Elvis Presley’s unforgettable hip-swiveling performances were legendary, yet in “Fun in Acapulco,” it was Ursula Andress, fresh from starring in Dr. No, who took things up a notch. The chemistry between them was palpable, yet their behind-the-scenes story might just surprise you…

The Best Musical Movie of 1963

Elvis Presley had a unique way of making everything lively, and “Fun in Acapulco” was no exception. With his smooth dance moves and stunning looks, Elvis was like a living masterpiece, akin to a marble statue that could sing. Pair him with Ursula Andress, the beloved Bond girl, and you had an irresistible mix of talent and unmistakable chemistry.

While the movie was your standard beachy musical, Elvis’s incredible voice and the catchy tunes, such as “Bossa Nova Baby” which reached Number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, made it shine. Remarkably, it was the top-earning movie musical of 1963, released right after the nation mourned JFK’s assassination.

Although the script was somewhat simplistic, Elvis’s charisma and signature voice turned it into a must-see. Watching it now, there’s a whole new appreciation for its forgotten facts and funny bloopers that audiences of yesteryear might have missed. Yet any conversation about “Fun in Acapulco” is incomplete without touching on the sizzling chemistry between its stars. Let’s dive in…

Ursula and Her Eyes on Elvis

Back in 1963, Ursula Andress was regarded as the most stunning woman on earth, especially after her successful Dr. No role. In “Fun in Acapulco,” she portrayed Marguerita Dauphin, a hotel social director enamored with Elvis’s character, Mike.

Initially, Ursula and Elvis didn’t hit it off due to some unkind tabloid portrayals. However, as filming continued, their chemistry was undeniable. Later on, Ursula confessed her awe upon meeting Elvis for the first time, struck by his larger-than-life presence.

“I only knew him as the TV icon, this new heartthrob, a guitar-toting, hip-swiveling lover. The first day I worked, he introduced himself—a humble, charming man, with loving eyes, kindness, warm consideration. I was so surprised,” she remembered.

Usually, Elvis would be the one charming his co-stars. But according to Sonny West, a member of Elvis’s trusted Memphis Mafia, Ursula made the first move. “They grew very close. She pursued him eagerly,” West noted.

Did Elvis Fall for Ursula?

Rumors of a blossoming romance naturally followed Elvis and Ursula on set, with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll clearly impressed by Ursula’s striking presence.

Those closer to Elvis, however, insisted that “nothing ever happened” between them. Interestingly, Elvis wasn’t swayed by Ursula’s renowned beauty.

One might think that Elvis would be drawn to Ursula, especially since she once dated James Dean. Nonetheless, while Alan Fortas, one of Elvis’s Memphis Mafia pals, mentioned that Elvis was curious about Ursula due to her past with Dean, it led nowhere.

Elvis remarked that Ursula was too broad-shouldered for his preferences — not quite the petite type he typically admired.

Elvis’s Relationship Rule

Perhaps Elvis’s comments about Ursula were a self-defense mechanism. It was possible he was resisting any romantic entanglement with the Swiss siren because he still harbored hopes of reuniting with his first love, Priscilla Presley.

In fact, Elvis was so anxious about Ursula’s allure that he insisted his group never leave him alone with her. When his pal Alan Fortas jokingly teased him about a potential flirtation, Elvis retorted firmly, “No chance, son, not with John Derek hovering around. I won’t start a conversation only to face his intense gaze. He’s thoroughly infatuated, head over heels for her. Never seen anything like it.”

Elvis had a firm rule regarding relationships: he never engaged with married women. His friend Sonny West revealed, “Elvis told us never to leave him alone with her.” This rule surely maintained a strictly professional rapport between Elvis and Ursula, even with undeniable sparks flying.

Priscilla’s Perspective

In Priscilla Presley’s book “Elvis and Me,” she wrote about Elvis’s views on Ursula. Elvis thought Ursula’s physique was somewhat masculine, noting her lack of curves and shoulders wider than his own.

“I felt odd taking my shirt off around her,” Elvis admitted.

Priscilla found Elvis’s candid comments about Ursula intriguing, “Wasn’t she beautiful?” she queried. “Beautiful?” he chuckled. “Her bone structure was sharp enough to split you if you turned too quickly,” Priscilla noted Elvis had jested.

Toned-Down Sexiness

Though Ursula Andress was the quintessential sex symbol as the first Bond girl in Dr. No, “Fun in Acapulco” toned down the seduction in deference to Elvis’s youthful fanbase.

Ursula wasn’t too thrilled about it either. She expressed, “They didn’t let me wear a proper bikini and added that ruffled thing instead. They even put a silly hair ribbon on me, apparently thinking it would appeal to Elvis’s young female fans.”

