Elvis ‘That’s The Way It Is’ Premiere – November 11, 1970 [VIDEO]

It was on this date ( November 11th , 1970) that Elvis Presley's first full length documentary movie 'That's The Way It Is' premiered.  The movie showed a close behind the scenes look at Elvis getting ready for a series of performances at the International Hotel in Las Vegas.  Fans were treated to filmed rehearsals conducted in Los Angeles, and got to see Presley's personality and humor as he worked with his band.

Most of that band would be with him for the rest of his life, including guitarist James Burton, bassist Jerry Scheff, and drummer Ronnie Tutt, along with backing group 'The Sweet Inspirations'.

The movie also shows highlights from the six shows at the hotel, spotlighting the King Of Rock And Roll at his peak both vocally and physically.  I remember watching the movie when it came on television, and feeling like I actually knew Elvis Presley as a person by the end of it.

The song list was strong as well.  Elvis performed from his own catalog of million sellers and included Hound Dog, Little Sister, and Blue Suede Shoes.  He also inlcuded Dusty Springfield's 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me' and a new song from BJ Thomas which was released as a single, 'I Just Can't Help Believing'.

These shows and the movie itself became the template for all future Elvis concerts.  He kept the same band, and many of the songs in his live shows until his untimely death in 1977.  Check out a video from the movie: