“On the set of “Frankie & Johnny” …
“Jim Swienski, first met Elvis in Hollywood, California in early 1965 when he was on a three-week vacation with the Air Force. He decided to spend his vacation in Hollywood. After visiting several studios, he learned that his favorite star, Elvis Presley, was making the film Frankie And Johnny in the city. So he went to Goldwyn Studios in the hope that he would be able to take a look at Elvis, who was filming, but on the spot he learned that the plan is closed and neither fans nor tourists are allowed to enter its area. Fortunately, he saw a group of extras coming to the restaurant on the other side. Jim was never discouraged. So he went to the restaurant and started talking to one of the extras. He, seeing that (EJSwienski, author’s note) served his country and wanted to help, helped him get to the studio as a ‘visiting cousin’. Jim was incredibly lucky to sit in the studio and see Elvis make some numbers from the movie. That day Fortune followed Jim. Not only did he manage to get into the studio but also talk to Elvis and several of his bodyguards. During the conversation, Elvis told Jim that “if he ever was around Graceland, he would be pleased if he stopped and came to say hello.”
“About six months after this magical day, Jim Swenski ended his service in Air Force and was released to civilian life. On the way back, when his bus stopped in Memphis, Jim remembered this special conversation with Elvis and … went on a small trip to Graceland. At first, he was very discouraged seeing hundreds of fans gathered around the gates. He thought he would never get there. But he decided to approach the guard and asked him to provide details and dates of the meeting with Elvis in Hollywood. To his surprise, Elvis remembered and so Jim was let through the gates to the estate where he met Elvis and his father, Vernon, outside the house. Vernon took this picture (up) and after a short conversation and visit Jim was on his way home with very special memories of meeting Elvis – the man. Jim said he saw the man behind his legend who is a very nice, mundane man who loved to help others and enjoyed the simple little things in life.”
