Elvis Presley’s iconic hip movements were legendary, but Ursula Andress, fresh off her role in Dr. No, took things to a whole new level in Fun in Acapulco. The chemistry between them was undeniable, but what was going on behind the scenes? The answer may surprise you…
The highest-grossing musical film of 1963
Elvis Presley made everything fun, and Fun in Acapulco was no exception. With his smooth moves and stunning looks, he was simply a living, breathing work of art — like a marble statue that could sing. Add Ursula Andress, the iconic Bond girl, to the mix, and you have a combination of talent and chemistry that is impossible to ignore.
Sure, it’s a typical beach musical, but Elvis makes it shine with his incredible voice and memorable tunes like ‘Bossa Nova Baby,’ which reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was the highest-grossing musical film of 1963, and believe it or not, it was released right after the heartbreaking news of Kennedy’s assassination.
The script may have been a little corny, but Elvis’ charm and unforgettable voice made the film a must-see. Watching this cult classic today, you can’t help but see it in a whole new light. There are many forgotten facts and funny bloopers that most moviegoers didn’t even notice at the time. But let’s be realistic — it would be impossible to talk about Fun in Acapulco without mentioning the undeniable chemistry between the main characters. So, let’s start with that…
Ursula Andress had her eye on Elvis
In 1963, Ursula Andress was the sexiest woman on the planet, having just landed a role in the film Dr. No. In Fun in Acapulco, Ursula Andress played Margarita Dofin, the hotel’s social director, who took an interest in Elvis’ character, Mike.
Initially, she kept her distance from Elvis Presley because of unflattering stories in the tabloids, but as filming progressed, a mutual attraction developed between them. Ursula later admitted that she was surprised and overwhelmed when she first met the King, and that moment made her revere Elvis Presley’s majestic presence.
“I only knew him from television, as a new idol, this hip-swinging lover with a guitar. On the first day I came to work, he arrived, this modest man, full of charm, love in his eyes, kindness, so attentive and warm. I was so surprised,” she says.
In fact, Elvis was so nervous about Ursula’s charms that he made sure his entourage never left him alone with her. When his friend Alan Fortas teased him about a possible flirtation, Elvis quickly replied, “No way, son, not with John Derek lurking around. I’d be damned if I started talking to her and saw his possessive eyes watching me. You know, he gave her a car, and on the steering wheel it said, “Baby, you’re irreplaceable”. He was head over heels in love with her. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Elvis had a rule about his relationships: he never chose married women. His friend from the Memphis Mafia, Sonny West, recalled, ‘Elvis told us never to leave him alone with her.’ This rule definitely played a part in keeping things strictly professional between Elvis and Ursula, even if sparks were flying.
And what did Priscilla say?
In Priscilla Presley’s book Elvis and Me, she recalls Elvis talking about Ursula and his feelings for her. Priscilla said that Elvis thought Ursula had ‘a man’s body,’ with no hips and shoulders wider than his.
‘I was embarrassed to take my damn shirt off around her,’ Elvis said.
“I was surprised when I heard Elvis talking about Ursula Andress, the alluring sex goddess from Dr. No. “Isn’t she beautiful?” I asked. “Beautiful?” he snorted. ‘Damn, she had such sharp bone structure that she could cut you in half if you turned too quickly,’ Priscilla shared.
It wasn’t allowed to be too sexy
Despite the fact that Ursula Andress was an absolute sex symbol as the first Bond girl in Dr. No, in Fun in Acapulco, everything was kept in moderation for Elvis’s young audience.
Ursula was not thrilled about this either, saying, ‘They wouldn’t let me wear a real bikini and put some frilly thing on me. They even glued on a hair band, foolishly thinking that innocent little girls in Elvis’s audience would like it.’
Elvis Presley did not film in Acapulco
I had no idea that Elvis never filmed Fun in Acapulco in Acapulco! It turns out that a stunt double (Raul Garcia) was used for all the filming because Elvis was not even allowed into Mexico. The Mexican government declared him persona non grata, and by 1963, rumours that he had insulted Mexico were still widespread. Even Hollywood columnist Sheila Graham reported this as fact, writing in December 1962: ‘Elvis Presley made several derogatory remarks about Mexican women in an article in a fan magazine about two years ago. Mexico is only now beginning to forgive him.’
