Elvis Presley's Bordello Scene: The Unseen Cut Too Racy for 1968

Director Steve Binder reveals the behind-the-scenes story of Elvis Presley's 1968 "comeback special," including the scandalous bordello scene that was deemed too racy for broadcast.

In a new documentary, "Reinventing Elvis: The '68 Comeback Special," director Steve Binder lifts the veil on the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the legendary concert event that revitalized Elvis Presley's career. Among the revelations is the story of a bordello scene that was ultimately cut from the broadcast due to its explicit nature.

The scene, filmed at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, featured Elvis in a hotel suite with a group of women. According to Binder, the sequence was intended to showcase Elvis's sex appeal and draw upon his image as a rock and roll icon. However, the producers grew concerned that the scene was too risque for the time and would be deemed inappropriate for television audiences.

Elvis Presley's Bordello Scene: The Unseen Cut Too Racy for 1968

In the end, the bordello scene was edited out of the final cut of the special, much to Binder's disappointment. He believed that the scene captured an essential part of Elvis's persona and contributed to the overall narrative of his comeback. However, the producers felt that it was not appropriate for the conservative sensibilities of the late 1960s.

Despite the controversy, the "comeback special" was a critical and commercial success, reigniting Elvis's career and solidifying his status as one of the greatest performers of all time. The decision to cut the bordello scene may have been a necessary compromise, but it left a lasting mark on the history of Elvis's performance and the evolution of television censorship.

Elvis Presley's Bordello Scene: The Unseen Cut Too Racy for 1968

In addition to the bordello scene, Binder also discussed other aspects of the special, including Elvis's evolving stage persona, the influence of the Beatles on his music, and the challenges of producing a live television event in the days before modern technology.

The documentary provides a unique glimpse into the creative process behind one of the most iconic moments in music history, revealing the behind-the-scenes stories and controversies that shaped Elvis Presley's return to the spotlight.

Elvis Presley's Bordello Scene: The Unseen Cut Too Racy for 1968