This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2021
Offered are two rare pre-screening tickets to a special viewing of Elvis Presley's film Viva Las Vegas that ocurred eleven days before the nationwide release of the movie. This special screening was likely for fan club members as this typed pair was mailed to “Mr. and Mrs. Frank Drew.” Frank was the husband of Jean Drew, Co-President of the “E.P. Continentals” Elvis Presley fan club from Chicago. The Drews were close with Elvis and visited Graceland on a number of occasions in the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. This lot emanates from the Jean and Pam Drew collection. These incredible, never-before-seen tickets are simple typeface on plain white paper that reads “You are invited to attend THE WYN-R--ELVIS THEATER PARTY 9 A.M. Saturday, May 9, 1964, Century Theater, 2828 N. Clark at Diversey See the Chicago Premier of ‘Viva Las Vegas’ starring Elvis & Ann-Margaret.” Each ticket admits one and is a free pass to see Elvis’ new flick. The tickets also come with the original mailing envelope postmarked in Chicago on May 4, 1964, indicating they were most likely sent from the theater itself. On May 20, 1964, MGM released the swinging hot film Viva Las Vegas starring the heart-throb Elvis Presley and the beauty Ann-Margret in this musical comedy that was a box office success. Regarded as one of Elvis’ best movies, in part for the on (and off) screen chemistry between the co-stars, Viva Las Vegas reached number 14 in the top 20 movies of 1964 and grossed over $9 million. It opened in theaters nationwide on June 17, 1964. The unique nature of these special tickets for this early preview screening at a local theater cannot be overstated. The tickets each measure 3 3/4 by 8 1/2 inches and are accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated. The tickets are mildly toned and have their original mailing folds. Near Mint condition.