The Top-Grossing Musical of 1963

Elvis had a way of making any film unforgettable, and Fun in Acapulco was no exception. With his magnetic stage presence and smooth vocals, paired with Ursula Andress’s undeniable star power, the film became a smash hit. Featuring classics like Bossa Nova Baby, which climbed the Billboard Hot 100, it became the highest-grossing musical of 1963.

While the plot was standard for a beachy musical, Elvis’s charisma and signature voice made it a must-watch. But beyond the film itself, one of the most intriguing aspects was the off-screen dynamic between its two leads.

Ursula Andress Set Her Sights on Elvis

By 1963, Ursula Andress was Hollywood’s ultimate bombshell, following her iconic role as Honey Ryder in Dr. No. In Fun in Acapulco, she played Marguerita Dauphin, the elegant hotel social director vying for Elvis’s attention.

At first, Ursula kept her distance from The King, wary of tabloid gossip. But as filming progressed, her attitude changed. She later admitted that meeting Elvis in person was nothing like she had imagined.

“I only knew him from TV—the hip-swinging idol with a guitar. But when I met him, he was so kind, humble, and full of warmth. I was surprised,” she once said.

Unlike his usual on-set romances, this time it was Ursula who pursued him. According to Elvis’s close friend Sonny West, “They were very close. She wanted him bad.”

Did Elvis Fall for Ursula Andress?

Rumors of a romance swirled, but those closest to Elvis insisted that nothing happened between them. Surprisingly, Elvis wasn’t as captivated by Ursula as one might expect.

While many assumed he would be drawn to her, Memphis Mafia member Alan Fortas revealed that Elvis found her too broad-shouldered—far from his usual preference for petite women.

However, there was one thing that intrigued Elvis: Ursula’s past relationship with James Dean. According to Fortas, “Elvis was fascinated by the fact that she had been with Dean. That definitely piqued his interest.”

Elvis’s Unbreakable Rule

Elvis had a strict personal rule: he never pursued married women. And at the time, Ursula Andress was in a relationship with actor John Derek.

His friend Alan Fortas recalled Elvis jokingly saying, “No way, son. Not with John Derek lurking around. That guy was head over heels for her—never saw anything like it.”

To ensure nothing happened, Elvis even instructed his entourage to never leave him alone with her.

Priscilla Presley’s Surprising Take

In Elvis and Me, Priscilla Presley recalled her husband’s rather blunt opinion of Ursula.

“She had a body like a man—no hips, broad shoulders. I was embarrassed to take my damn shirt off next to her,” Elvis reportedly said.

Priscilla was shocked at how dismissive Elvis was of the woman widely considered one of Hollywood’s most beautiful actresses.

Why Elvis Never Filmed in Acapulco

Despite the film’s tropical setting, Elvis never actually set foot in Acapulco. All of his scenes were shot in Hollywood, with a stunt double standing in for location shots.

The reason? A long-standing grudge between Elvis and the Mexican government. In 1957, Mexican officials banned him from performing there, claiming his music was “pornographic and lacking aesthetic value.” Later, false rumors spread that Elvis had insulted Mexican women in a magazine interview, further damaging his reputation.

With Mexico effectively blacklisting him, shooting on location was never an option.

Elvis’s Least Favorite Costume

Elvis was known for his impeccable style, but there was one outfit in Fun in Acapulco that he hated.

During the Marguerita song scene, he was forced to wear an untucked short-sleeved shirt—something he swore he’d never wear in real life. Unfortunately for him, his stunt double had already worn the same outfit in an earlier shot, so there was no turning back.

Despite this, Elvis loved most of his wardrobe from the film and even asked to keep his flamenco-inspired ensemble, including a navy blue cummerbund and two black silk shirts.

A Margarita Mishap

A sharp-eyed viewer might catch a funny detail during the bar scene. When Ursula’s character orders margaritas, Elvis’s character, Mike, looks confused:

“He’s asking your name?” he says.

Ursula laughs, explaining, “No, silly. A margarita is a drink made with tequila.”

But the real humor? When the drinks arrive, they don’t resemble classic margaritas at all! Instead of the usual lime-infused cocktail, they’re served what looks like straight tequila in coupe glasses—complete with a salted rim and a straw.

The Last Hurrah Before Beatlemania

Fun in Acapulco marked the end of an era. It was Elvis Presley’s last film before The Beatles exploded onto the American scene, forever changing the music industry.

Ironically, after their first U.S. tour, The Beatles made a point to watch Fun in Acapulco at a Florida drive-in theater. It was a symbolic passing of the torch in pop culture history.

So, while Fun in Acapulco may seem like just another Elvis musical, it was actually the final moment before the entertainment landscape shifted forever.

What’s your favorite Elvis movie? Share your thoughts and keep the conversation going!