell, didn't even test him- just got it. Right out from under me! That hurt bad; it was then I realized might as well forget the whole f---, excuse me- thing because they jus' wouldn't give me a chance...gawd...nobody...(He was offered a dramatic role but powers that "were" convinced him to change his mind... and too, he didn't want to do the nude and extended "love" scenes that were in the picture...A Star Is Born, I think it was called...didn't see it.)wjh

[Rainbow Light]

Don't know about Dr Zivago though it was a shame they didn't even give Elvis the chance to try for it! Haven't seen Death Wish but have seen a clip or trailer and think he should've and could have done it - again the whole image situation gets in the way which is such a great pity but for what it's worth, he had to look unshaven and kind of 'roughed up' for ''Charro' so what's the difference?!

He dealt with it in the best way he know how as it really doesn't seem he had much choice anyway but imagine it must have been a great source of frustration to him personally to not have been able to take on roles that were more challenging for him as think he wanted to prove himself as a good actor and after all, we've seen the potential ie King Creole, Flaming Star etc rather than what he was given so much of the time, no thanks to a certain Col. T Parker and crew!

Yeah, it must have been difficult for him to feel like he had to explain himself to so many people but is good and reassuring to know that he had Wanda and a few others around him to be able to know he could talk to so freely.

[Wanda June Hill]

We didn't get to see the "real" version of Charro- Elvis was thrilled to be doing that role- his version of what it should have been was not the way it turned out- and I think I have said this before- anyway, it's a shame that Tom and whoever, thought he was "crazy" or whatever they thought-maybe judging from some parts of the film it would have been a really good one and could be that was the problem- the boy might want to just do that-and not be running around the country singing??? He would have/could have done both had he been given the chance- but a movie would be different-not as much quick, easy cash and not as much chance of doing what ever "they" were doing on those tours. I have my theory on that too- like call that clean cash money-from so many places and banks and so much of it was cash- Col. T. liked being paid in "cash" money... uh-huh... wjh
Wonder why it was that the IRS "found" so much money that had not been taxed? And Elvis/Graceland was liable for it? Always wondered about that since Elvis said he just let the the IRS figure his taxes-that way he wouldn't ever be in a hole owing everything he had to them. He didn't know much about any of that- didn't want to know and that was not a good thing-but he just didn't want to deal with it-wasn't his thing he said...and so many other people were "better at it" than he so let them do it. His poor dad didn't know much but he tried to learn and he did the best he could- his problem was he counted pennies and dollars got away--- That's how Elvis said his "accountant" put it. I think that might have been Joe Espisito? He and a couple others say they "handled the money for Elvis" on the road and etc: but I don't know which one did-if they did. I know Elvis seldom had money with him in the early days- the guys always carried it. And later on, Elvis requistioned any cash he wanted to have- like for gifts etc: things he might want to buy. I would have loved being a mouse or a bug watching him when he went to Wash.DC on his own for the first leg, by himself! That must have been a riot-and he had everyone he met "looking out for him"- mostly women, he said but there were a "few guys who stood by and kinda watched my back" he said and he said he didn't have any problem- every one just came up and helped him with things. I'll bet. One look into those innocent sky blue denim colored eyes and that little boy smile and they'd run to help him... I had to laugh when I asked him about the box he was carrying-he had no luggage-nothing- and he said, Oh when the little stewedress found out I didn't have nothin' with me-she got a little bag for me and then the lady at the hotel, she brought me some things too an' found a box- they were all really nice. I just thanked them...didn't really need it all, but it was nice, real nice. People are nice, if you let them be."

[Rainbow Light]

I've never known anyone who could pull Elvis down like the Colonel, you've mentioned it elsewhere in a Forum I think, Wanda?, but he was such a spoilsport - anytime that Elvis (or anyone else that supported or tried to help Elvis in a positive way) dared to threaten the Colonel's CONTROL over him and his career, Parker seemed to take some kind of mean satisfaction in bringing Elvis down, dragging his self-confidence back down or else-wise using manipulation to bring him back 'into line', makes me so sad to think of that really, y'know?

As for Elvis going to Washington to see President Nixon: yeah, that must have been a riot, but absolutely: one look into those blue eyes and that'd be it, all rush to help him specially when he turned that Southern charm on the ladies, ha!!

