Elvis Presley launched his legendary career in part as a symbol of rock n’ roll rebelliousness against the sexual repression and conformity of the mid-Eisenhower era. But by 1970 Presley had evolved into a conservative, largely clueless yokel hypocrite who wanted to do something to stop the scourge of non-prescription drug use (i.e, pot and hallucinogens) among the nation’s youth. On 12.21.70 Presley paid a visit to President Richard Nixon at the White House. Presley had hand-written Nixon a six-page letter requesting a visit and suggesting that he be made a “Federal Agent-at-Large” in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Six and a half years later Presley died of prescription drug abuse and an overdose of peanut butter-and-banana sandwiches.

(l.) Michael Shannon as 35 year-old Elvis Presley, (r.) Kevin Spacey as Richard M. Nixon in Liza Johnson‘s currently shooting Elvis & Nixon.

Today a still from Liza Johnson‘s currently shooting Elvis & Nixon — an almost certain attraction at the 2015 Toronto Film Festival — was released. Pic began shooting in New Orleans on 1.12.15. It costars Kevin Spacey as Nixon and Michael Shannon as The King. Cassian Elwes and Holly Wiersma are producing with Autumn Pictures’ David Hansen and Johnny Mac financing and executive producing alongside Byron Wetzel, Robert Ogden Barnum and Jerry Schilling.