Follow That Dream

is a 1962 musical film starring Elvis Presley made by Mirisch Productions. The movie, originally titled, “Elvis Presley Follow That Dream”, was based on the 1959 novel,
“Pioneer, Go Home!” Producer Walter Mirisch liked the song, “Follow That Dream” and retitled the picture. This was also done—allegedly—because the songwriters could not find a rhyme for "pioneer". The movie reached #5 on the Variety Weekly Box Office Survey, staying on the chart for three weeks and finishing at #33 on the year-end list of the top-grossing movies of 1962.

At first, the author, Richard P. Powell, was unhappy that Presley had been chosen for the role; but, after seeing the finished film, he thought Presley had done a good job in
bringing his character to life.

During filming, Elvis met Tom Petty (famous singer) who as only 11 years old at the time. Petty's uncle was involved in the production of the movie. Shortly afterwards, Petty
swapped his slingshot for a friend's collection of Elvis records.

Filming began July 6, 1961 in the summer heat of Florida. It was filmed in Citrus, Marion, and Levy Counties, specifically in Inverness, Ocala, Yankeetown, and Inglis.
The courtroom scene took place in the 1912 Citrus County Old Courthouse in Inverness, which was later restored and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Part of the success of the courtroom restoration can be directly attributed to the film, because it contained the only record of the original courtroom configuration.
Four Elvis fans convinced Yankeetown to memorialize his stay by renaming their major highway after him. After months of meetings, the highway had a grand opening under its new name, Follow That Dream Parkway, on July 27, 1996. The dedication and celebration was held in Inglis, Florida.

ELVIS WAS HERE

Follow That Dream

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