Steve Binder quotes from Elvis (TV miniseries)

[he and Elvis are walking down Sunset Strip] It's 1968. The times they're changing, man. You can change too.

What's going on, Elvis?

I'm sorry, Steve. I can't do it, man. I can't go on.

What?

This whole thing was just a bad idea. I haven't played in front of the live audience in more than seven years, man. I don't know if I can do it anymore. What if they don't like me?

"Don't like you?" Oh my God... Elvis, you created rock 'n' roll. You're the King. You step out there, your gonna be King again.

It's just like riding a bike, Elvis. Once you get on stage it's gonna be like old times.

"Before Elvis, there was nothing..." - John Lennon

Let's be frank. I don't think most kids know who the hell you are anymore. It's the 60's, man. You hear what their playing on the radio? The Mamas and the Papas, the Stones, Marvin Gaye...

I know, I know. I listen to everything. The Rascals, Aretha Franklin.

There's a song out there right now. "MacArthur Park", Richard Harris sings it. Would you've sung that tune?

Damn right. That there's a great song. Jimmy Webb, he can flat out right.

Here's what I have in mind. We tape it over three days. The first day, is in front of a live audience. "Elvis' big comeback". Now, I know you'll be nervous, so we'll just get that outta the way. The next two days, we tape several stage numbers, drawing on your own personal and musical life.

I like it.

There is a problem, Elvis. The Colonel and NBC want you to sing just Christmas songs. Now I think that's too limiting, and the exact opposite of what you should be doing. What do you think?

[pause] I think let's do it. [stands and shakes his hand] This is going to be great, Steve.

Steve, that was great, man.

Congratulations, man. You were great.

Oh, thank you. Thank you, bro.

[points to the "ELVIS" sign in big red letters] Hey, look at that. New beginnings.

Yeah. A new beginning.

[on Colonel Parker] Why do you put up with him bullying you? Treating you like a child?

You know, I've thought about that a lot over the years. And I'd try to explain it to you, but you just wouldn't understand.

I think I do.

How? You know nothing about the world I come from.

Actually, I know a lot about you, Elvis. It's my job. Your not that poor kid from Tupelo anymore. You live in the big house. You can be your own boss man. You've certainly out grown that old carny.

I gave him my word. Besides, before me there was no such thing as a rock star. He wrote the book on how to make one. Anyone else I'll hire will just have read it.

Well, maybe it's time to write a new book. Your own book.