By 1963, Elvis Presley had already starred opposite plenty of glamorous Hollywood actresses.
Then he met Ann-Margret.
Production on Viva Las Vegas began that summer, with Elvis playing race-car driver Lucky Jackson and Ann-Margret playing swimming instructor Rusty Martin. The movie was eventually released in June 1964.
Almost immediately, something felt different.
Ann-Margret was already being described in the press as a kind of “female Elvis” because of her explosive dancing, charisma and physical performing style. Instead of simply standing beside Elvis while he commanded a musical number, she could challenge him for the audience’s attention. TCM later described her as one of the rare Elvis co-stars who could genuinely hold her own against him.
Ann-Margret later remembered discovering that connection while the two rehearsed music together.
Once the songs started, she said neither of them could remain still. Their movements seemed to mirror each other naturally: when Elvis moved his hips, dropped a shoulder or spun, Ann-Margret instinctively responded with the same kind of energy.
That chemistry is all over Viva Las Vegas.
The musical numbers feel less like Elvis performing while an actress watches and more like two performers daring each other to go harder. Scenes such as “C’mon Everybody” and “What’d I Say” became some of the film’s most energetic moments.
Elvis Presley and Ann-Margret Dance Together in Viva Las Vegas
The chemistry was not limited to the screen.
Ann-Margret later acknowledged that she and Elvis developed a romantic relationship during production, despite Elvis already being involved with Priscilla Beaulieu. TCM notes that the pair tried to keep the relationship away from reporters, although rumors followed them throughout filming.
Their romance did not become permanent, but their connection survived.
Ann-Margret and Elvis remained friends afterward, and she occasionally visited him on later movie sets. TCM describes their offscreen relationship as ultimately developing into a lifelong friendship.
There was even another duet fans almost received.
Elvis and Ann-Margret recorded “You’re the Boss” together for Viva Las Vegas. Strangely, the performance was left out of the finished movie despite perfectly capturing their playful back-and-forth chemistry.
That is what still separates Viva Las Vegas from many other Elvis movies.
He had appeared beside beautiful actresses before.
Ann-Margret was different because she did not simply share Elvis Presley’s screen. She matched his energy, challenged him physically and made it look like neither one knew what the other might do next.