Today In Elvis History: August 4
August 4, 1960: Elvis was fitted for brown contact lenses for his role as Pacer Burton in his movie, “Flaming Star.”
Elvis tries his hand at a dramatic role in this film, and critics and fans alike agree that he does a “stellar” job. Quotes are mine. Elvis plays Pacer Burton, a West Texas ranchhand with a Kiowa mother (there’s the brown contact lenses) and a white daddy, and they live a typical life on the ranch. Until, that is, Kiowa tribes begin launching attacks at all the local ranches and farms. Elvis’ Pacer Burton finds himself in between two worlds – but belonging to neither of them.
The movie did not release a soundtrack for the film, as it was a serious dramatic role & film for Elvis. Did you know that Elvis’ part was originally written with Marlon Brando in mind? And that the role of older brother Clint Burton (played by Steve Forrest) was originally written for Frank Sinatra? Yeah – hey I hope it didn’t hurt when I just dropped all that knowledge on yer brain. Below enjoy the trailer for Elvis’ film, “Flaming Star.” Great theme song!
