The 22-Year Friendship

Ch. 22: Viva Las Vegas

Filming for Viva Las Vegas began on July 9th, 1963 in Hollywood, California. Colonel Tom Parker was glad to have me as the choreographer for Elvis's latest film. He liked that I was already prepared with ideas, dance ideas, and dancers ahead of time.

While getting ready in the trailer, Elvis knocked on the door. I welcomed him in, along with a pretty, petite, red-headed woman.

"Lilly, I would like to introduce you to my lovely co-star, Ann-Margret."

"How do you do Ms. Margret? It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh please, call me Ann. I'm doing swell after finally meeting you! You're one of my dance inspirations in the business, and I love watching you dance. You're a talented actress, choreographer, and model. Is there anything you can't do?"

"Thank you for all of those compliments, Ann. One thing I'm bad at is golf. Anyways, I'm glad you have experience in dance because it obviously makes the job easier! While you guys film, I will be choreographing different parts of each of the dance numbers in the film, and will diligently work with the back-up dancers."

Then, Elvis introduced my sons to Ann, and she thought they were adorable. I let her hold Joshua for a while, and what happened next was memorable moment. Joshua kept looking at Elvis and saying, "Eeeeee" as if he was trying to talk to Elvis. It really showcased how close Elvis was to my family.

On July 14th, Elvis, his entourage, crew, and I headed to Las Vegas. My manager, Cheyenne, came along to help babysit the children at the Sahara Hotel. Even though I loved choreographing dances for the film, I enjoyed spending time with my children and talking to my husband on the phone. He was in Wisconsin training with his football team, and was missing us terribly. He jokingly told me, "Make sure Joshua remembers that I'm his daddy, not Elvis!"

I spent the days working with the back round dancers with their choreography, and made sure everything was perfect. I was dancing a lot as well, which helped me lose about ten pounds! We were all breaking a sweat. Then, I had time to work with Elvis and Ann on their choreography in the film. Elvis wasn't just singing, playing his guitar, or making a girl fall in love with him in his film.. He was actually dancing. Ann learned very quickly, while Elvis loved seeing us dance in black, see-through, leggings. It was a distraction Elvis couldn't deny!

Me: "Elvis, can you quit looking at our tushes and start learning the dance routine please?""

Elvis: "I'm very sorry, but you gals chose to wear sexy leggings to rehearsal."

Me: "Now I know not to wear these when we're practicing."

When Elvis focused and practiced the routine with Ann, I noticed undeniable chemistry between the two. Now I fully understood why people called her "The Female Elvis". The way Elvis looked at her, and the way Ann smiled and giggled when she was around Elvis revealed something more to the picture.

There were times where they even forgot that I was there! I was a bit upset when I saw Elvis flirting with Ann... not out of jealousy, but knowing that faithful Priscilla was home alone in Memphis. I guess after the years I witnessed Elvis having multiple girls at one time, I simply couldn't keep my mouth shut anymore. I somehow found time in the day to get Elvis alone in his hotel room.

Elvis: "Hey Lilly, you needed to talk to me bout' somethin'?"

Me: "I know there's something going on between you and Ann. Did you forget that you have girlfriend back in Memphis?"

Elvis: "First of all, there's nothin' going on. We're just tryna get to know each other better. And of course, I didn't forget Cilla."

Me: "Elvis Presley, don't deny anything.. I know that there is something going on between you. You like her, don't you?"

Elvis: "OK, fine. I kinda like her. She's beautiful, sexy, talented, and she sure gets my motor running. There's just somethin' different about her, ya know? She's the female me."

Me: "Elvis, we were in this situation a year ago. Haven't you learn your lesson? I'm going to just tell you this, but you lost two wonderful ladies who truly loved you. Gabby broke up with you because she was just an innocent young lady who felt guilty being the other woman. Erin had her suspicions, and they were answered one day when were deciding between her and Priscilla. Priscilla was finally the one, and now comes Ann. Elvis, I know you love girls but you need to settle with one right now. Or at least make sure you made the right choice on your ideal future wife."

I stormed out of his hotel room, and quickly walked to my hotel room. Joe Esposito looked horrified when I left Elvis' hotel room and didn't bother saying hi to his entourage. I was mad, and it was the first time I'd ever gotten mad at Elvis or at anyone to that extent. I stayed in my hotel room with my boys for the rest of the day and calmed down.

The last days of shooting on location were awkward between Elvis and I. I mostly gave Elvis and Ann tips on their routines, and helped them clean and improve the choreography. But other than that, we didn't talk. I would catch Elvis staring at me, as if he wanted to say something to me. But with the angry glint in my eyes, I think it made him silent. Ann questioned if we were alright, and we both lied. I said i was exhausted after dancing and watching the kids, while Elvis told her he was concentrating.

On July 27, location shooting was finished and the kids and I went back to L.A. I taught Ann all of the choreography in order for her to teach the back round dancers some last material. I just needed to have some time away from Elvis, and with my kids. Elvis called the house a couple of times, but I chose not to answer. I told James that I felt guilty for not picking up the phone, but he was glad I voiced my opinion and told Elvis what was right in my eyes.

August 6 was when Elvis was slowly being put in hot water. The Memphis papers get wind of the Presley-Margret pairing and quickly mention a romance. Priscilla discovers these rumors, and quickly call me.

Priscilla: "Lilly, I just read the Memphis papers and they're saying Elvis and his co-star are having a romance? Is that true?"

I thought, oh boy... Should I tell her? Or should I just say that I don't know? The truth was, I knew Elvis liked Ann, and Ann had a mutual feeling. But I never witnessed them in each other's hotel room romancing it up. Plus, I already had enough going on with Elvis.

Me: "Cilla, I've read the Memphis papers so many times and they always speculate a romance. Especially when it comes to Elvis. When I was spotted in Germany with Elvis, everyone speculated that we were engaged, just because I've been around him since 1955. But, those rumors were false. I worked with Elvis and Ann, and to tell you honestly... I sensed chemistry. They had chemistry. I don't know, Elvis and Ann may have a romance, but don't trust me. All I'm saying is, only believe what your mind truly believes.

Immediately, I called Elvis to tell him that Priscilla was now questioning his relationship with Ann.

Me: "Hi Elvis, it's Lilly. Just wanted to let you know that the Memphis Papers are reporting about a romance between you and Ann, and Priscilla is already speculating about it. You shouldn't get comfy with her at the moment, because she just called me questioning if I saw anything between you two."

Elvis: "Ah shit. Did ya tell her anythin' Lilly?"

Me: "You should be glad that I didn't tell her anything, but you better be careful. I wouldn't want to be in your situation right now!"

And so the drama with the love triangle began, and I was the referee in this fight.