This Is The Real Elvis - His Director Talks
By Frederick De Cordova
as told to May Mann
Movie Stars, January 1966
Director Fred De Cordova talks (1966 article)
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The fool
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Director Fred De Cordova talks (1966 article)
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drjohncarpenter
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Re: Director Fred De Cordova talks (1966 article)
As always, these shares are interesting, and enlightening.
According to Freddie De Cordova:
- they met when the "Frankie and Johnny" agreement was set, Elvis having never looked at the script
- Elvis did not read the script before starting the film
- Elvis never looks at the rushes ("He trusts you")
Such dedication!
Freddie further notes:
- "He often carries theological and religious books with him on the set"
- He never goes out, politely demurred a dinner invitation at Fred and Janet's home
- "He gave all of the fellows that work for him a gift of a motorcycle each" but the noise of 9 motorcycles bothered Bel Air neighbors
- 565 Perugia apparently overlooked the Bel Air Country Club, and one day Elvis saw Dean Martin putting, called out a hello, and Martin (not seeing who it was) yelled at him
- De Cordova's mom died during filming, and Elvis sent a telegram with a deeply personal condolence, and flowers to the funeral
- he never saw Priscilla Beaulieu on the set
- there was no wrap party, probably due to the recent passing of his mom, Margaret Timmins De Cordova
The director also makes a point that Elvis is in position to make a serious film, of which he believes Presley is quite capable. Clearly he thought Elvis might read this article.
Thanks again.
According to Freddie De Cordova:
- they met when the "Frankie and Johnny" agreement was set, Elvis having never looked at the script
- Elvis did not read the script before starting the film
- Elvis never looks at the rushes ("He trusts you")
Such dedication!
Freddie further notes:
- "He often carries theological and religious books with him on the set"
- He never goes out, politely demurred a dinner invitation at Fred and Janet's home
- "He gave all of the fellows that work for him a gift of a motorcycle each" but the noise of 9 motorcycles bothered Bel Air neighbors
- 565 Perugia apparently overlooked the Bel Air Country Club, and one day Elvis saw Dean Martin putting, called out a hello, and Martin (not seeing who it was) yelled at him
- De Cordova's mom died during filming, and Elvis sent a telegram with a deeply personal condolence, and flowers to the funeral
- he never saw Priscilla Beaulieu on the set
- there was no wrap party, probably due to the recent passing of his mom, Margaret Timmins De Cordova
The director also makes a point that Elvis is in position to make a serious film, of which he believes Presley is quite capable. Clearly he thought Elvis might read this article.
Thanks again.
Last edited by drjohncarpenter on Mon Jul 26, 2021 1:10 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
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Rocker
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Re: Director Fred De Cordova talks (1966 article)
Thanks! I have saved it on my computer. Hope I'll have enough time to read it soon!
Well, hello there....
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drjohncarpenter
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Re: Director Fred De Cordova talks (1966 article)
It was hard to find when Fred De Cordova's mother passed away, but i found this press report:
It's kind of sad there was no traditional "wrap party" at the end, according to De Cordova because of his mom's death.
Often this is the last time actors and everyone involved on the project ever see each other, given the volatile nature of Hollywood.
Behind the Scenes In
HOLLYWOOD
By HARRISON CARROLL
[snip]
When director Freddie De Cordova received word that his 79-year-old mother, Margaret, unexpectedly had passed away, he was in the middle of a scene for Elvis Presley's "Frankie and Johnny."
He rushed home but returned later for long enough to finish the scene.
Wilkes-Barre Record - Tuesday, June 15, 1965
https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/426013715/
It's kind of sad there was no traditional "wrap party" at the end, according to De Cordova because of his mom's death.
Often this is the last time actors and everyone involved on the project ever see each other, given the volatile nature of Hollywood.
.
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
Dr. John Carpenter, M.D.
Stop, look and listen, baby <<--->> that's my philosophy!
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Jokerlola
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Re: Director Fred De Cordova talks (1966 article)
Frankie And Johnny was Fred De Cordova's last picture. He then moved on to directing television shows. He became the long time producer and executive producer of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson until Carson retired in 1992.