This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/15/2025
Offered are four original news service photos of Elvis Presley meeting a throng of fans on July 30, 1961, at Weeki Wachee Springs Theme Park, during a day off from the filming of Follow That Dream. The Colonel had concocted an award ceremony and media event at the mermaid-themed amusement park--the event drew about 2,000 screaming fans just to get a glimpse of the man himself, Elvis Presley. The stunning portrait of Elvis looking to his left still maintains its original paper caption which reads:
In Yankeetown filming "What a Wonderful Life" for the past month, film idol Elvis Presley was hard at work. And --to the horror of fans and newsmen alike--seeing no one. He made up for it all, though, recently by putting in an appearance at weaki wachee Springs (Florida) --where they hold an underwater "Mermaid" show-- and giving the 2,000 fans of all ages gathered there a grating few will forget. After watching the mermaids do their stuff --accompanied by his father Vernon, Stepmother Dee, CO-star Anne Helm, Manager Col. Parker, and his five companion-guards-- Elvis spent three hours to move 1/4 mile through milling fans, shaking hands, kissing the girls, talking to the young-sters, etc. Everyone loved it and him. Elvis left still smiling, but exhausted. "A greek god" one female reporter said.
THREE HOURS! Elvis showed amazing dedication to his fans. This quartet of photos are some of the finest examples of period photography of Elvis we have ever offered. Exhibiting brilliant clarity and contrast, they were taken by a real professional news photogrpaher, William J. Hill of "PIX Incorporated" news service out of New York City. Just stunning. Each measures 8x 10 inches and present in Near Mint condition.