The offered shirt was used as one of Elvis' main outfits for his film The Trouble with Girls (and how to get into it), with Elvis combining it with a white suit, white tie, blue pocket square and white flower on the lapel. The image of Elvis in this striking ensemble is also featured on the back of the 1970 International Hotel menu during at Elvis’ second “season” of Las Vegas concerts in January 1970.
Trouble was Elvis’ 30th movie and one of his final film roles. It was released in 1969 and based on the 1960 novel by Day Keene and Dwight Vincent Babcock entitled Chautauqua. Elvis plays the role of Walter Hale, the Chautauqua manager struggling to keep his traveling troupe together amidst a multitude of problems, including murder. The role is not the typical Elvis film formula and Elvis develops his character in such a way that the viewer is able to see his acting skill and enjoyment in the role itself. Also unusual for Elvis movies, he sings only three songs and a couple of duets, including a rendition of “Swing Down Sweet Chariot” when his character stands in for an absent gospel singer. By this stage of his acting career, Elvis exuded a confidence that translated into his role as Walter in this detailed glimpse into 1920s America. Even the review by the New York Times, a publication that had not always been positive towards the star, stated that “Elvis Presley performs too, with a reasonably developed characterization as the Chautauqua company manager, and he sings very well.”
The still-vivid blue button-down shirt is an unusual slim fit, with long cuffs and exaggerated edged collar, with a collar tag from “Anton / 225 So. La Cienega Blv / Beverly Hills, Calif.” An additional tag underneath has the cross-stitched initials “EP.” This tagging is an important detail to the shirt’s provenance, as Anton shirts normally had the initials of the owner added in this fashion. There is a small stain on the shoulder. This iconic shirt is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated (quoted here). Excellent to Mint condition.