Finding Graceland

Damn, I wish you'd let me take you on a bit further.

You've already gone too far off your route these past couple of days.

But thank you.

It's generous folk like yourself keeping our nation great.

I don't know what I'd have done if you hadn't come along.

I was all bottled up.

Damn close to doin' something.

I know that.

And I hope those thoughts are nothin' but distant memories now.

It's taken every bit of my strength...

but I finally believe you're right.

Don't worry, friend.

We'll meet again someplace.

I just know it.

God bless.

Did I ever tell you why I love livin' in Memphis?

You can go further north, south, east or west...

but you cannot get any closer to heaven.

You know, that's kind of poetic.

But then what man has ever had a muse like you?

Say yes again.

You have no idea how perfect that sounds off your lips.

Yes.

How do you want to spend the day, Bea?

A little drive?

Sounds good to me.

Back away from the car.

Son...

I gotta tell you...

this car is one of the more beautiful sights I've seen in a long time.

The 1959 convertible is the finest machine...

Cadillac ever built.

Titanic V-8...

390 cubic inches...

345 horses.

The cream of American history.

You best take care of this one. She's runnin' hot...

and it's a mean sun today.

This car keeps no secrets from me.

Maybe we could share some secrets of our own.

The name's Elvis.

I'm tryin' to find my way to Memphis.

I got a dinner date this Sunday.

And I'm being reeled back home like a floppin' catfish.

Man, I can't tell you how it excites me to see folks haven't forgotten me.

Why don't you hightail us up to that vehicle...

so we can get an eyeful of who's behind that wheel?

I don't like crowded roads.

Well, everybody has their quirks.

Maybe we should start small.

You got a name?

Byron Gruman.

Byron, huh?

Mind if I call you "Burn"?

I've met so many people over the years, I've come to rely on nicknames.

We won't be together long enough for it to matter what you call me.

Perhaps, but you never know what fate holds in store for you.

Look at me.

When I was a poor sharecropper's son driving a truck...

every time a big, shiny car like that drove by...

it started me daydreaming.

So I worked hard, served my country.

I did all right.

Then one day my life spiraled out of my hands.

I lost sight of what was meaningful.

My wife, my child, my music.

I found myself needin' time just to catch my breath, so I split.

It's a fascinating story.

But besides that hair, you hardly even look like Elvis.

I think I look pretty good, considering I've been on my feet for 20 years.

You're a drifter.

The title ain't nearly as rewarding as the work.

I travel around, lend a hand to folks who need it.

What about you? What line of work lies in your tomorrow?

I don't think much about the future.

Well, I've given worse off than you their footing.

Listen. I'm gonna stop here for a while.

No matter what, I usually keep a few states between me and Tennessee.

Tell you what. Why don't I buy you some lunch here?

Then you drop me off just over the state line in Texas.

I can catch a good ride there.

I guess I could eat something.

Man alive!

That was almost as tasty as my mama used to do.

God bless her soul.

You said you had a dinner date this Sunday?

Recognize the day, do you?

Not really.

Then I guess you're not much of a fan of mine.

Son, come this Sunday it'll be August 16.

The anniversary of the day I died.

I suppose this ridiculous tale is your version of a mid-life crisis?

Well, I did turn 60 a while back.

But it was more than that.

All these years on the trail made me realize...

that the life I left behind wasn't so bad after all.

So I decided it was time to resume my career.

Wrote everyone back home and told them to have a bash...

waitin' at my estate come Sunday afternoon.

I wouldn't expect much of a homecoming if I was you.

That's $10.80 all together.

Listen, Burn, I'll need a small loan here.

I'm sure the good folks at Graceland will pay you back.

Plus interest.

- You don't have any money? - My word is gold.

Good.

Then you shouldn't have any problem talking your way out of washing dishes.

Hold on.

Somebody has to pay for this.

Franny, why don't we settle this between the two of us.

Honey, I can tell you waited on some high rollers now and then.

- What's this? - Don't bother thanking me.

But the tab was nearly $11.00. I insist you put down more for the tip.

- You what? - I insist.

I'll wrestle it out of you if I have to.

Why, Elvis, you are the gentleman.

Keep the faith, sweet lady.

What's your problem, son?

My problem?

You're my only problem.

Other than that, life's peachy-keen.

First I give you a ride.

Then I'm forced to spring for your damn lunch.

Okay, you got a right to be angry.

But walk a mile in my shoes, Burn.

I'm rich, famous, vulnerable.

I got to know the kind of man I'm befriendin'.

Who the hell are you to judge me?

You don't know me. You don't know what I've been through.

Judging from that tarnished ring you wear, it's pretty clear.

Your wife left you.

But taking it out on that woman back there wasn't fair.

My wife didn't leave me.

She's dead.

She died in a car accident over a year ago. You happy now?

I don't celebrate death, Byron.

Trust me.

I've lost more than my share of loved ones.

I don't want to hear any more lies about your life.

Let's get something straight. I don't believe you're Elvis.

Frankly, I don't care who you are...

or what terrible things have happened to your life.

I'm gonna make you care, Burn.

I'm gonna make you believe.

I'm gonna take you to Texas...

because unlike you I'm a man who keeps his word.

After that, we're history.

If you say so.

But I'm warnin' you.

You'll be sorry once I'm gone.

Don't bet on it.

Well, Burn, I guess this is it.

Again...

I'm sorry if I did anything to pester you.

Forget it.

Good luck, wherever you're headed.

I got a feeling our destinations aren't so far apart.

But wherever you go, remember the King.

Just one night.

Seventeen.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

I've seen better.

Thank you.

Get on up, baby!

It's time to party with the King.

Wake up.

Well, read 'em and weep, Elvis.

Girls, if you're gonna trounce me...

the least you could do is make it look like you're concentratin'.

Listen, son...

I'm gonna need some help here.

In a few minutes, this situation...

might be more than a man of my propriety can handle.

One hand.

Will you promise me you'll leave right after, rain or shine?

Seeing you take a risk will be well worth a wet coat.

Girls, you're in trouble now.

I found me an ally.

Sit here, soldier.

We can swap war stories.

Be sweet to me and I might even let you see my purple heart.

I'm afraid there won't be time for that.

Full house.

Damn!

Nice deal, Maggie.

That's not fair, Heather. Burn hasn't picked you yet.

I know, but I picked him.

One more hand, Burn?

It stopped raining.

- That's not fair. - Oh, come on.

What about our self-respect?

You want your self-respect back?

Okay, we'll play a new game.

Called "Reality Check."

That sounds dull.

How 'bout it, old timer?

You up for a little identity test?

Happy to oblige.

We'll start easy.

What size shoe did Elvis wear?