Elvis Presley’s last leading lady in a film was Donna Butterworth, appearing alongside him in the 1966 musical comedy, Paradise, Hawaiian Style. Though he continued acting for several more years, Butterworth was the last actress to share the formal “leading lady” billing with the King in a movie production.
A Closer Look at Paradise, Hawaiian Style
Paradise, Hawaiian Style marked a turning point in Elvis’s film career. While it still featured the signature Elvis formula – tropical locales, musical numbers, and romantic entanglements – it was widely considered a step down from some of his earlier, more successful movies. The story revolves around Rick Richards (Elvis Presley), a helicopter pilot who starts his own charter business in Hawaii, navigating the challenges of running a business and managing his relationships with the local women, including Jan (Suzanna Leigh) and, crucially, Lehua (Donna Butterworth).
Why Donna Butterworth?
Donna Butterworth, a young singer and entertainer, was chosen for the role of Lehua for a specific reason. Her role, unlike the more conventionally romantic leads, involved a childlike innocence and familial bond with Elvis’s character. Lehua sees Rick as a father figure, and their scenes together, while not romantically charged, provided a contrasting and heartwarming element to the film’s overall narrative. It was a calculated move to broaden Elvis’s appeal and showcase a different side of his personality on screen.
Beyond Paradise, Hawaiian Style: Elvis’s Later Films
It’s important to acknowledge that while Donna Butterworth was Elvis’s last leading lady, he continued to act in movies until 1969. These later films, such as Spinout, Double Trouble, Stay Away, Joe, Speedway, Live a Little, Love a Little, Charro!, The Trouble with Girls, and Change of Habit, featured co-stars, but none were billed as leading ladies in the traditional sense. These roles became more ensemble-based or emphasized Elvis’s individual performances. He often shared the screen with several female characters, none of whom were specifically designated as the leading love interest.
FAQs About Elvis’s Leading Ladies
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the topic of Elvis Presley’s on-screen romantic partners:
FAQ 1: Who was Elvis’s most frequent leading lady?
Ann-Margret holds the distinction of being Elvis Presley’s most memorable and arguably most iconic leading lady. Their on-screen chemistry in Viva Las Vegas (1964) was undeniable, and many believe their off-screen romance added to the film’s success.
FAQ 2: Was there ever a confirmed romance between Elvis and a leading lady?
While rumors swirled constantly, the only widely acknowledged and publicly documented romance between Elvis and a leading lady was with Ann-Margret during and after filming Viva Las Vegas. They maintained a close friendship even after their romantic relationship ended.
FAQ 3: Why did Elvis stop making movies with prominent leading ladies?
The decline in the quality of Elvis’s films contributed to the lack of prominent leading ladies in his later work. As the studio focused on formulaic plots and quick profits, the emphasis shifted away from developing substantial female characters. Additionally, Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s manager, exerted considerable control over his career choices, often prioritizing quantity over quality.
FAQ 4: How did Priscilla Presley feel about Elvis’s leading ladies?
Priscilla Presley has spoken openly about the challenges of being married to Elvis and dealing with the constant attention he received from female co-stars and fans. The presence of other women was undoubtedly a source of tension in their relationship.
FAQ 5: Which Elvis film is considered to have the best female co-star performance?
Many consider Ann-Margret’s performance in Viva Las Vegas to be the most outstanding. She not only held her own against Elvis but also brought a vibrant energy and strong presence to the screen.
FAQ 6: Did Elvis ever work with an actress who later became a major star?
Yes, Debra Paget co-starred with Elvis in Love Me Tender (1956). Paget had already achieved significant fame before working with Elvis and continued to have a successful career afterward.
FAQ 7: How much creative control did Elvis have over his film roles and co-stars?
Elvis had limited creative control over his film roles. Colonel Parker primarily managed his career, often accepting roles based on financial considerations rather than artistic merit. This included the selection of his co-stars.
FAQ 8: What impact did Elvis’s leading ladies have on his career?
Elvis’s leading ladies played a crucial role in shaping his on-screen image. They provided romantic and dramatic counterpoints, contributing to the overall success of his films and further solidifying his status as a heartthrob.
FAQ 9: Were any of Elvis’s leading ladies also singers?
Yes, several of Elvis’s leading ladies were also talented singers. Ann-Margret is a prime example, and her musical duets with Elvis in Viva Las Vegas remain iconic.
FAQ 10: What happened to Donna Butterworth after Paradise, Hawaiian Style?
Donna Butterworth continued to perform as a singer and entertainer for several years. However, she eventually stepped away from the spotlight to focus on her education and personal life. She passed away in 2018.
FAQ 11: Are there any documentaries or biographies focusing specifically on Elvis’s relationships with his leading ladies?
While there aren’t documentaries exclusively dedicated to Elvis’s leading ladies, many Elvis biographies and documentaries explore his on-screen relationships and the dynamics he had with his female co-stars. Look for titles focusing on his personal life and film career.
FAQ 12: What is the legacy of Elvis’s films and leading ladies today?
Elvis’s films, while often criticized for their formulaic nature, remain a significant part of his legacy. His leading ladies contributed to the films’ charm and appeal, helping to create memorable moments and further establish Elvis as a global icon. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the cultural landscape of the 1950s and 1960s. They also provided an opportunity to showcase a range of female talents who, alongside Elvis, shaped the landscape of American cinema.