March 23rd in Elvis History

It's March 23, and on this day in 1969, Elvis's twentieth film, *Frankie and Johnny*, opened across the United States. Released by United Artists, the film was inspired by the old folk song of the same name, which tells the story of a love triangle that leads to tragedy. The original tale, dating back to 1899, centers on Frankie, a woman who believes her lover, Johnny, is cheating with a showgirl named Alice Pryor. In a fit of jealousy, Frankie shoots Johnny while he walks down the street with Alice in St. Louis.

Elvis stars as Johnny, with Donna Douglas, known for *The Beverly Hillbillies*, playing his leading lady, Frankie. The film also features Mitzi McCall as Mitzi, Harry Morgan as Cully, and New Orleans native Donna Douglas as Nellie Bly. Directed by Frederick De Cordova, who would later helm *The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson*, *Frankie and Johnny* marked another unique entry in Elvis's cinematic career.