ELVIS: THAT'S THE WAY IT IS (1970)

About half of this documentary shows The King, in great shape physically and vocally, rehearsing at an MGM studio for his big Vegas shows with a terrific band including Charlie Hodge, Glen Hardin, Jerry Scheff, Ronnie Tutt, John Wilkenson, and lead by the immortal James Burton, possibly the greatest guitar sideman ever. Two backup choruses join him. Elvis is relaxed, horsing around, but sings brilliantly. The band is fantastic. The second half a composite of shows in Vegas and Phoenix, with a gigantic musical entourage--if he got a million bucks per performance, he'd probably have kept $49.50 after paying everyone off. I thought he sang better in the rehearsals, but it's the show that counts. Here you get to see the Master Showman at his best: confident, in complete control, kissing the gals, walking into the audience, just slaying his fans. Very good. Never be another like him.