Introduction:
“Do Not Disturb” is a song performed by Elvis Presley, written by Otis Blackwell and Winfield Scott. It was featured in Presley’s 1965 film Girl Happy, a musical romantic comedy set in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Girl Happy marked Elvis’ return to lighthearted musical films after several more dramatic roles, and “Do Not Disturb” is one of the numbers in this lively beach-themed movie.
Recorded on June 10, 1964, at Radio Recorders studio in Hollywood, “Do Not Disturb” fits neatly within the light, catchy pop-rock soundtracks that Presley frequently delivered during this period of his career. The session was part of the broader effort to record several songs for the Girl Happy soundtrack. In the film, the song is featured in a playful scene where Elvis, portraying the character Rusty Wells, sings it while trying to avoid interruptions as he spends time with his romantic interest.
The songwriters, Otis Blackwell and Winfield Scott, had both worked with Presley before and contributed significantly to his catalog. Blackwell had penned some of Elvis’ biggest hits, such as “All Shook Up” and “Don’t Be Cruel,” while Scott co-wrote “Return to Sender.” Together, their songwriting for “Do Not Disturb” was intended to serve the light, flirtatious tone of Girl Happy, reflecting the breezy, romantic feel of the movie.
Musically, “Do Not Disturb” aligns with the pop standards of the mid-1960s, incorporating a soft rock style with simple lyrics and an upbeat melody. While it was not a major commercial single, it captured the quintessential Elvis sound of this era, where his film roles were often accompanied by catchy and accessible soundtracks designed to appeal to a wide audience.
The movie Girl Happy was well-received at the time of its release and became a success at the box office, part of a series of films that defined the mid-60s portion of Presley’s career. His performances in these movies helped sustain his popularity, especially among his core fan base, despite the fact that critics were sometimes less enthusiastic about the formulaic nature of his film projects.
“Do Not Disturb” is a snapshot of Elvis Presley’s work in the 1960s, reflecting both the charm of his on-screen persona and his ability to deliver enjoyable pop music, even in a context designed primarily for entertainment rather than artistic exploration. The song remains part of Elvis’ extensive catalog, appreciated by fans who enjoy this era of his career.