A look at the movie "Paradise Hawaiian Style"

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Elvis Fact of the Week: Dec. 29, 2004:

Character actor John Doucette played Donald Belden. Known for his deep voice, his long career included 149 movie roles and over 147 TV guest appearances.

Mary Treen played Mrs. Belden and also be seen in roles in Elvis's movies "Girls! Girls! Girls!" and "Fun In Acapulco." She had roles in over 159 films as well as many on television.

Phillip Ahn played Moki Kaimana. He had a long career in film and TV. For many, his most recognized role was that of Master Kan in the 1970's television series "Kung-Fu."

Veteran actress of stage, radio, film and TV, Doris Packer played the eccentric dog owner, Mrs. Barrington. Throughout her career she was often cast as a wealthy or authoritative woman.

Comedic actor Grady Sutton was the befuddled Mr. Cubberson with his alligator shoes. During his career he appeared in over 200 films.

Much of the shooting for this film was done on location in Hawaii. While there, Elvis, his father Vernon Presley and manager Colonel Tom Parker visited the U.S.S.. Arizona Memorial, which Elvis's benefit concert in 1961 had helped to build. Together they laid a bell-saped wreath with 1,177 carnations - one for each serviceman lost there in December 1945 during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

A party was given on August 18, 1965 at the Polynesian Cultural Center in honor of the film. Singer Peter Noone of the group Herman's Hermits interviewed Elvis there. The interview aired on radio the next day.

Production on the film moved back to the mainland. A few days later on August 27, 1965, The Beatles visited with Elvis, their idol, at his Bel Air home. Only a small group of family and friends were on hand for this historic meeting that resulted in an impromptu jam session. Unfortunately, no one turned on a tape recorder or a home movie camera!

Principal photography for "Paradise, Hawaiian Style" finished on September 30, 1965. On the set that day Elvis met singer Tom Jones, with whom he would share a mutual respect.

Elvis completed dubbing and publicity photos by October 4, 1965 and returned to Memphis. There was a sneak preview of the movie in Memphis on June 9, 1966. It premiered in New York a week later and it opened nationwide on July 6, 1966. It ranked #40 for the year on Variety's list.

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Click here to return to The Girls Guide to Elvis's Fact of the Week index page.