Elvis stars as the rodeo star turned ranch hand in the musical comedy Tickle Me. The film follows Elvis’ character Lonnie Beale as he finds work on an unusual female fitness-spa ranch and falls for Pam Meritt, played by his co-star Jocelyn Lane, who is searching for her family’s hidden treasure. The picture not only parodies Western films, but as typical with Elvis movies, pandemonium ensues while Elvis gets the girl in the end. Directed by Norman Taurog, Tickle Me was Elvis’ only film with Allied Artists and made over $5 million at the box office, saving the production company from bankruptcy while also helping to relieve Elvis of an IRS debt. The movie was shot in just over 20 days and the soundtrack was made up of previously recorded, unpublished songs. Elvis won the Laurel Award for Best Male Actor in a Musical for his role in the film. On October 6, 1964, Elvis arrived at Allied Studios for preproduction with principal photography beginning just six days later. Offered is a check, dated October 7, 1964 and numbered 1201 written to “Cash” for $150.00, signed by “E.A. Presley” with the handwritten side notation, “Expense money for Elvis & Staff during ‘Tickle Me’ picture.” The spending money to cover the approximate three weeks of filming was obtained shortly after their arrival in Hollywood for production. This incredible check measures 3 1/4 by 8 1/4 inches (8.25 x 20.95 cm) and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated.

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