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.

Pretty good show. Well acted and very well written. A little too much on the time spent separating black and white. Yes it was a serious issue back then as well as a serious influence on our artist. But they didn't play the race issues natural enough. Another problem with this that did get irritating was the syncing of the voice over recordings. With Elvis and Cash, voice over got too obvious. As for set decorating and cinematography...very pleasing! I'm 50's born and raised do I enjoyed it.

it appears that many people think this is a show about Elvis, even thou it's called "Sun Records". Well, surprise: It's about sun records and its founder Sam Philipps. And it's not about Elvis. Nor Johnny Cash. Or Jerry Lee Lewis. It also is not about Michael Jackson or Lady Gaga. It's called Sun Records, remember? If you feel betrayed, I figure it's your own fault - for not reading the series' title. whoops, huh.

As such, I find it the perfect way to portray the beginnings of rock'n'roll since sun records played a main part in that. The playing is very decent, the narratology works rather well.

Thank you for giving us this mini series.

If the show is gonna portray people from the deep South, then it should put actors in place who don't have to fake the accents. I was born and raised during this time in the Mississippi Delta, watched these guys when I was young, and was really looking forward to this show, but I am so put off by the fake Southern drawls that I am having a hard time with it.