Vintage glossy 7.5 x 9.25 studio portrait of Presley for the 1956 film Love Me Tender, signed and inscribed to the film's costumer in black ballpoint, "To Johnny, Thanks for taking care of my clothes and being so helpful, God bless you, Elvis Presley.” Archivally triple-matted and framed to an overall size of 17.75 x 19.25. In fine condition, with the "To" in the inscription traced over in an unknown hand due to poor ink adhesion. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
John Intlekofer was a professional baseball player for the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs before he embarked on a second career as a wardrober and costumer for 20th Century Fox. He worked on films such as Planet of the Apes and MASH, and outfitted Elvis Presley in several of his movies, including Flaming Star and Love Me Tender, the King's motion picture debut. After a three-day screen test with Hal Wallis, Presley signed a one-movie deal with Paramount Pictures on April 25, 1956, but was loaned to 20th Century Fox three months later after a series of potential roles fell through. His first movie, a musical Western originally entitled The Reno Brothers, was changed to Love Me Tender in an attempt to match the popularity of Presley's hit single, which was released in late August. A desirable signed photo representing the King's cinematic premiere.
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