Fun in Acapulco is remembered as one of Elvis Presley’s hit musicals, showcasing his unforgettable voice, smooth moves, and undeniable screen presence. Starring alongside him was Ursula Andress, the legendary Bond girl known for her captivating beauty and striking presence. Their on-screen chemistry was electric, elevating the film beyond its typical beach-musical formula. Despite the lighthearted storyline, Elvis’s charm and songs like Bossa Nova Baby made it one of the highest-grossing films of 1963.
The Sparks Between Elvis and Ursula
Although the script was simple, the natural chemistry between Elvis and Ursula drew audiences in. Initially, Ursula kept her distance, hesitant due to the constant media speculation surrounding Elvis’s love life. However, she later admitted she was surprised by his genuine humility and kindness. “I was so surprised,” she recalled of their first encounter, noting that he was far different from the larger-than-life persona she had imagined.
Did Elvis Fall for Ursula?
Rumors about a romance between Elvis and Ursula circulated at the time, but those close to him suggested that he wasn’t particularly taken with her. Alan Fortas, a member of Elvis’s inner circle, revealed that while Elvis was intrigued by her past relationship with James Dean, he wasn’t physically drawn to her. He reportedly had a preference for more petite women and wasn’t fond of Ursula’s broad shoulders.
Elvis’s Relationship Boundaries
Elvis had one personal rule: no romantic involvement with married women. At the time, he still harbored hopes of rekindling his relationship with Priscilla Presley, which made any potential involvement with Ursula even more unlikely. His close-knit entourage ensured that interactions between the two remained strictly professional.
Priscilla’s Thoughts on Ursula
In her memoir, Elvis and Me, Priscilla shared insight into Elvis’s opinion of Ursula’s appearance. According to her, Elvis wasn’t particularly impressed with Ursula’s physique, even jokingly describing her bone structure as too sharp. While Ursula was considered one of the most beautiful actresses of her time, Elvis’s personal preferences leaned toward a different type of beauty.
The Bikini Controversy
Ursula Andress made cinematic history with her iconic bikini scene in Dr. No, but Fun in Acapulco presented a more toned-down image. To appeal to Elvis’s younger fanbase, the wardrobe team dressed her in a ruffled bikini with a playful hair ribbon. Ursula wasn’t thrilled with the change, as it took away from the seductive image she had built in her previous roles.
Elvis Never Filmed in Acapulco
A surprising fact about Fun in Acapulco is that Elvis never actually set foot in Mexico for filming. Due to a longstanding ban imposed by the Mexican government, all his scenes were shot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. The ban stemmed from false rumors that he had insulted Mexico, and despite efforts to clarify the misunderstanding, he was never allowed to film there.
Uncomfortable Wardrobe Choices
Elvis had a strong sense of style, but not all of his outfits in the film met his standards. One notable moment involved a short-sleeved shirt he wore during the Marguerita scene, which happened to be identical to the one his stunt double had worn earlier. This minor wardrobe mistake annoyed Elvis, though he enjoyed many of his other costumes, particularly the flamenco-inspired attire.
A Margarita Mix-Up
A humorous moment in the film involved Elvis’s character ordering a margarita. Instead of receiving the classic lime-infused cocktail, what he got was simply tequila with a salted rim. This small inaccuracy went unnoticed by most viewers but later became an amusing anecdote among fans.
Elvis’s Stunts and Bloopers
While Elvis was willing to perform certain stunts, the film’s iconic 136-foot cliff dive was handled by a professional stunt double. However, he did personally swing on the trapeze for some action sequences. During one particular take, an overly enthusiastic extra grabbed him too aggressively during a celebration scene, leading to multiple retakes.
Cameos in Fun in Acapulco
Several familiar faces appeared in the film, including Teri Garr, who later became a Hollywood star. Another notable cameo was Darlene Tompkins, who had previously worked with Elvis in Blue Hawaii.
The Truth Behind the Iconic Photo
One of the most famous behind-the-scenes photos from Fun in Acapulco features Elvis and Ursula on the beach. However, the reason the photo gained attention wasn’t due to any romance rumors but because of Elvis’s unusual outfit—long sleeves and pants in the scorching sun. Only the King of Rock and Roll could make such an unconventional choice look stylish.
The Last Elvis Film Before Beatlemania
Fun in Acapulco marked a pivotal moment in Elvis’s career. It was his final major film before The Beatles transformed the music industry and shifted pop culture. Though the entertainment landscape was changing rapidly, this film remains a nostalgic reminder of Elvis’s reign as Hollywood’s biggest musical icon.
Reflection
Watching Fun in Acapulco today is more than just an opportunity to enjoy an Elvis film—it’s a glimpse into an era on the brink of transformation. The rumors surrounding Elvis and Ursula Andress may never be fully settled, but their undeniable on-screen chemistry continues to intrigue audiences. More than just another beach musical, the film stands as a testament to Elvis Presley’s final moments as the undisputed King of Rock and Roll before a new musical generation took center stage.
