Fantasy Femmes of Sixties Cinema: Interviews with 20 Actresses from Biker, Beach, and Elvis Movies: Tom Lisanti is an award-winning film historian who specializes in 1960s-70s film and TV. His name is probably not known to many Elvis fans as he has never written a book solely about Elvis. However, his series of books about 1960s films, particularly those focusing on beach and drive-in movies, are filled with interviews and information about Elvis from numerous of his (female) co-stars.
One of his books, 'Fantasy Femmes of Sixties Cinema: Interviews with 20 Actresses from Biker, Beach, and Elvis Movies', is being reissued in softcover (322 pages; illustrated - b&w) on August 30 (it was originally published in 2003).
The actresses interviewed for this book (including Celeste Yarnall (cover image), Lana Wood, Linda Harrison, Pamela Tiffin, Deanna Lund, Diane McBain, Judy Pace, and Chris Noel) all made their mark in these genres. These fantastic femmes could be found either twisting on the shores of Malibu, careening down the highway on a chopper, being serenaded by Elvis, or taking on the establishment as hip coeds.
As cult figures, they contributed greatly to that period of filmmaking aimed at the teenage audience who frequented the drive-ins of America. They frolicked, screamed, and danced their way into B-movie history in such diverse films as 'Eve', 'Teenage Millionaire', 'The Girls on the Beach', 'Dr. Goldfoot' and the Bikini Machine', 'Three in the Attic', 'Wild in the Streets', and 'Paradise, Hawaiian Style'.
This book is a celebration of the actresses' careers. They have for the most part been overlooked in other publications documenting the history of film. 'Fantasy Femmes' addresses their film and television careers, focusing on their view of the above genres, their candid comments and anecdotes about their films, the people they worked with, and their feelings in general regarding their lives and the choices they made. The book is well illuminated and contains a complete list of film and television credits.
Other Lisanti titles worth investigating for information about Elvis include 'Drive-In Dream Girls: A Galaxy of B-Movie Starlets of the Sixties' and 'Talking Sixties: Drive-In Movies'.
During the recently held auction by Gotta Have Rock 'n' Roll, several unique items from Elvis Presley's life were the main attractions. Despite the expected high earnings, the final sale prices were disappointing.
One of the most notable items was an acoustic guitar that had once been played by Elvis himself. The guitar, which was initially estimated to be worth about US$30,000, ultimately changed hands for just US$10,000. This was a significant letdown, given the historical and emotional value attributed to the instrument.
The lower return could possibly be due to a lack of serious bids or decreased interest from collectors at that time. In addition to the guitar, there were several pieces of jewelry op for grabs. Furthermore, several original movie posters brought in only $75 each.
Although these items are undeniably valuable to Elvis fans and collectors, the final sale prices demonstrate that not every memorabilia event guarantees high returns. Whether it's due to a temporary drop in interest or simply bad luck during the auction, it's clear that the market for Elvis Presley memorabilia can be complex and unpredictable.
Details of some of the rings for sale:
Elvis Presley Owned and Used Gibson 1957 L48 Sunburst Hollow Body Guitar.
Description: This 1957 Gibson L48 sunnburst hollow body acoustic guitar was owned, played and used by Elvis Presley extensively when he received it in late 1956. According to the letter from Alan Fortas that accompanies the guitar, when Elvis received his draft notice for the U.S. Army, he gave the guitar to him. Later, when Elvis was released from the army, Fortas brought the guitar back to Graceland one day when Elvis was having a party, and he left the guitar there, tellling Elvis that he hadn't played it much. Fortas said he thinks it was one of the first times anyone every returned a gift to Elvis, and that Elvis got a big laugh out of it. In addition to the letter from Fortas, the guitar is also accompanied by a letter from Charlie Hodge, who states that after the guitar was returned, Elvis would often play it when they played together at the house.
