Introduction
A new BBC drama titled "The Reckoning" has re-enacted the meeting between the disgraced DJ and TV star Jimmy Savile and the iconic Elvis Presley. Here, we delve into the details of their encounter and what was said about it.
The Meeting
The drama, aired in October 2023, follows the life and crimes of Jimmy Savile, who was exposed as a paedophile after his death. During the first episode, actor Steve Coogan, portraying the evil star, can be seen discussing a photo of Savile alongside the late singer Elvis Presley. The show aims to shed light on how Savile used his celebrity connections to evade justice.
Savile's Trip to LA
As the BBC drama portrays, Savile traveled to Los Angeles in 1960 to meet with Elvis Presley. It is said that he presented the King of Rock and Roll with a Gold Disc for the song "It's Now Or Never". At the time, Savile did not have an appointment or an address, but managed to contact the Elvis Presley office at Paramount Studios using a phone number written on a scrap of paper.
Savile's Words on Meeting Elvis
Jimmy Savile once said, according to reports: "I remember my first meeting with Elvis, when I presented him with his first British-earned Gold Disc for 'It's Now Or Never' in the winter of 1960, while he was filming 'Wild In The Country' in Hollywood." Savile recounts that he arrived in LA with the framed disc and dialed the phone number he had, explaining to someone on the line that he had come from England with the Gold record for Elvis.
The Role of Steve Coogan
Actor Steve Coogan, who plays Jimmy Savile in the BBC drama, referred to Elvis as a "true gent" and recounted how the late singer danced around the studio. Coogan explained his approach to portraying the controversial figure, stating that he treated him like any other real person he has played. He aimed to bring credibility to the role and avoid making Savile a caricature. Coogan mentioned how he focused on physical aspects, such as the way someone dresses, talks, and moves, to get inside the character's skin.
Conclusion
Elvis Presley, the "King of Rock and Roll", passed away in August 1977 at the age of 42. Jimmy Savile died in 2011 at the age of 84 and was never prosecuted for his crimes.
