Elvis Presley Regretted Refusing to do Barbra Streisand’s ‘A Star Is Born’

Elvis Presley was going to play the lead role in the 1976 movie ‘A Star Is Born’ but unfortunately it didn’t happen. Colonel Tom Parker, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s manager, dissuaded him from taking the part, despite Barbra Streisand’s image of him as her co-star. Parker maintained that the production would put Streisand front and centre, with Elvis taking a backseat. Although Elvis later felt he could have performed well in the role, the part ultimately went to Kris Kristofferson, a choice he later regretted.

The documentary ‘Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley’ portrays the relationship between Elvis and Parker. The movie explores how, following his return from the Army in 1960, Parker’s multi-year film contracts suppressed Elvis Presley’s artistic aspirations. As his frustration with uninspiring screenplays increased, Elvis notoriously turned down one project out of rage. Although Parker’s mentoring provided early possibilities, Jerry Schilling and other close associates of Elvis pointed out that he soon outgrew the Colonel’s career goals.

Image Courtesy: People

Elvis sought challenging jobs because he admired actors like Marlon Brando and James Dean. When director Michael Curtiz grudgingly consented to meet with him, he was given a sample of such labour in ‘King Creole’. Elvis’ potential excited Curtiz and the movie became a creative high point for the star. Unfortunately, Elvis was not happy with the quality of his later films, which dropped.

Parker pushed for a family-friendly Christmas theme, but Elvis insisted on going back to his rock origins at the 1968 NBC Comeback Special, which marked a turning point. His career was rekindled by the hugely successful special, which signalled a change to live performances. However, the restricting of Elvis’ creativity early in his career had a long-lasting effect. Schilling thinks that the difficulties Elvis encountered in his last years were exacerbated by this creative letdown. Elvis was at his finest in the ’68 special, demonstrating his enduring brilliance and enthusiasm in spite of the difficulties.

–Farheen Ali