Alan Fortas was a close friend, employee, and "Memphis Mafia" inner-circle member. Fortas was Elvis's ranch foreman at the Circle G range, appeared with Elvis in many films as an extra and was with Elvis in the concert in the round segment for the famed 1968 NBC "Comeback" special. Elvis Presley first met Charlie Hodge when he was with a group called the Foggy Mountain River Boys, and then the two met again when both were called to Germany in service in the U.S. Army. They became good friends and Elvis converted a space at Graceland for Charlie to live in, which he lived in until Elvis's tragic passing. He was Elvis's stage director, sang harmony and played guitar on stage with him, handed Elvis his scarves, and helped with the set lists for the shows. Charlie also appeared as an extra in many of Elvis's films.
Sold for US$10,000 with an estimate of US$30,000 - US$40,000.
Elvis Presley Owned & Worn Diamond Cross Pendant.
Description: Offered here is Elvis Presley's owned and worn diamond cross pendant. The pendant comes from the personal collection of renowned booking agent and promotional manager Irwin Pate. For over four decades Irwin Pate promoted talent all over the United States and internationally. During his career he and his wife Clarine obtained a large collection of personal clothing and articles belonging to numerous entertainers, including Presley.
Sold for US$5,000 with an estimate of US$2,000 - US$4,000.
Elvis Presley owned and worn 14kt gold and black onyx ring.
With the "14kt" gold stamp on the inside of the ring.
Description: This ring comes from the collection of renowned booking agent and promotional agent Irwin Pate, During his very long career, Irwin and his wife Clarine obtained a large collection of personal clothing and articles belonging to numerous entertainers. When traveling on concert tours Irwin often would obtain many of these articles from both tour crew members and venue staff.
Among the vast number of entertainers that he came in contact with, worked with, and knew, was Elvis Presley and his manager Colonel Tom Parker.
Sold for US$4,000 with an estimate of US$10,000 - US$20,000.
Elvis Presley Owned & Worn 14kt Gold & Diamond Guitar Pick and EP Initial Pinky Ring
Description: Presented here is Elvis Presley's personally owned and worn truly unique, one-of-a-kind 14kt gold ring fashioned as a guitar pick with diamonds and his initials "EP" in diamonds, on the side. The guitar pick shaped ring has a diamond pave' top. Ring size 8 as it was worn as a pinky ring most often on his right hand
Elvis, known for his generosity with his friends, family and associates, gave this ring to George Klein. George was Elvis' classmate and life-long friend who was best known as a famed Memphis DJ and was an important rock and roll icon in his own right. Elvis was George's best man at his wedding and he was a pallbearer at Elvis' funeral. According to George's letter that accompanies the ring, Elvis often wore this ring, and one day when he was passing out jewelry he gave it to George, knowing he had often admired it.
Sold for US13,000 with an estimate of US$10,000 - US$15,000.
Elvis Presley Owned & Worn 14kt Yellow and White Gold Diamond "EP" Guitar Ring.
Description: Presented here is Elvis Presley's owned and worn 14kt yellow and white gold guitar ring with his "EP" initials.
This fabulous 14kt yellow and white gold "EP" guitar ring is truly emblematic of Elvis' taste and truly befits the King of Rock & Roll! The guitar appear on the rectangular top of the ring, raised, surrounded by diamonds. And then his initials "E" and "P" are on either side of the ring, in diamonds. Rather over-the-top and perfect for Elvis! According to the letter that accompanies the ring from Elvis's Uncle William Earl Pritchett, Elvis gave him the ring one day when Earl was working in Elvis's room on the reception of one of his televisions. Earl states that after he was finished working, Elvis asked him to sit down while he was sorting some jewelry he had owned for a while, because he had just acquired some new jewelry. He showed Earl this ring, asking him what he thought of it, and of course Earl said it was beautiful. Elvis caught Earl as he was leaving the room and told him to wait because he had forgotten something, saying that since the ring had Earl's initials on it, it must be yours. Earl thought he was joking, but his uncle goes on to say that Elvis never took a no when he wanted to give you something!
Sold for US13,000 with an estimate of US$15,000 - US$25,000.
With a short delay, Elvis Week seems to have boosted sales in the U.S. as Elvis returned to 2 Billboard charts after dropping off the chart last week. 
