A few days after the production of “Girl Happy,” Ann-Margret came to visit Elvis on set. We were filming all night in the back parking lot of MGM, famous for many classic movies dating back to Hollywood’s golden age. They had met a year earlier when she co-starred with him in “Viva Las Vegas,” and the attraction between these two sex symbols was instantaneous; Elvis fell deeply in love with her. It was rumored that things between them were serious; Elvis dismissed the stories as studio advertising, but they were true. Priscilla let Elvis know her displeasure, and even though he claimed innocence, she didn’t really buy it. Neither did anyone else who knew him.

When Ann-Margret pulled into the back parking lot around eleven o’clock at night, all eyes were instantly on her, including Elvis’s: it lit up like an incandescent light. When Elvis finished filming his scene, he enthusiastically approached her. They hugged, and then he took her by the hand and motioned for me to follow. We walked into Elvis’s cramped little dressing room with barely enough room for two people, let alone three. Elvis sat at a small table in front of a mirror surrounded by light bulbs so I could do my hair.

Caring for Elvis’s hair was definitely a different experience for me that night. As always, my first duty was to make sure Elvis’s hair looked perfect, ready for the camera for his next scene. But this time he was absorbed in the exchange between Elvis and Ann-Margaret, the room was vibrating with electricity and his emotions were flying in all directions. Every time they looked at each other, her shyness and magnetic attraction were obvious and transparent. My main dilemma was doing the task at hand despite the distractions. There I was, standing between them in very tight spaces, brushing Elvis’s hair; with Ann-Margret’s body so close to mine that I could feel her breasts on my back. Talk about a blessing and a curse! It was hard work … but someone had to do it.

Elvis and Ann-Margret were beautiful together; They shared an energy and a zest for life that made you feel happy for them. Elvis loved her very much and loved to make her laugh.

They seemed to have all the elements for a lasting relationship, but Elvis confided in him that she bullied him. She had her own very successful career, which she was not willing to compromise for anyone and, more importantly, she was independent and did not take on a submissive role. Few women Elvis got involved with had that kind of resolve and sense of self.

Elvis recognized that he would never exert the control over her that he then had over a young, inexperienced Priscilla. Inevitably it came down to a choice between Priscilla, someone Elvis believed he could kidnap a couple thousand miles away when he wanted to enjoy his “freedom,” and Ann-Margret, who challenged him, if only because her life didn’t. spun. around him. It was a challenge that he never faced with any woman.

Several hours after Ann-Margret left the lot, Elvis and I returned to her dressing room between scenes. Elvis didn’t waste a minute, diving right into what concerned him most. “Lawrence, it’s between Ann and Priscilla. And the really strange thing is that they look so much alike, almost like sisters. But, to tell you the truth, I don’t think things will work out between Ann and me. Two egos like ours, two careers. There will surely be conflicts. I really care about her. But to tell the truth, I don’t think it will last. “

Elvis then explained what he believed to be the main obstacle to continuing with Ann. “Women should stay home and start a family. This is how I was raised.” A small smile appeared on Elvis’s face. “I’ll tell you something I learned a long time ago. There is more to life than lust.”

In the wild nature of Hollywood, Elvis’s attitudes toward women were almost picturesque. He avoided promiscuity, although he had certainly been through some wild periods. “Man, when I found out I was going to go into the army I went crazy. Larry, I had sex with every girl I could find. I went as far as I could, until I got so tired I ended up in the hospital. I guess I needed that experience It made me realize then that sex without love or affection is a waste. “

“Besides, I’m committed to Priscilla,” he said, “and one day I’ll keep the promise I made to her and her dad. Priscilla reminds me of my mom. She wants to be a mother and raise children. She wants to be a mother and raise children. She doesn’t want to. a career in show business, she just wants to be my wife. “

Elvis seemed very satisfied and happy to have made such an important decision, and a few years later he kept his promise and married Priscilla. He still loved Ann-Margaret very much, and their friendship lasted the rest of his life.