Fun in Acapulco is often remembered as one of Elvis Presley’s hit musicals, combining his undeniable charm, smooth dance moves, and unforgettable voice. Paired with Ursula Andress, the legendary Bond girl, their on-screen chemistry was undeniable. While the film followed the formula of a typical beach musical, Elvis’s star power and songs like “Bossa Nova Baby” made it one of the highest-grossing films of 1963.

The Sparks Between Elvis and Ursula

Despite the film’s lighthearted script, audiences couldn’t ignore the natural chemistry between Elvis and Ursula. Initially, Ursula was hesitant to engage with him, partly due to the constant media frenzy surrounding his love life. However, she later admitted that she was pleasantly surprised by his humility and kindness. “I was so surprised,” she once shared, recalling their first meeting.

Did Elvis Fall for Ursula?

Speculation about a romance between Elvis and Ursula swirled, but those close to him claimed he wasn’t overly captivated by her. According to Alan Fortas, a close friend and member of the Memphis Mafia, Elvis was more intrigued by her past connection with James Dean than by her looks. He reportedly preferred more petite women and wasn’t particularly fond of Ursula’s broad shoulders.

Elvis’s Relationship Boundaries

Elvis had a personal rule: no romantic involvement with married women. At the time, he was still holding out hope for a reconciliation with Priscilla Presley, which made any possibility of a relationship with Ursula even more unlikely. His inner circle ensured that all interactions between them remained strictly professional.

Priscilla’s Thoughts on Ursula

In her memoir, Elvis and Me, Priscilla shared some insight into Elvis’s opinion of Ursula’s appearance. He reportedly remarked that her physique was too masculine for his taste, even joking about her bone structure. While she was an undeniable beauty, Elvis’s preferences leaned toward a different type.

The Bikini Controversy

Ursula Andress made history with her iconic bikini scene in Dr. No, but Fun in Acapulco presented a different approach. The film’s wardrobe department altered her signature swimwear to cater to Elvis’s younger fanbase, dressing her in a ruffled bikini with a ribbon in her hair. Ursula wasn’t thrilled with the change, feeling it diminished her sex appeal.

Elvis Never Filmed in Acapulco

Surprisingly, Elvis never set foot in Acapulco for filming. Due to a longstanding ban imposed by the Mexican government, all his scenes were shot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. The ban was rooted in false rumors that he had insulted Mexico, but despite efforts to clear up the misunderstanding, the restrictions remained in place.

Uncomfortable Wardrobe Choices

Elvis had a keen eye for fashion, but not all of his costumes in Fun in Acapulco met his standards. In one particular scene, he wore a short-sleeved shirt that was identical to the one used by his stunt double earlier in the film. He found this detail frustrating, though he adored many of his other outfits, especially a flamenco-inspired ensemble.

A Margarita Mix-Up

A humorous moment in the film involved Elvis’s character ordering a margarita. Instead of the classic lime-infused cocktail, what he received was simply tequila with a salted rim. This minor detail went unnoticed by most viewers but has since become an amusing anecdote among fans.

Elvis’s Stunts and Bloopers

While Elvis was willing to perform certain stunts, the film’s famous 136-foot cliff dive was handled by a professional stunt double. However, he did personally swing on the trapeze for some of the action sequences. During one particular take, an overly excited crew member grabbed him awkwardly during a celebration scene, forcing multiple reshoots.

Cameos in Fun in Acapulco

Several familiar faces made uncredited appearances in the film, including Teri Garr, who later became a Hollywood star. Another recognizable 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, what makes it noteworthy is not the chemistry between them, but Elvis’s choice of attire—long sleeves and pants, despite the sunny setting. Only the King of Rock and Roll could make such an outfit look effortless and stylish.

The Last Elvis Film Before Beatlemania

Fun in Acapulco marked a significant turning point in Elvis’s career. It was his last major film before The Beatles revolutionized the music industry. Though the cultural shift was imminent, the movie remains a nostalgic reminder of the final days before Beatlemania took over.

Reflection

Watching Fun in Acapulco today offers more than just an enjoyable Elvis film. It serves as a time capsule, capturing an era of Hollywood that was soon to change. While the rumors surrounding Elvis and Ursula Andress may never be fully settled, their undeniable on-screen connection continues to intrigue audiences. More than just another beach musical, the film stands as a testament to a moment in time when Elvis Presley was still the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, just before the world of entertainment transformed forever.