Let me start by saying this: If you're looking for someplace to begin your Ann-Margret experience, look no further. You get the eyes, the hair, the hips, the moves, the voice, and on top of that, we'll throw in Elvis. [I'm not an Elvis fan, per se, but I'll bow to this one] You also get Ann-Margret in short-shorts with holster and guns, stunt-riding a scooter, sporting swimwear, giggling, crying, water skiing and wearing mechanic's coveralls.
Our first shot of Rusty Martin (Ann-Margret) is in "hot pants" from the legs up......all the way up.......to those eyes........then the rear shot......."I'd like you to check my motor".......then she walks into the chest-high camera.........we follow her from behind, as she walks away.......then she leans over a car.........deep breath, guys....anybody still eating popcorn? Anybody not sure what this film is about yet?
Anyway, race-car boys Lucky Jackson (Elvis Presley) and Count Elmo Mancini (Cesare Danova) hit on poor Rusty until she speeds off-camera. After their "girls are like cars" routine, they cruise Vegas trying to find the beauty. No luck.
Have no fear; she's working as a swimming instructor at their hotel.
The Elvis story is this: he's the average, poor guy, who loses all the money that would have bought him an engine for the big race. But the real competition is with Count Elmo (the rich guy) for the affection of Rusty. Lucky seems way ahead on points, but puts his silly racing before his gal, and Viva!........there goes Rusty......into the arms of the suave Count (mostly to make Lucky jealous).
Well, Hound Dog........guess what........you got no money......no engine........and worst of all..........no babe.
Not a bad Elvis show, actually.......he gets turned down a lot - not familiar Elvis territory - and he plays it well. Ann-Margret straddles the fence of a confident, yet vulnerable small-town girl loaded with big talent. A no-brainer for the casting director.
Best Ann-part of the movie:
No question about it - the big dance routine with Elvis at the University Of Las Vegas.
This is the Icon image you will remember when you hear the name "Ann-Margret."
What I want to say to the director:
I hope you were the lucky guy behind the camera.
You made a nice little cheese-sandwich here, and it stands as the hottest pairing of boy and girl ever committed to film.
How the movie ends:
Somehow the motor gets paid for at noon, and Lucky makes the midnight starter's gun. Meanwhile, Rusty sings, "Does he love me most, or love my rival?" while preparing sandwiches for the crew, which now includes her father (William Demarest).
There are loads of Las Vegas Gran Prix thrills and spills while Rusty watches from a helicopter.
Naturally, Lucky wins the race, but his buddy spills the beans in front of Rusty (oops) about the mystery financier of the engine.......Rusty's dad.
Closing scene: Rusty and Lucky standing outside a church in wedding garb, being pelted with rice. Cutaway to split-screen: Elvis singing "Viva Las Vegas" while Ann-Margret dances in one of the least-flattering, worst-fitting dance leotards you'll ever see.
