This iconic photo is not edited, now look closer and try not to gasp when you see it…

Elvis Presley’s 1956 film debut *Love Me Tender* showcased far more than his musical talents—it revealed his dedication, charm, and the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that made the movie a classic.

**A Last-Minute Title Change**

Originally called *The Reno Brothers*, the film was renamed to capitalize on Elvis’s hit song *Love Me Tender*. Interestingly, the melody wasn’t original—it was based on the Civil War-era ballad “Aura Lee.” Elvis cheekily admitted his only lyrical contribution was a single line, yet he’s credited as co-writer for royalty purposes.

**Elvis the Serious Actor**

Despite being third-billed behind Richard Egan and Debra Paget, Elvis arrived on set with all his lines memorized—plus everyone else’s. Producer David Weisbart praised him as “humble, polite, and very serious about acting.” The role was initially turned down by Jeffrey Hunter and Robert Wagner for being too small, but Elvis’s dedication led producers to add extra scenes specifically for him.

**An Obsession with Debra Paget**

Elvis became captivated by his 22-year-old co-star Debra Paget, calling her “the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.” He even proposed marriage, but Debra—already in love with billionaire Howard Hughes—turned him down. Their relationship remained family-oriented, though Elvis clearly carried a torch. Interestingly, Priscilla Presley later copied Debra’s distinctive hairstyle from the film to capture Elvis’s attention.

**Movie Magic and Mistakes**

The film contains delightful bloopers: a Confederate soldier zips pants (zippers weren’t invented yet), a car appears in the 1860s background, and Elvis’s guitar continues playing after he removes his hands.

When test audiences—including Elvis’s mother—reacted negatively to his character’s death, producers added a closing scene of Elvis singing. However, by then he’d dyed his hair black, creating a continuity error with his blonde appearance in the film.

These charming details only add to *Love Me Tender*’s timeless appeal.