Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Ursula Andress, the stunning Swiss actress known for her role in Dr. No, shared the screen in the 1963 film Fun in Acapulco. The movie, a lighthearted musical set in Mexico, became a major box office success, largely due to Elvis’ charisma and the undeniable chemistry between the two stars.
Elvis had already established himself as a heartthrob in Hollywood, and adding Ursula Andress to the mix only intensified the film’s appeal. However, what really captured attention was their dynamic off-screen. Was there a real romance brewing between them, or was it all just great acting?
Ursula Andress Was Fascinated by Elvis Presley
Before filming began, Ursula Andress was cautious around Elvis due to negative tabloid rumors. However, once she met him, she was immediately struck by his charm and kindness. She described their first meeting as unforgettable, saying Elvis was “a humble man, full of charm and warmth.”
Unlike many of his past co-stars, who Elvis often pursued, Ursula was reportedly the one showing more interest. According to Sonny West, one of Elvis’ close friends, “She went after him. She wanted him bad.”
Did Elvis and Ursula Have a Romance?
Despite the growing speculation, Elvis did not pursue Ursula romantically. His inner circle confirmed that “nothing happened” between them. Surprisingly, Elvis was not overly impressed by Ursula’s appearance. His close friend Alan Fortas revealed that Elvis thought she was too broad-shouldered and not his usual type.
However, what did intrigue Elvis was Ursula’s past relationship with James Dean. As a huge admirer of the late actor, Elvis found Ursula’s connection to Dean fascinating but did not act on any romantic impulses.
Elvis’ Rule About Relationships and Priscilla Presley’s Opinion
Elvis had a strict personal rule: he never pursued married women. At the time of filming, he was still committed to Priscilla Presley, whom he hoped to marry.
Priscilla later recounted in her book Elvis and Me that Elvis dismissed Ursula’s appeal, saying, “She had a bone structure so sharp, it could cut you in half.” Priscilla was surprised by his comments, considering Ursula was widely regarded as one of the most beautiful actresses of her time.
Why Elvis Never Filmed in Acapulco
Although the movie was titled Fun in Acapulco, Elvis never actually set foot in Mexico for filming. The reason? A long-standing controversy that led to him being declared “persona non grata” in the country.
A false rumor claimed that Elvis had insulted Mexican women, which resulted in widespread outrage. As a result, a stunt double was used for all Acapulco location shots, while Elvis filmed his scenes in Hollywood.
Ursula Andress’ Wardrobe Frustration
As the first Bond girl, Ursula Andress was a recognized sex symbol. However, in Fun in Acapulco, her outfits were toned down to maintain a family-friendly image.
She later expressed frustration that she wasn’t allowed to wear a real bikini, instead being given a ruffled swimsuit to appeal to younger audiences.
Elvis’ Uncomfortable Outfit Choices
Elvis, known for his impeccable style, wasn’t too happy with some of the outfits he wore in the film. In particular, he disliked an untucked, short-sleeved shirt, claiming it wasn’t something he would ever wear in real life. However, he did love his flamenco-style costumes and requested to keep a few of them after filming.
Funny Moments and Behind-the-Scenes Facts
One of the more amusing bloopers involved the scene where Elvis orders a margarita. When Ursula’s character orders the drink, Elvis’ character responds with, “He’s asking your name?”—a humorous line that still gets laughs today.
Additionally, during a triumphant scene where Elvis is lifted by cheering fans, an extra got a little too enthusiastic, causing multiple reshoots before they found a less “handsy” replacement.
Familiar Faces and Cameos in the Film
Several actors who had previously worked with Elvis made appearances in Fun in Acapulco. Teri Garr, who later became a Hollywood star, had an uncredited role in the film.
Interestingly, Garr went on to appear in four more Elvis movies before launching her successful career.
The Last Major Elvis Film Before Beatlemania
Released in 1963, Fun in Acapulco was the last major Elvis film before The Beatles took over the music industry. In a fun twist, The Beatles watched the film together at a Florida drive-in theater during their first U.S. tour.
As pop culture shifted, Elvis’ dominance in both music and film started to decline. However, this movie remains a fascinating snapshot of his career at a pivotal moment in entertainment history.
Final Thoughts
Fun in Acapulco may not be Elvis’ most famous film, but it is full of interesting behind-the-scenes stories, unexpected chemistry, and hilarious bloopers. The dynamic between Elvis and Ursula Andress, the Mexico controversy, and the film’s role in pop culture history make it a must-watch for any Elvis fan.
