Sun Records

A huge disappointment. This is NOT the true story of Sun Records, Sam Phillips, Elvis Presley or any of the characters portrayed. Read anything by Peter Guralnick, most particularly his book "Sam Phillips— The Man Who Invented Rock 'n Roll". While the bones of the story may be correct (and the filming at actual sites in Memphis is a treat), it's the little things that irritate and insult. The portrayal of Marion Keisker as a hot chick having an even hotter love affair with Sam. In reality she was a strong, school-marm-looking woman who may have been in love with Sam, but the feeling was not mutual. Elvis and a fictional middle-class girlfriend named Trixie. He lived in the projects and would not have been dating someone in the better part of town (let alone climbing into her bedroom window). He did have a girlfriend named Dixie though. A shrew-like Becky Phillips who in reality understood and supported Sam. Sam's children are portrayed as infants when in reality they were 6 and 8 when they met Elvis. Elvis having no style until Colonel Parker told him to upgrade his look. In fact Elvis shopped at Lansky's on Beale Street for years before he ever made a record. Oh the annoyances! As a series it's poorly constructed with too many story lines and peripheral characters unknown to most viewers (The Prisonaires, Jackie Brenston, Joe Hill Louis, etc.). Supposedly this series was inspired by the stage musical "Million Dollar Quartet". I'm a tough critic, but that was actually quite good. It covered one day in the life of Sun Records. Maybe this should have done the same.

Loyal Elvis fans and devotees of Sam Phillips and Sun Records may find the restraints that a short mini-series (6 episodes) imposes on a big history frustrating. The condensing of the history is perhaps foregivable, although it appears remiss to have overlooked artists such as Howlin' Wolf and B. B. King, and arguably relocating some facts in the time-line creates greater dramatic impact. But in the telling of Elvis' story the writers appear to have relied more on myth and gossip rather than the known facts, and in some instances there are glaringly rewrites of history. Although some reviewers themselves appear to misinterpreted the facts: for example the relationship between Marion K and Sam Phillips was, according to Peter Guralnick, physical. However, all involved have created a series that goes some way to invoking the excitement of the times, with the cast giving credible and believable performances. If you can overcome any frustrations this is an enjoyable fun piece of television that left me wanting more when the credits had rolled on the final episode. I for one would like a season 2, but with a poor showing when aired it seems unlikely that CMT will pick-up the option.

My 7 year old is obsessed with Elvis and The Beach Boys and she kept talking about his show so we started watching it. This show is so good. I like that it shows Johnny Cash because I love his music as well and she gets to see other music besides just what is mainly in movies and TV shows. The acting is good and not cheesy. Makes you want to learn more about the characters.

The movie is good. I like it. Probably It would be much better if we speak mainly about Elvis' life not Sam Philips. Elvis' life is a real story of a boy growing up in that windy time in Tennessee. But I am happy about that movie. For me that's how real life should looks. Imagine the world that way. We would live more real and happier life. And I didn't know that sky*e was existed through 50's. I wanna everybody hearing the voice of sky*e. The time is - 4th episode, 21:41m.

My husband and I loved this show. Having grown up in the South myself during the time of Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis it was especially memorable for me. Actually bought an Elvis 45 on Sun Records label in Georgia 1955. We found the background on Sam Phillips (sexiest man on TV)and his life as well as Col. Parker the most interesting part of the show. We all know how Elvis, Johnny, and the others all turned out. Who knew what a sleeze Tom Parker was, or how hard it was to get Sun Records established. Loved all the characters Couldn't wait for the next episode. The casting of these characters was brilliant to say the least. I really hope there is a next season . My family as well as many of my friends will be eagerly watching.