Just released is the book 'Inside G.I. Blues'.  The deluxe box (right) contains the 112 page full colour book, a DVD and a vinyl single. The book will include a lot of unknown stories and some very informative texts about the movie written by Megan Murphy and Henryk Matraszek. It will also feature many rare and unpublished pictures of Elvis from during the filming, at the photo sessions, in the recording studio, at various parties that was held during the filming, eating together with the cast etc.

Click here for a preview & photos of 'Inside GI Blues'

PEP of the FECC message board recently interviewed 'Inside GI Blues' co-author Megan Murphy who wrote the text and helped with the Photos for the book.

PEP: You have written other things for "Elvis Unlimited" in the past which I liked reading and you have an entustaitic approach to Elvis..... What can you tell us about the book "Inside G.I. Blues"?

Megan Murphy: First of all "Inside G I Blues" will be so much more than what people will expect, and trust me, it is FAR from boring. I really loved writing and researching it! It's non stop action!

It has great interviews from Bob Baker (the puppeteer) to Memphis Mafia Member Sonny West, to a rare press interview done with co-star Juliet Prowse, plus some things are brought up by Elvis' double Tom Creel who was the person they filmed for all the background scenes in Germany.

Also there is a rare interview with Minnie Pearl when she and Tennessee Ernie Ford visited the set of "G I."
Bob Baker 's interview by the way is my favorite, as he talks about being on the set with Elvis and talks about some cool things about Martha Raye's father who worked the stage door. There are many other interesting facts which come forward for the first time in this book as well!

PEP: The question might be asked, why even do a book on the movie G.I.Blues"?

Megan: "G I" was Elvis' first movie after the Army, when people were so curious about "who" or "What" Elvis had become, and I think the movie was very successful because of that. Personally, I love the movie. It's cool! Pocketful of Rainbows... ...Frankfurt Special... all great stuff.

PEP: What was your involvement with the book?

Megan: Well, I had a concept and presented it to Henrik Knudsen of "Elvis Unlimited". I had a source for photographs and I knew I could do the research and writing. He got his team together along with fans from all over the world, and I should mention without the great "Ger Rjiff" none of this would have been possible.
I spent day and night researching everything "G I." I totally watch this movie in a different light now! And I hope the readers will do as well, once they have the book.

As you know Elvis movies get a bad wrap! Especially his movies from the 60's, so I felt maybe somehow we could legitimise his movies a bit, starting with "G.I". Since Ger did such a great job with Elvis' movies in the 50's. And so that was my first idea when I approached Henrik. It was so exciting, every little bit of information I uncovered....it was like a dream come true.

PEP: How many pictures would you say are in the book and how many pictures do you feel have not been seen before?

Megan: We have over a hundred photos. As for unseen, well that depends on the depth of the fan.

PEP: Regarding the research, are there some things you uncovered which were not known before about the movie "G.I. Blues"?

Megan: There are many stories and facts that have been uncovered. Bob Baker told us about filming with the puppets with Elvis and how at first Elvis was freaked out by the puppets. Then we have Jan Shepard from "King Creole" who also had a bit part in "Paradise Hawaiian Style" she contributes a cute story for the book. Sonny West has some stories about the film. We also have many facts and updates on actors in the film. And many unknown facts on actors. Among many other stories!

PEP: Was there anything left out of the book or was there anything else you feel should have been included in the book which wasn't?

Megan: YES! A lot, but we had so much! I would have liked to have seen the photos of the puppets from the movie owned by Bob Baker included in the book. That was a huge disappointment to me because I thought it was so cool to see them as they are today. Because I thought most Elvis fans would have liked to have seen the pictures too. As they are in amazing condition! There were a few interviews with co stars which sadly were left out, one of those interviews which was left out was with the person who played "Cookie" Robert Ivers, which I thought was pretty cool.
 
PEP: What can tell us about the DVD which Is included in the deluxe version?

Megan: It includes the rare "GI hope you like my new movie" trailer And rare footage of Elvis meeting celebrities... but there are a few surprises that fans should wait and see themselves!

PEP: Is there anything more you would like to add about the Book?

Megan: Just that this was a passion for me and I hope people enjoy it as much as I enjoyed researching and writing it.

PEP: Is there anything at this time that you can tell us about your next project with "Elvis Unlimited"?

Megan: I'm just putting the finale touches together on an extensive insight interview I did with Werthiemer, plus I am involved in a few interesting interviews yet to be released in future "Elvis Unlimited" Issues. Also we have started on the book "Inside Roustabout".

PEP: How much is the Book on its own and how much is the Book with the Bonus DVD?

Megan: The book alone is US$29.99, the Limited Box Set Edition: US$ 59.99

PEP: Thanks for your Time Megan, I'm sure in the long run "Inside G.I. Blues" will prove to be an Essential Book needed for anyone's Elvis collection.....

Megan: That's a huge compliment Paul! Thank You! It means a lot especially from you, I hope I have lost the stigmata of being just an "American Female Elvis fan". Not that all of that is a bad thing but it holds stereotypes... so maybe this book will break that.

PEP: I have a feeling a lot of people from here on in will be looking forward as to what you might come up with in the future.....

Megan: That would be the ultimate honor for me. I just want to see Elvis' legacy continue in true historical facts.

PEP : Do you have an e-mail set up for ordering, can people order the book directly from you?

Megan: Sure, you can e-mail elvisunlimited@aol.com or info@elvispresley.dk.
(EIN Note; Australian/NZ fans see below)

PEP: Take care, and I hope to see you in Memphis......

Megan: For sure and thanks for the great questions about the book. It's always about Elvis for Me! ...Memphis is just a few days away! To us Elvis fans, it's like a kid waiting for Christmas! From Jersey to Memphis!

EIN thanks 'PEP' from FECC Elvis messageboard for this interview.

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