That man had SO much charm and personal magnetism it's hard to believe sometimes, huh?! Sue

[Wanda June Hill]

When my grandmother came out to visit us we lived at the beach and she had not seen the Pacific Ocean before. We went there and then she wanted to go to Hollywood and see some "movie stars". She spent most of her life in Missouri, Okla and Arkansas though for her age she was "worldly" than many. I called to see if Elvis was home-he was and had a small party in progress he said-to come on up. So I took her and it was some kind of experience. Elvis was right there, friendly and told us to "make yourselves at home". We stood around, sat around and watched-then Grandma wanted to look out the back at the golf course below.
So we were standing out there on the patio and Elvis came up behind her, slipped his arms about her waist and kissed the back of her neck. Grandma reached back and boxed him up the side of the head! He was so surprised, stunned and his eyes snapped- she looked at him like he was dirt and walked off. I said, Oh Elvis-she didn't mean to do that-she must not have realized it was you! He rubbed his face and said, "I kinda think she knew it was me! Damn!" and then he laughed. He went after her, grabbed her hand and pulled her around to face him- she was dressed to the nines' like people used to dress to go out- With a sweet smile he said, "Mam'm
you sure look nice! Did you dress upjus' for me?" Her
eyes were wide, looking at him up and down and then she said, "You sure are a pretty boy-you SHOULD be Elvis!" He said, I am, then he stepped close and said something into her ear, she kind of acted embarrassed and then he kissed her cheek and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. After that, he had her wrapped around his little finger! Talk about charm- she was one stuborn lady and that just went out the window around him.! He gave her a watch that day-one of his and she had it until it was stolen while she was living at a retirement/care home in Kansas. Elvis kept in touch with her from that day on-even stopping by on his way home at her little mountain cabin just off the highway to Tennessee. Then when she was moved to the home he sent records (gospel) and record player and of course, lots of photos and he'd call too. He provided two curved cement sitting areas at the home's garden area and a table with a big unbrella for people to sit outside. He was there "darling" right up until his death. Grandma died shortly afterward-and she looked forward to Elvis coming to get her- He told her he would do that if he went first. I think he did. I dreamed of her and him the day before I learned of her death-they were walking arm in arm up a long stairwell and at the top, they turned and waved to me - I was way way down below them. I think he was showing me that he came for her and she was going to be alright. I couldn't get down there when she was so sick-it happened suddenly and it was over. But he was there. I know that. wjh

[Rainbow Light]

Many thanks for enlightening us further and sharing such a wonderful meeting between Elvis and your grandmother! Once again I stand by what I say: a totally charming, magnetic personality and such a great man, sigh! Know I would have been bowled over by him for sure!, and no doubt that's a total UNDERSTATEMENT!

Knowing that Elvis came for your grandmother and that you were able to see them both walking off arm in arm and turning to wave to you must have been so comforting and reassuring for you, wonderful!

[ALNA]

I hope when my time has come, I really are going to meet Elvis

That makes the tought of dying a lot easier, I guess.

Will he be there for just a fan???

I learned english for him and trough him so I will be able to communicate with him when we are in heaven

[Wanda June Hill]

Elvis said he wanted "to be there for every body who liked him, bought his records, saw his movies or just liked the way he thought"- to me that just about incudles everyone and the world's people! He once kind of said it a different way that I have written down and that was that he would like to be able to be there when people needed me, someone they recognize to help them when times are tough. And he meant that since he was so recognizable to all of us people, he would want to be able to "present him self" in that form to those in need of some kind of help. I think that is very possible for people who have gone on-it happens way too often to deny it though there are those skeptics and scientific "minds" who haven't 'opened' their own spiritual door yet- then sometimes, even the most skeptic of persons have an "experience" and it either scares them silly and they slam that door shut or else they wake up and realize what they have been missing.
From small children, to older adults and the very old- from way, way back in time, when such things began to be wirtten down or drawn-there have been people dying who have seen "visions" of "angels" or their loved ones who have gone on coming to get them, standing beside their beds, or simply opening the door to that wonderful bright loving light and taking them with them. I do believe it firmly and nothing and no one can change my mind- I've had that "door" open for years now and my mind is just as "open" to new things concerning spiritual matters-including what happens after death. It just takes one experience-and usually people change in a flash of knowledge and that changes their whole way of seeing things. So if that's what you want-you'll have it
keep a pure heart, a sweet mind set and don't let negative people or thoughts invade what you feel is right.
As for seeing Elvis-you betcha- even little children who have gone on have seen Elvis coming for them-some of them never met him-some of them just fell in love with his music and his movies too-and some of them didn't have parents who ever were fans- but the kids saw him for what he truly was inside- they knew and they saw him coming to get them. On little girl raised up from her death bed and with a big smille reached out her arms and said, Here comes Elvis! and then she died smiling. Her parents weren't fans-just their little daughter who wasn't going to have a very long life- and who saw Elvis on tv in a movie and "fell in love with him" and who cried as a child unless they played his music for her. She was an infant when that began...and it was a song on the radio! That was in a book by a writer-last name Moody
but I don't know his first- I have no memory for such things any more! It's sad-frustrating and thank heaven for smarter and younger people! wjh

[Blue Moon]

Wanda June Hill wrote:

That was in a book by a writer-last name Moody but I don't know his first

I think you may mean "Elvis After Life" by Raymond A. Moody, Jr., MD.. I have the book but haven't read it yet. I think it is in Maia's recommended book list.

