ELVIS PRESLEY: THE SEARCHER (HBO 2018) Elvis Presley
The definitive film about Elvis Presley—the artist, musician and cultural icon.
Produced with unprecedented access to the archives of Graceland and Priscilla Presley, Elvis Presley: The Searcher is an intimate two-part documentary exploring the man behind the legend and the music that defined his extraordinary life.
From his humble childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi, and his groundbreaking early recordings with Sam Phillips at Sun Records to his tours throughout the South and controversial rise to national fame under manager Colonel Tom Parker, the film follows Elvis on his lifelong search for creative freedom and self-expression.
Along the way, Elvis absorbed an astonishing range of musical influences—including gospel, blues, country and rhythm and blues—and transformed them into a revolutionary sound that changed popular music forever. His remarkable creative journey continues through his Hollywood years, legendary television appearances, triumphant return to live performance and final recording sessions in Graceland’s famed Jungle Room in 1976.
Featuring never-before-seen photographs, rare footage and previously unheard recordings from private collections around the world, the documentary also offers stunning views inside Graceland and more than 20 revealing interviews with Priscilla Presley, musicians, session players, producers, engineers, directors and contemporary artists who knew Elvis or were profoundly influenced by his work.
Elvis Presley: The Searcher presents a moving and deeply personal portrait of a gifted artist whose passion, vulnerability and relentless musical curiosity made him the biggest star in the world—and whose influence continues to be felt generations later.
