Barbara Eden Says Hollywood Executives Just Wanted to Cash in on Elvis Presley

**Barbara Eden Reflects on Elvis Presley’s Dramatic Talent in ‘Flaming Star’**

In a recent interview, actress Barbara Eden reflected on her experience working alongside Elvis Presley in the 1960 film *Flaming Star*. Known for her role in the iconic sitcom *I Dream of Jeannie*, Eden believes that Presley had much more to offer than Hollywood executives allowed him to showcase. Their collaboration on *Flaming Star* provided a rare opportunity for the King of Rock and Roll to step away from his usual musical roles and explore his dramatic abilities.

*Flaming Star*, released in 1960, marked a significant departure from the musical comedies that had defined Presley’s film career up to that point. Prior to this, he had starred in a series of successful musicals, including *Love Me Tender*, *Jailhouse Rock*, and *G.I. Blues*. However, *Flaming Star* unfolded as a serious drama, with Presley taking on the role of Pacer Burton, a young man caught between two cultures—his Kiowa mother’s heritage and his Texan father’s background. Eden played Roslyn Pierce, the love interest of Presley’s character.

In her interview with *Entertainment Weekly*, Eden, now 94, praised Presley’s performance in the film. “He was good. He was good in that movie,” she noted, pointing out that the film only featured Presley singing twice, during the title track and a brief birthday celebration scene. Eden lamented that the film’s poor box office performance resulted in Hollywood returning to its formula of casting Presley in music-centric films, overlooking his potential for serious acting.

Following *Flaming Star*, it wasn’t until 1969 that Presley would again take on a role with minimal musical content, in *Charro!*. Instead, his subsequent projects frequently returned to the familiar formula of music-heavy films, such as *Blue Hawaii* and *Viva Las Vegas*. Eden’s insight shines a light on how the financial motivations of the entertainment industry often overshadowed the artistic capabilities of their stars.

While reminiscing about her own career in the 1960s, Eden recounted times when she performed in Las Vegas, where she crossed paths with Presley. Her then-husband, Michael Ansara, encouraged her to attend one of Elvis’s shows, and she described the electric atmosphere of the venue as unforgettable. “I walked in, and there was the thrumming of those guitars… it gives me goosebumps, even now,” she remembered.

Further reflecting on her collaboration with Presley, Eden emphasised his talent as an actor, stating, “This was a part that required good acting, and he did it, boy.” She fondly recalled the camaraderie on set, where Presley would invite his father and friends to play music during filming breaks, creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

Since its initial release, *Flaming Star* has gradually gained recognition among critics and audiences alike. A 1990 review from *Entertainment Weekly* highlighted Presley’s unexpected depth as a non-musical performer, suggesting he could have rivalled established actors like Steve McQueen and Clint Eastwood. The film is lauded for its uniqueness in Presley’s filmography, showcasing a different side of the icon than what audiences had come to expect.

Additionally, the film has gained a place in popular culture, partly due to its association with pop art icon Andy Warhol. Warhol famously used a publicity still from *Flaming Star* to create his celebrated 1963 artwork, *Triple Elvis*, which remains one of his distinguished pieces.

Barbara Eden’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted talents of Elvis Presley, whose potential as a serious actor may have been stifled by the industry’s focus on commercial success. As time passes, both *Flaming Star* and Presley’s role in it continue to be re-evaluated, shining a light on the legacy of one of music and film’s most enduring figures. Through Eden’s reminiscences, we gain a deeper appreciation for the work put into this project and for Presley’s talent beyond the musical genres he is predominantly remembered for.