A new documentary unveils the behind-the-scenes story of Elvis Presley's 1968 comeback special, revealing how a controversial bordello scene was cut for being too risqué.
In a recently released documentary, "Reinventing Elvis: The '68 Comeback Special," director Steve Binder sheds light on a long-standing rumor surrounding Elvis Presley's iconic 1968 television special. For decades, whispers circulated that a racy scene featuring Presley in a bordello had been cut from the final broadcast. Now, the documentary confirms the existence of this scene and explains why it was ultimately omitted.
The scene in question was filmed at the Cadillac Club, a notorious Los Angeles bordello known for its clientele of celebrities and musicians. Presley was reportedly very involved in the scene's choreography, which included him dancing with a group of women in revealing outfits. However, when the special aired on television, the scene was noticeably absent.
Elvis Presley's Racy Scene: Unearthed Documentary Reveals Censorship
According to Binder, the scene was deemed too racy for broadcast standards at the time. In 1968, television censors were still highly conservative, and any hint of nudity or explicit sexuality was strictly forbidden. The Cadillac Club scene, with its suggestive dancing and implied sexual activity, was simply too much for television audiences of the day.
The decision to cut the scene had a significant impact on the special. It removed a key element of Presley's performance, as well as a glimpse into his personal life at the time. Presley was coming off a period of decline in his career, and the special was intended to reinvigorate his image. The omission of the Cadillac Club scene undoubtedly diminished the special's overall impact.
Elvis Presley's Racy Scene: Unearthed Documentary Reveals Censorship
Despite being cut from the original broadcast, the Cadillac Club scene has remained the subject of much speculation and myth over the years. Some believed it was simply a figment of legend, while others insisted it existed but was lost forever. The discovery of the scene in the documentary has finally put these rumors to rest.
The documentary also reveals that Presley was not entirely happy with the decision to cut the scene. He reportedly argued that it was an important part of his performance and that it accurately reflected the atmosphere of the Cadillac Club. However, the final decision rested with television executives, and the scene was ultimately removed.
Elvis Presley's Racy Scene: Unearthed Documentary Reveals Censorship
The documentary's revelation about the Cadillac Club scene is a significant piece of rock 'n' roll history. It provides a glimpse into the censorship that was commonplace in the entertainment industry during the 1960s and shines a light on the behind-the-scenes struggles that went into creating one of the most iconic television specials of all time.
