Elvis and Ursula Andress: The Chemistry You Missed in Fun in Acapulco

A Blockbuster in 1963

Fun in Acapulco is often remembered as Elvis Presley’s hit musical, with his unforgettable voice and smooth moves. Paired with Ursula Andress, the iconic Bond girl, their chemistry lit up the screen. Though it’s a typical beach musical, Elvis’s charm and hits like “Bossa Nova Baby” made it a top-grossing film of 1963.

The Sparks Between Elvis and Ursula

Despite the simple script, the undeniable chemistry between Elvis and Ursula drew audiences in. While Ursula initially kept her distance due to tabloid stories, she later admitted how surprised she was by Elvis’s humble and kind nature. “I was so surprised,” she confessed, recalling her first encounter with him.

Did Elvis Fall for Ursula?

Rumors swirled, but Elvis didn’t seem overly impressed with Ursula’s looks. His Memphis Mafia friend, Alan Fortas, revealed that while Elvis didn’t fall for her, he was intrigued by her connection with James Dean. However, Elvis wasn’t into her broad shoulders, preferring a more petite type.

Elvis’s Relationship Boundaries

Elvis had a strict rule: no relationships with married women. He was determined to avoid any romantic connection with Ursula, especially since he still hoped to reconcile with Priscilla Presley. His entourage was always around to keep things strictly professional.

Priscilla’s Thoughts on Ursula

In Elvis and Me, Priscilla revealed how Elvis felt about Ursula’s body, calling it “like a man’s.” Elvis wasn’t impressed with her figure, often teasing that she had a “bone structure” that could “cut you in half.”

The Bikini Controversy

Though Ursula Andress was known for her iconic bikini in Dr. No, Fun in Acapulco toned things down. She wasn’t thrilled by the modification, as they put her in a ruffled bikini and a silly hair ribbon, catering to Elvis’s younger audience.

Elvis Never Filmed in Acapulco

Elvis never filmed in Acapulco! Due to being banned by the Mexican government, all scenes were shot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. The rumors that he insulted Mexico were false, but the backlash kept him away from filming there.

Uncomfortable Wardrobe Choices

Elvis wasn’t thrilled with his short-sleeved shirt in the Marguerita scene, as it was the same outfit his stunt double wore earlier. However, he loved his other costumes, including a flamenco-style outfit.

A Margarita Mix-Up

When ordering margaritas in the film, Elvis’s character seemed unaware of the classic cocktail. What he received was far from the lime-infused drink we know today—what they served was simply tequila with a salted rim!

Elvis’s Stunts and Bloopers

Though Elvis wasn’t afraid of stunts, his 136-foot cliff dive was performed by a professional. He did, however, swing on the trapeze himself. But, during a celebratory moment, an overenthusiastic person grabbed him too awkwardly, leading to multiple reshoots.

Cameos in Fun in Acapulco

A few familiar faces from earlier Elvis movies made cameo appearances, including Darlene Tompkins and Teri Garr. Teri, who later launched her own career, made her uncredited debut in this film.

The Truth Behind the Iconic Photo

One behind-the-scenes photo of Elvis and Ursula stands out, not for any romance rumors, but because of Elvis’s beach attire—long sleeves and pants! Only Elvis could rock that look under the sun.

The Last Elvis Film Before Beatlemania

Fun in Acapulco marked the last major Elvis release before The Beatles overtook the music scene. Despite the cultural shift, this film remains a snapshot of a changing world—where two cultural icons unknowingly crossed paths.

Reflection

When watching Fun in Acapulco, remember that it was more than just another Elvis movie. It was the last hurrah before a new era in entertainment.