During
the evenings events at Libertyland 2002 Joe Esposito related the story
of how Elvis would fools around at Libertyland. His favorite joke was to
ride the Zippin Pippin to the top and get the attendant to stop the cart
at the top where he would get off and hide. When the cart returned
and Elvis was not there everyone (not in on the joke would freak out)
thinking Elvis had fallen out along the way. Finally, Elvis would arrive
in his usual casual manner, laughing hard and long.
Julie
Parrish co-starred in Elvis'
21st movie PARADISE HAWAIIAN STYLE 1966
Before
the outdoor fun began, we had the pleasure of hearing stories by several
Elvis friends, including Joe Esposito, Larry Geller, Jerry Schilling and
Julie Parrish (Paradise Hawaiian Style). It was also great hearing Julie
Parrish telling how she didn’t get the part in Paradise Hawaiian Style
until she agreed to a tiny part in another movie. She didn’t care -
she just wanted to work with Elvis! Who wouldn’t Julie?
Julie
Parrish who co-starred with Elvis' 21st movie PARADISE
HAWAIIAN STYLE told how she contrived to be in an Elvis movie.
A huge Elvis fan, her lifelong ambition was to secure a role in
an Elvis movie. Finally, after years of nagging her agent to offer her
services, Hal B Wallis the director agreed to give her a screen test -
in his office.
Julie’s
agent aware of the danger was ready, unlike Parrish, who then a naïve
newcomer to behind-the-scenes at Paramount Studio. Once in his office
Hal insisted that the only way he would give her the part would be to
render him his dues… Although
Julie Parrish considered (only for a split moment) that she may ‘have
to deliver,” her agent rang through to Wallis’ office with an urgent
call from Julie’s mother. That stopped Wallis in his tracks.
Thinking that not obliging Wallis would ruin any chance for her to
co-star with Elvis, she went home desponded. However, fate was on her
side, and several days later, Julie Parrish’s wish came true!
“I
would have never even contemplated the 'casting couch' thing had it been
any other movie role but an Elvis one. Thanks goodness, I didn’t have
to… and I have that role on my resume till the day I die… "
"It
was such a wonderful experience… If only Elvis knew what I was
prepared to do – just to be near him,” recalls, Parrish with a
charming smile that endeared her to the audience. Julie was the
highlight of the evening..
My prayers are with you and your family. You will be surely missed
June
Jaunico | Julie Parrish | Ann
Margret | Anita Wood |
Barbara Leigh | Gloria
Pall | Joan
Blackman
Barbara
Eden | Raquel
Welch | Mary
Ann Mobley | Deborah
Walley | Kathy
Westmoreland
Donna Presley |
Priscilla Presley | Dolores Hart
| Britney
Spears | Elvis'
Granddaughter