 Austin Butler and Elvis Presley are actually 16th cousins twice removed. Elvis's father, Vernon Presley and Austin's mother, Lori, share common ancestry. The basic premise of the Elvis comeback special, seen in this film, is basically true. Elvis was appalled that Colonel Tom Parker had agreed with the sponsor and the NBC TV network that he would do an hour-long special, in which he would be doing cheesy skits and singing Christmas songs in a terrible sweater. Though he effectively plotted with director Steve Binder and producer Bob Finkel to do a special showcasing his career. Rehearsals started in June 1968, with filming commencing in late June 1968.