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Tickle Me Part 3
Connie Gilchrist played Hilda the masseuse in Elvis's film "Tickle
Me." It was her second to last movie role and one of 77 since 1940
when she was signed with MGM at the age of 39. She had already been
performing on stage for 23 years when she made her film debut. She
might be best remembered for her TV roles in "The Adventures of Long
John Silver" and "The Real McCoys."
In this movie devoted to a guest ranch where models, actresses and
others came to diet and lose weight, one of the funniest characters
was Estelle Penfield, who was always looking to smuggle forbidden
food. She was aptly played by Merry Anders who began modeling and
acting while still in high school. She began her acting career in
1951 and might be best remembered for her recurring roles in the
"Stu Erwin Show" "Gunsmoke" and "Dragnet."
Grady Sutton and Dorothy Konrad played Mr. and Mrs. Dabney, who
couldn't quite keep their meal on their plates due to the antics of
Mrs. Penfield. Grady Sutton, a native of Tennessee, broke into
movies in 1924, beginning a 55-year career that included over 200
movie roles. He specialized in playing slightly befuddled
Southerners.
In a movie about women one might expect a greater bevy of beautiful
ladies than in most Elvis movies. "Tickle Me" had many who worked as
uncredited extras. One such actress was Barbara Werle, who was also
in the Elvis films "Harum Scarum" and "Charro!"
Academy Award winner Leah Rhodes was the costume designer. Her award
was for her designs in the 1948 movie "Adventures of Don Juan." Her
wardrober was Shirlee Strahm, who would go on to costume for "Funny
Lady," "The Goodbye Girl," "Nine To Five," "Steel Magnolias" and
"Charlie's Angles" among others. She was the head costume designer
for the 1976 Barbra Streisand version of "A Star Is Born."
Principal photography began on October 12, 1964 and Elvis was
released from the production on November 24, 1964. The film
previewed in Hollywood on May 13, 1965. After the premiere in
Atlanta on May 28th, it opened nationwide on July 7, 1965. Although
bashed by the critics, it was to date the third highest grossing
film for the Allied Artists Studio and saved them from bankruptcy
for a while longer. Ever the promoter, Colonel Parker had RCA
purchase from Elvis his customized gold-appointed white Cadillac
limousine and it was sent on a tour of the country promoting this
movie. Other promotional items included feather pens and packages of
"Tickle Me" colored feathers.
Elvis received a Golden Laurel Award for his performance. The Golden
Laurels were an industry award that had no ceremony and names of
winners were published in the Motion Picture Exhibitor Magazine. |