Elvis Never Filmed in Acapulco

It’s surprising to realize that Elvis never set foot in Acapulco for filming! A body double named Raul Garcia did all the location shots, since Elvis was banned from Mexico due to a misunderstanding with the Mexican government, who believed he had insulted the country.

This unfounded rumor supposedly began when a ranchero singer became upset after Elvis allegedly knocked back an invitation for a private concert. Despite Elvis having never actually made any derogatory comments, the damage was already done—Mexico held a grudge against the star.

Elvis filmed all his scenes at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

Uncomfortable Outfit for Elvis

According to insights from the blog Deenas Days, Elvis wasn’t too happy with his outfit in the “Marguerita” song scene.

The scene is iconic, showcasing his incredible vocal talents and proving why he’s considered one of the greatest singers ever. But there’s something noteworthy about his rolled sleeves and untucked shirt.

Elvis disliked the informal look, saying he wouldn’t choose it off-screen. Yet he had no choice—the double had worn it in a prior scene.

Regardless, he cherished most of his vibrant Latin-inspired costumes and even took home his flamenco outfit (a navy blue and red cummerbund) and two black silk shirts.

Discovering the Margarita

Speaking of Marguerita, there’s an amusing detail for the observant viewers! When Elvis and Ursula’s characters visit La Perla, they order margaritas—but something doesn’t match when seeing the supposed cocktails.

“Margarita, please,” Maggie orders, prompting Mike’s puzzled response, “Is he asking for your name?” Maggie giggles, clarifying, “No, silly, a margarita is a tequila drink.” Mike, the ever-charming, replies, “Any drink bearing your name is good enough for me…two margaritas, please!”

To today’s audience, it’s hard to imagine Mike not recognizing a margarita. What’s even funnier is how the scene depicted it—they received what seemed like tequila neat in coupe glasses, complete with a salted rim and straw—far from today’s classic citrusy cocktail!

Stunts and Surprises

Elvis Presley was enthusiastic about entertaining, although he had limits—like avoiding a daunting 136-foot cliff dive! While “Fun in Acapulco” depicted The King boldly jumping into the ocean, the stunt double did the daring feat. But that didn’t stop Elvis from doing some of his own stunts, including swinging on the trapeze! They wisely saved this scene for the very end to avoid any potential mishaps.

In the celebratory moment after the jump, Elvis is lifted in triumph by the crowd, but one of the supporters got a bit too handsy. Elvis had to keep adjusting uncomfortably, necessitating multiple retakes until the overly excited fan was discreetly removed.

A humorous detail throughout the watery scenes is how Elvis’s perfectly coiffed hair remained untouched. He dives, swims, emerges—and not a hair out of place. Ah, movie magic!

Recognizable Faces in the Cast

A few familiar faces from previous Elvis films made cameos in “Fun in Acapulco.” Darlene Tompkins, who appeared as a boisterous girl in “Blue Hawaii,” played one of the young characters in an Acapulco canteen scene.

Linda Rivera, who operated the telegraph desk, had been a fan girl in “Loving You” (1957). Howard McNear’s role marked his third time in an Elvis movie.

Noteworthy is Teri Garr’s uncredited debut as an extra. Garr, who later pursued a successful acting career, appeared in four more Elvis films. Sadly, Teri died in 2024 after a long fight with multiple sclerosis, a battle stretching over two decades.

The Truth Behind the Snapshot

The behind-the-scenes images of Elvis and Ursula from “Fun in Acapulco” are even more engaging today, given what we now know about their interactions.

One photo is particularly striking—not because it confirms any romantic tales, but for one classic detail: Who else but Elvis could pull off all-black attire—long sleeves and pants—at the beach? Only The King could make that ensemble effortlessly stylish in Mexico!

The Final Movie Moment

“Fun in Acapulco” was Elvis Presley’s last film released before The Beatles’ Beatlemania swept across the globe. Its playful storyline, Elvis’s unforgettable charm, and singable tunes offered a joyful retreat from society’s ongoing changes.

Interestingly, The Beatles, who were just concluding their initial American tour, visited a Florida drive-in to enjoy “Fun in Acapulco,” a wonderful testament to the intertwining shifts of entertainment history.

For admirers of both Elvis and The Beatles, this represents an intriguing moment where two monumental forces from different realms were crossing paths, even unknowingly. It also reflects pop culture’s ever-evolving nature. So, the next time you watch “Fun in Acapulco,” remember it wasn’t just another Elvis movie—it marked the final cinematic celebration before the cultural revolution. Feel free to share your reflections and continue the dialogue!