Rare vintage matte-finish 10 x 8 photo of Elvis on the set of Flaming Star speaking with an army general, signed and inscribed in blue ballpoint “To Gen. Clifton, Many thanks for your help during my tour of duty. Hope I didn’t cause too much confusion! It was a good experience for me. Sincerely, Sgt. Elvis Presley.” In fine condition, with small top left corner crease and a faint paperclip impression.
General Chester V. Clifton, Jr., who went on to serve as a senior military aide to presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson, was serving as the US Army’s chief of information when he visited the former Sgt. Elvis Presley on the set. Presley had joined the service in 1958, serving as a tank battalion in Germany until his discharge in March 1960. Always viewing it as a “good experience,” Elvis was ready to resume his career, with Flaming Star one of the nine films he made upon his return to civilian life. However, the serious, song-sparse western served as a blow to his aspirations of becoming a respected actor, with fans and critics preferring the upbeat and comedic G.I. Blues. Incredibly, this is the only signed “Sgt. Elvis Presley” photo we have ever encountered!
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