This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/8/2023
On the night of September 13, 1957, Anita Wood disembarked from an American Airlines flight from Los Angeles and was met by her boyfriend, Elvis Presley. The offered news service photo captures the ecstatic couple with Ms. Wood's parents, and everyone seems to be enjoying the moment. Everyone, that is, except for Anita's mother, whose thinly-veiled scowl is hard not to notice. Her reaction may be related to the fact that Anita's parents were not happy with their daughter's decision to abandon her career when Elvis called to ask her to come home because he missed her. She never went back. This version of this famous scene actually shows the full frame, un-cropped version of the news photographer's original shot.
Years later Anita would relate how the decision had caused some friction in her family, but she says she never missed it and wouldn't have traded her time with Elvis for anything. The offered image certainly indicates that she felt pretty good about things at the time. Interestingly, the reporting of the young couples tarmac reunion appeared directly next to stories about Scotty Moore and Bill Black resigning from Elvis' band over a money dispute. The story blew up in the Memphis papers on the same day. The photograph measures 5 x 4 1/8 inches and presents witha small tear that is repaired with tape on the reverse and a grease pencil notation that says "RETURN". On the reverse is written "Anita Wood" among other editorial notes. Excellent condition.