This Is Elvis is a 1981 documentary film written and directed by Andrew Solt and Malcolm Leo, based on the life of Elvis Presley.
It combined archival footage with reenactments, and voice-over narration by pop singer, Ral Donner, imitating Presley's speaking voice.
It was screened out of competition at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival..
The film grossed $2 million at the box office in the U.S. and Canada, ranking #92 for 1981.
For the reenactment scenes, Presley was portrayed in the film by four actors:
Paul Boensch II as Presley at age 10 (Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1946) David Scott as Presley at age 18 (Memphis in 1953, singing in high school, and at a Sun recording session; vocals by [David Scott]) Dana MacKay as Presley at age 35 Johnny Harra as Presley at age 42 (Opening credits, August 16, 1977 death scene from extended version)
Other narrators provided voice-over narrations for Vernon Presley, Gladys Presley, and Priscilla Presley. Presley's former road manager, Joe Esposito, and girlfriend, Linda Thompson provided their own narrations.
In a contemporary review, Variety wrote, "A real curiosity item, This Is Elvis is a fast-paced gloss on Presley's life and career packed with enough fine music and unusual footage to satisfy anyone with an interest in the late singing idol."
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