2026 – another New Year of uncertainties and unknowns… But don’t fear – The Deuce is (still) here to tell it like it is… with ELVIS: THAT’S THE WAY IT IS!!

NOT “was”! This “IS” Elvis – in peak shape and sound – indelibly captured during his 1970 triumphant return from a 13 year/36 film run of movie-makin’ to the ranks and rigor of live performance… presenting a timeless portrait of a Titan at his most un-toppable moment and making crystal-clear why the mantle of “The King” remains most deservedly bestowed!!

What is the measure of a King?? This circa ’70 hunk-a-hunk of burning love is at a svelte 32″ in the waist – yet decidedly preferring to strain the limits of his costuming fabrics for the sake of showmanship – donning for the first time what would become his “trademark” glitter-glam white satin silver-studded jumpsuit… With “Hollywood Cameras” tracking a journey through revelatory preparative Culver City studio rehearsals, Presley’s perceptive picking of back-up singers and performers, his palling around and doubling-down on getting it all right… arriving at what would very possibly (undisputed fact, actually) be the crown-jewel of his career in a Phoenix-like re-taking of the stage – his control of it and the audience at once casually confident and intensely perfected… pumped full of the energy specific to playing to a live crowd… and gushing graciousness at having the opportunity to do so…

Filmed over the course of 6 (dinner AND midnight!!) shows at (Viva Las) Vegas’s International Hotel with Peckinpaw’s preferred lensman Lucien Ballard behind a bevy of Panavision cameras (8 of ’em!) – pivoting near-imperceptibly from “documentary” to pure performative “concert film”… Proving any pinnacle portrayal as a movie actor Presley mustered (of which, admittedly, there are many) – that Elvis was born to be on the boards…  and THAT’S just…THE WAY IT IS!!

No matter what seat the December pre-holiday patrons put their 1970 butts in at Broadway and 44th Street’s Victoria Theatre, they would soon be transported front-row and up-close for this pinnacle Elvis-the-Pelvis performance – something most had not, and would not, ever have a chance to see in person… but would never forget…  nor will YOU when The Deuce karate high-kicks the 2026 season off and into gear!!

*(Programmer’s note: For this screening, The Deuce will be presenting the “new and improved” 2001 Rick Schmidlin re-edit/restoration – paring down the fan and celebrity-guest footage in favor of focusing more fully on Elvis and co-performers… With more sweat and more show-stopping songs… yet still clocking in at 12 minutes under the 1970 release (!), making for a leaner, meaner monster of a film and a testament worthy of the man who was… King!)