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!