[Moody Jr]

That's the one- it's full of some pretty nifty stories and events that really give one cause to cheer up! wjh

[Rainbow Light]

Is great to read such uplifting and positive stories and things that happened regarding Elvis and that book by Mr Moody is just great!

Hey, Nadine, he'll be there for you - You say

will he be there for just a fan

but then when you think how much Elvis thought of and cared for his fans of all ages then surely he will?

[Rainbow Light]

Wanda: Do you have things that you regret? Not doing-other than what you have?

E: Sure-everybody does... I'm no different. (Petulant tone of voice)

W: Didn't mean it that way- I know you're not different-in any way that counts.

E: I'm not different in ANY way! I just lead a different kind of life than many-than most people. There are few of us... and many of them out there. That's the only difference. I want the same things they do- it's just given to me in larger portions on account of what I do for a living. Not because I'm.... different!

W: I wasn't trying to put you on the defensive-I know all of that all ready.

E: Okay, I'm not... well; didn't mean to be... defensive. It's it..just I I get tired of explaining ME to people. Know I don't have to with you...it's its habit, maybe.

W: Yeah....

E: Anway, wish I had been able to do things...like better movies. I'd give anything just about... even if I wasn't the star... played anybody if it was somethin' good...but they never offered... (Col. T. made sure of that).

W: What's one you would have liked- that you really thought about?

E: Oh, lots of 'em. I guess one of the best was Dr. Zivago- I'd of loved playing Urichy - could of done that. I know it! But they wanted somebody who looked more foreign 'n they didn't think with my... Southern bred ness that I could pull it off. I 'd liked to have tried, but they wouldn't let me. An' then I wanted to do "Death Wish". I got the script first! An' they wanted to test...

W: You mean Charles Bronson's film? That one?

E: Yeah-it was good- could have done it and made it work. He did a good job- Hell, it made his career, ya know! I could of done it too.

W: Why didn't you get the role?

E: They said I was....too pretty! (Disgusted tone of voice) Hell! I put make up on, used a scar on my face, did my hair scraggy and wore a black, old turtle neck sweater an' changed my voice 'n looked good! Did the f----in' test- they liked it, then they decided it was too much- with my image an' all, the public wouldn't buy it.
So Bronson walked in-hell, didn't even test him- just got it. Right out from under me! That hurt bad; it was then I realized might as well forget the whole f---, excuse me- thing because they jus' wouldn't give me a chance...gawd...nobody...(He was offered a dramatic role but powers that "were" convinced him to change his mind... and too, he didn't want to do the nude and extended "love" scenes that were in the picture...A Star Is Born, I think it was called...didn't see it.)wjh
_________________
Wanda June Hill
author of "We Remember, Elvis" & "Elvis - Face to Face"


Bringing this back up to the front for anyone that hasn't read it yet!

[Amanda Viola]

It was really a very sensible point for him, indeed.

Loved to see how Wanda made him brake back while getting defensive.
10 points for Wanda!

[Rainbow Light]

Yes, excellent, very well done indeed!

[Wanda Mc]

I know everyone has heard about Elvis being offered the male lead in A Star is Born with Barbra Streisand and the general feeling that it would've turned his movie career around, but Colonel nixed it. Well, after reading Wanda JH's comments that he didn't want to do the extended love scenes and didn't like the nudity, I first of all applaud Elvis for having the good sense to not do that kind of role. I read a LONG time ago that Elvis had said he would never do a nude scene and have his daughter see him like that in living color in PanaVision! Hey, I love the guy, but I wouldn't want him in that kind of role either. And since I'm not a Streisand fan, I can't see Elvis doing ANY kind of love scene or soaking in the hot tub with her! Egads! Maybe that was her fantasy.

It is a shame that he never got to prove himself as an actor because I think he had the talent given the right script. Interesting in another of Wanda JH's stories of Elvis being in Las Vegas in '69 and having all those Hollywood types who wouldn't give him the time of day before lining up to get in and see him. Guess Elvis got the last laugh!