April 2nd in Elvis History

It's April 2nd, and on this day in 1956, Elvis Presley took a major step toward Hollywood stardom. At Paramount Studios in Hollywood, Elvis participated in screen tests for producer Hal Wallis, under the guidance of veteran director Frank Tashlin. Over the course of three days, Elvis performed two scenes from *The Rainmaker*, a film set to star Burt Lancaster and Katharine Hepburn. In addition, he lip-synched and showcased his electrifying stage presence while performing his hit, "Blue Suede Shoes."

Screenwriter Allen Weiss described the experience as being reminiscent of “a high school play,” but added that once the music was incorporated, "the transformation was incredible: electricity bounced off the walls of the soundstage, it was like an earthquake in progress, only without the implicit threat." This pivotal moment was a glimpse of the magic that would soon make Elvis a cinematic sensation, blending his musical talent with his emerging acting career.