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Elvis’ greatest dream was cruelly taken away from him ‘It would have changed his life’

ELVIS PRESLEY confessed before he died that his deepest regret was never making a film he was proud of and that showed his true talent. He was offered a contract for a major smash hit in 1974 that could have changed his career and his life. Those around him remember his joy and excitement - before it was cruelly taken away.

Elvis wasn’t just the King of rock and roll, he was a major box draw and bona fide movie star in the late 1950s and early 1960s. His family and girlfriends have spoken about his unhappiness over the decline of his Hollywood career. The lack of variety and originality in too many of the projects he was forced into was contrasted with numerous testimonials in later years from many of his co-stars about how talented he was and how he could have shone as an actor with better material. So, when the biggest female star in the world came knocking in the mid 1970s with a thrilling movie offer, Elvis believed it was the chance he had waited for all his life.

During late-night conversations with backing singer Kathy Westmoreland in his final months, Elvis lamented that he had “never done anything lasting… never made a classic film”.

Three years earlier it had all been within his grasp. On March 28, 1974, Barbra Streisand visited him backstage at his residency at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace. She was accompanied by her boyfriend Jon Peters, a Hollywood hairdresser turned producer.

Streisand had the movie rights to A Star Is Born and Elvis was her first choice to play opposite her as the tragically self-destructive rock star John Norman Howard. It was the juicy role of a lifetime and she said in 2014, “I thought he was perfect to play that part.” In the end, of course, it went to Kris Kristofferson, but not before an offer and contracts were drawn up for Elvis.

Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was offered A Star is Born by Barbra Streisand (Image: GETTY)
Barbra Streisand and Jon Peters
Barbra Streisand and Jon Peters (Image: GETTY)

The King’s girlfriend at the time, Linda Thompson, said: “Elvis wanted to do it. Elvis was very excited about the prospect of working with Barbra Streisand. Elvis told me then…

“Elvis said, This is going to be a great opportunity. We’re going to do A Star Is Born. I’m really excited about it. This is finally going to be a role that I can sink my teeth into. I’ve never gotten the kind of role that would show me as an actor.’

“That was a big frustration for him. His favourite movie he ever did as far as acting was King Creole, because he thought that he had the best script and the best chance off showing his acting ability.

“He could have been like Marlon Brando and he fancied himself being that kind of actor.”

Elvis with Linda in March 1976
Elvis with Linda in March 1976 (Image: GETTY)

After two meetings, Streisand and Peters made a formal offer and Linda recalled Elvis “was thrilled at the prospect of finally having the opportunity to really immerse himself in a role and reveal new dimensions of his acting talent.”

The offer included $500,000 upfront plus 10 percent of the net profits. Elvis could produce and take the full revenue from the concerts that would be filmed. Streisand’s production company and Warner Bros would retain rights to the music and soundtrack album.

Elvis had been paid far more in his Hollywood heyday but Memphis Mafia member Jerry Schilling said: “There was no way the film’s budget could stand two superstar salaries and Elvis didn’t care about the money. He was smart enough to know that this kind of supporting role could be his way back into the movies.”

As always, all business had to go through The King’s powerful manager Colonel Parker. He demanded $1million upfront, 50 percent of the gross profits, $1,000 a week in expenses, approval on all of Presley’s songs and a cut of the soundtrack revenues.

Parker even added one more thing that was even more damaging to the deal. His original proposed contract is kept in the archives at Graceland and states Elvis would be entitled to first position credit and 100 per cent of the listing above the title on all promotional materials and the styling of the finished film.

It was unthinkable. Funny Girl, Hello Dolly and What’s Up Doc had made Streisand a major Hollywood star and she was riding high on 1973’s The Way We Were.

She would expect top billing and Parker would have known this. Many believe he did it all on purpose.

Barbra Streisand. Kris Kristofferson and Jon Peters

Barbra Streisand. Kris Kristofferson and Jon Peters (Image: GETTY)

Barbra Streisand and Jon Peters celebrate their Golden Globes

Barbra Streisand and Jon Peters celebrate their Golden Globes (Image: GETTY)

Parker’s constant unwillingness to let Elvis explore more challenging music and movie avenues meant he would never accept his client playing the role of a heavy-drinking, drug-using wreck.

Most believe Parker’s intentionally sabotaged the negotiations, demanding impossible terms. Thompson, however, believes differently: “I think The Colonel couldn’t make the deal… Elvis did not negotiate.

“So the Colonel came to him and said, ‘Son you can’t do this movie because you can’t be depicted as a loser… You are winner and you can’t be depicted as a loser.”

Elvis Presley life in pictures

Elvis Presley life in pictures (Image: GETTY)

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