The ultimate site about the king of the analogue age
On September 22, 1967 "Clambake" hit the cinemas. The rental fees are not known, but it speaks volumes that United Artists also decides against a worldwide release.
The German fans had to wait until November 22, 1987 before they could see "Clambake". Just like "Double Trouble" it was dubbed especially for tv and called "Nur Nicht Millionaer Sein". Translated the title means "Being Everything But A Millionaire".
Scott Heyward (Elvis) doesn't want to be loved for being the son of a millionaire, but for being himself. So he switches identities with a water ski instructor to find a girl who really loves him. He falls in love with Dianne, but she wants to seduce James Jamison III...a millionaire.
Jules Levy, Arthur Gardner and Arnold Laven (producers), Arthur H. Nadel (director), Arthur Browne jr. (script), Jeff Alexander (music), William Margulies (camera), Tom Rolf (editor).
Elvis Presley (Scott Heyward), Shelley Fabares (Dianne Carter), Will Hutchins (Tom Wilson), Bill Bixby (James Jamison III), James Gregory (Duster Heyward) und Gary Merrill (Sam Burton). The German voice of Elvis was dubbed by Peter Kirchberger.
Back in 1964 Elvis had signed a two-picture-deal with United Artists for $650,000 each. In 1965 "Frankie And Johnny" was produced, but when it was released the following year it hadn't met the expectations at the box office. After that the management had to witness Paramounts "Paradise, Hawaiian Style" performing even worse, but MGMs "Spinout" gave some hope as it did as well as the other Presley musicals. I wonder what United Artists had done if they had known about the commercial fate of "Easy Come, Easy Go" and "Double Trouble".
Before the production started, the studio had to deal with a reluctant and unfortunate star. Elvis preferred to stay on his newly acquired ranch and arrived a few days late. After that he injured his head and couldn't work for another two weeks. When he finally arrived at the studio, he had gained so much weight, that his wardrobe had to be readjusted.
The shootings started on March 22nd and went until April 27th, 1967. The crew filmed in Miami Beach, Key Biscayne and Santa Clarita, but whenever Elvis was needed, Arthur H. Nadel worked with doubles. The king himself did all of his work at the Universal Studios in Los Angeles. "Clambake" featured several members of the so called Memphis Mafia. Charlie Hodge portrayed Duster Heywards personal barber, Red West was seen as an iceman and there are short scenes with Joe Esposito and Lance LeGault.
In time with the release of the movie RCA Victor issued a single and an album. In early 1968 another single was released. Combined the records sold 4 million copies. A tap on the covers leads to the reviews.
A hd version of "Clambake" was released in 2018 by Explosive Media. For a short review just tap on the cover.
The principal actor looks out of shape and the quality of the songs varies considerably. Most of the Elvis musicals are better than this one.
Movie Poster (C) United Artist, BluRay Cover (C) Explosive Media/Koch Media,, Record Covers (C) RCA Victor