Fun in Acapulco remains one of Elvis Presley’s most notable musicals, showcasing his signature charm, smooth dance moves, and unforgettable voice. Starring alongside him was Ursula Andress, the legendary Bond girl known for her captivating presence. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and despite the film following a typical beach musical format, Elvis’s star power and hits like Bossa Nova Baby helped it become one of the top-grossing films of 1963.

The Sparks Between Elvis and Ursula

Though the movie’s plot was simple, audiences couldn’t ignore the dynamic between Elvis and Ursula. Initially, she kept her distance, wary of the tabloid rumors surrounding him. However, she later admitted to being pleasantly surprised by his kindness and humility. “I was so surprised,” she recalled of their first meeting, noting that his demeanor was far different from what she had expected.

Did Elvis Fall for Ursula?

Speculation about a romance between Elvis and Ursula swirled at the time, but those close to him claimed he wasn’t particularly enamored with her. Alan Fortas, a member of Elvis’s inner circle, revealed that while Elvis found her intriguing due to her past connection with James Dean, he wasn’t physically drawn to her. He reportedly had a preference for more petite women and wasn’t particularly fond of Ursula’s broad shoulders.

Elvis’s Relationship Boundaries

One of Elvis’s personal rules was to avoid romantic entanglements with married women. At the time, he still harbored hopes of rekindling his relationship with Priscilla Presley, which made any potential involvement with Ursula out of the question. His close-knit entourage was always present, ensuring that interactions between the two remained strictly professional.

Priscilla’s Thoughts on Ursula

Priscilla Presley offered insight into Elvis’s opinion of Ursula in her memoir, Elvis and Me. 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 took a different approach. The wardrobe team dressed her in a more modest ruffled bikini with a playful hair ribbon to align with Elvis’s younger audience. Ursula wasn’t thrilled with the change, as it toned down the sultry image she had built in her previous roles.

Elvis Never Filmed in Acapulco

One surprising fact about Fun in Acapulco is that Elvis never actually filmed in Mexico. 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 correct the misunderstanding, he was never allowed to film there.

Uncomfortable Wardrobe Choices

Elvis had a keen sense of style, but not all of his costumes in the film were to his liking. One notable moment involved a short-sleeved shirt he wore during the Marguerita scene, which happened to be identical to the one worn by his stunt double earlier in the film. This minor wardrobe mishap frustrated Elvis, though he enjoyed some of his other outfits, especially his flamenco-inspired attire.

A Margarita Mix-Up

A humorous detail 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. While this small mistake went unnoticed by most viewers, it later became an amusing anecdote among fans.

Elvis’s Stunts and Bloopers

Though Elvis was willing to perform some of his own stunts, the film’s famous 136-foot cliff dive was done by a professional stunt double. However, he did personally perform some trapeze work for the film. During one scene, an overly enthusiastic extra grabbed him too aggressively during a celebration, 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 because of any romantic rumors but because of Elvis’s unexpected outfit—long sleeves and pants under the blazing sun. Only the King of Rock and Roll could make such a choice look effortlessly cool.

The Last Elvis Film Before Beatlemania

Fun in Acapulco marked the end of an era for Elvis Presley. It was his last major film before The Beatles revolutionized the music industry and shifted the cultural landscape. While the world of entertainment was changing rapidly, this film remains a nostalgic look at Elvis’s reign as Hollywood’s biggest musical icon.

Reflection

Watching Fun in Acapulco today offers more than just an entertaining Elvis flick. It serves as a time capsule, capturing a moment just before the entertainment industry underwent a major transformation. The rumors surrounding Elvis and Ursula Andress may never be fully put to rest, but their undeniable on-screen connection 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 the rise of a new musical generation.