But in reality, Elvis never said anything of the sort. The rumour was allegedly started by a politician who was upset that Elvis had refused to give a private concert for his daughter and her friends. However, this did not stop the rumour from spreading — Elvis had been in Mexico’s bad books for many years.
Back in 1957, Mexico’s Minister of Education banned him from performing in state institutions, stating that his rock and roll ‘has no aesthetic value and is clearly pornographic in nature.’ A month later, a Hollywood columnist reported: ” Elvis Presley was offered $12,000 for a single television appearance in Mexico City, but he declined because he was too busy filming movies in Hollywood.”
Given all the controversy surrounding him, filming in Mexico was impossible. Presley’s worldwide fame alone would not have allowed him to remain unnoticed, but given the negative press he received, working undercover in Mexico was out of the question.
Elvis filmed all his scenes at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California.
Elvis felt very uncomfortable in this outfit.
According to the blog Deenas Days, Elvis was not thrilled with his outfit during the filming of the song Marguerita.
The scene itself is classic, showcasing his incredible voice and reminding us why he is considered one of the greatest vocalists in history. But there is one interesting detail in his short-sleeved shirt that has inspired many ever since.
Elvis did not like the unbuttoned short-sleeved shirt, saying it was not something he would ever wear in real life. However, he had no choice — the outfit had already been worn by his double in a previous shoot.
Nevertheless, he liked most of his Latin-style costumes and even asked to keep the flamenco-style outfit (dark blue and red camisole) and two black silk shirts.
Elvis learned what a ‘Margarita’ was… sort of.
Speaking of Margaritas… Here’s a little funny detail that keen-eyed viewers may have noticed! When Elvis Presley and Ursula Andress’ characters arrive at La Perla restaurant, they order two Margaritas, but what they are served is nothing like the classic cocktail.
‘Margarita, por favor,’ Maggie orders, and Mike asks in confusion, ‘Is he asking for your name?’ She laughs and explains, ‘No, silly, a margarita is a drink made with tequila.’ To which Mike, charming as always, replies, ‘Well, any drink named after you is good enough for me… two margaritas, please!’
It’s hard for modern viewers to believe that Mike doesn’t know what a margarita is, but even funnier is how the drink is portrayed in the scene. Instead of the usual cocktail with lime, they are served what looks like regular tequila in coupe glasses, with a salt rim and a straw. Not quite the refreshing margarita we know today!
Cliff diving, trapeze stunts and an awkward grab
Elvis Presley loved to put on a show, but even he had his limits — especially when it came to diving into the water from a 136-foot cliff! Although the film Fun in Acapulco gives the impression that the King fearlessly jumped into the water, in reality this daring stunt was performed by a professional. But that doesn’t mean Elvis wasn’t ready for action. He was determined to do his own stunts, even swinging on the trapeze himself! Of course, they prudently saved this scene for the very last day of filming — just in case something went wrong.
One of the funniest moments occurred during the triumphant celebration after the jump. After Elvis’s victorious jump, he was lifted onto the shoulders of the jubilant spectators. But there was one small problem — one of the guys carrying him got a little too enthusiastic. Elvis kept shifting uncomfortably, which led to numerous retakes before the overly enthusiastic carrier was quietly removed.
And here’s another funny detail: despite all the water action, Elvis’s hair somehow remained perfectly combed throughout the film. He dived, swam, surfaced — and not a single strand out of place. That’s the magic of cinema!
Did you notice any familiar faces?
Three familiar faces from previous Elvis films appear in Fun in Acapulco. Darlene Tompkins, who plays one of the underage girls in the smoke-filled dining room in Acapulco, was previously seen as Patsy, the teenage girl whom Elvis’s character led on in Blue Hawaii.
Linda Rivera, who works at the telegraph desk in the hotel, had a small role as a squealing bobblehead in Loving You (1957). Howard McNair appeared in an Elvis film for the third time.
And, of course, Teri Garr made her debut as an extra in Fun in Acapulco, then appeared in four more Elvis films before launching her own acting career. Sadly, Teri passed away in 2024. The actress died of multiple sclerosis, a disease she had battled for over 20 years.
If you are a fan of Elvis and The Beatles, this moment in time is a perfect example of how two iconic forces from different worlds intersected, albeit unconsciously. It is also a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of pop culture. So, the next time you watch Fun in Acapulco, remember that it wasn’t just another Elvis film — it was the last cinematic hurrah before the world changed forever. Share your thoughts and keep the conversation going!
