Sometimes you plug something in just to see what happens, fully expecting nothing. That is exactly what the creator behind @hayyddenn did with a vintage Elvis Presley animatronic figure. The creator assumed it would be dead after all the years. It was not.
The caption tells the story in one breath: “I plugged it in expecting it to not work and it jump scared me so bad.” The post is only about twenty seconds long, and the only words in it come from the figure itself. As soon as the power goes on, it greets the creator with a cheerful “Hello ladies and gentlemen,” and then a plain “Hello.” The reaction is the rest of the fun. The post is tagged with #elvis, #elvispresley, #animatronic and #vintage, plus a nod to the video game Five Nights at Freddy’s, which tells you how startled the creator was.
What We Actually Know
It is worth being clear about how little the post says, because it keeps the story honest. The creator does not tell us where the figure was found, how much it cost, how old it is or who made it. The only information in the post is that it is a vintage Elvis animatronic, that the creator did not think it would work, and that it came to life when plugged in with a spoken greeting. That is a small story, but it is a good one, and it deserves a little context about the kind of machine in question.
Where Animatronics Came From
The word animatronic describes a figure that moves and talks using machinery instead of a person. According to Wikipedia’s history of Audio-Animatronics, Walt Disney’s interest began when he found a mechanical toy bird in New Orleans and studied how it worked. The technology reached the public in 1963 with The Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland, where figures moved in time with a musical score using electromechanical systems. In 1964, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln debuted at the State of Illinois Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair.
Those early figures used compressed air or oil filled cylinders to move their limbs, and the earliest shows were triggered by recorded sound. Later, computers were used to synchronize the movement with the audio.
In the 1980s, simpler and cheaper animatronics became popular at family entertainment centers. The same page mentions places like ShowBiz Pizza Place and Chuck E. Cheese’s, where singing animal bands entertained kids while their parents ate pizza. Many of us remember those figures, and the sudden twitch of a head or the squeak of a jaw is part of what makes them a little spooky to this day. That explains the Five Nights at Freddy’s reference. The game takes its fright from the same kind of old, stiff, talking figure that jumps to life when you least expect it.
Why The Greeting Fits Elvis
The figure’s cheerful “ladies and gentlemen” is the kind of line any stage performer might say, but it echoes one of the most famous phrases in showbiz. According to Wikipedia’s entry on “Elvis has left the building,” that line was first spoken by promoter Horace Logan on December 15, 1956, at the end of Elvis Presley’s last appearance on the Louisiana Hayride in Shreveport, Louisiana. Logan needed to quiet the crowd so other performers could go on. At later Presley concerts, announcers used the phrase at the end of shows to send fans home when they lingered, hoping for an encore. The phrase has since become shorthand for “it is over.”
A mechanical Elvis opening with “ladies and gentlemen” nods to his stage presence, and it is easy to see why collectors enjoy items like this. Elvis memorabilia has been a popular category for decades, and a talking figure is a novelty that few other collectibles can match.
If You Find A Vintage Figure Like This
This story ended with a good scare, but plugging in a decades old electrical item is not always harmless. A few precautions are wise.
Inspect the cord and plug first. A guide on vintage appliance safety from Mr. Appliance advises checking wiring and plugs for damage before every use and replacing worn or frayed cords right away, even if they look fine.
Watch the plug type. Many vintage items have two prong plugs that are not grounded. The same guide notes that a GFI outlet can add protection, and it is a good idea to confirm the cord and plug suit your outlets.
Clean out dust. Dust and debris inside old equipment can add to the risk, so a gentle cleaning of the outside is a start. Do not take apart anything that you do not understand.
Consider a professional. A qualified technician can inspect the wiring and make any repairs, and a reputable dealer can supply replacement parts. For a collectible with sentimental or monetary value, that is worth it.
Stay clear of moving parts. Animatronic figures are powered by motors and linkages, and a surprise movement can pinch fingers. Keep hands away from joints until you know how the figure moves.
Test in a safe spot. Place it on a stable surface, away from a ledge, and make sure you can reach the power switch or plug quickly.
Looking After A Collectible Elvis
If your figure does work, protect it. Keep it out of direct sunlight, which can fade fabric and plastic. Avoid damp rooms. Dust it with a soft brush. If it has a cassette or tape mechanism for its voice, it may be worth having it checked, since old tape can stretch or break. And keep any box, tag or paperwork that came with it, because those items often add to the value.
A Good Surprise
There is something delightful about a machine that wakes up after years of silence. It is a reminder that well made things from the past often keep working far longer than we expect. The creator expected nothing, and what came back was a greeting from the King himself, along with a story that is still being told.
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