Robert Abel

Elvis on Tour

Robert Abel, Pierre Adidge

Elvis Presley, James Burton

This documentary captures Elvis Presley on his 1972 American tour and includes rehearsals, interviews, archival television appearances and backstage moments. With Elvis at his most flamboyant, the film features well-known hits and cover songs showcasing his country, gospel and rhythm-and-blues influences.

Let the Good Times Roll

Robert Abel, Sidney Levin

Chuck Berry, Little Richard

Documentary of a 1950s rock and roll revival show, with split-screen editing to rival Woodstock.

By the Sea

Robert Abel, Pat O'Neill

"Muscle Beach is a fascinating location for people-watching in the L.A. area, and in 1963, the strangeness of its sights was much more pronounced than today. Pat O’Neill’s first film (made with Robert Abel) progresses from humorous, curious observation to energetic, graphical interaction with the sights and sounds of Santa Monica’s famed beach." —Mark Toscano

Freight Yard Symphony

Robert Abel

This early UCLA student film by noted visual effects pioneer Robert Abel (1937-2001) employs a mixed media approach to distill the kinetic energy of an industrial train depot into bold graphic elements. With a jazz score, Piet Mondrian-inspired lines and Oskar Fischinger-style movement, the highly-accomplished animated short evokes the modernist works of Saul Bass and Ray and Charles Eames.

Seven Second Love Affair

Robert Abel

John Dehner

Les Blank's first documentary cinematography job shooting Drag Racers in Long Beach, CA, driving everything from hopped up "Mercs" to Supercharged "Rail Dragsters". These cars could accelerate to over 220 miles/hour in a mile. The film follows the life of Rick "The Iceman" Stewart as he attempts to grab the world's record. Original score by Canned Heat Blues Band.

The World of Robert Abel

Robert Abel

This Japanese release documents many advertising works by the American Computer Graphics company, Robert Abel and Associates.

Visual Pathfinders: Robert Abel & Associates

Robert Abel, Richard R. Hoover

James Earl Jones

A retrospective of the work of Robert Abel and Associates, a pioneering commercial computer graphics company that created some of the most iconic early computer-generated imagery. Included here are over 40 commercial spots, ranging from 30-second commercials and commercial logos, to their 1984 animated short "High Fidelity".