Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Ursula Andress, the iconic Bond girl, had undeniable chemistry on the set of Fun in Acapulco. Their pairing in the 1963 musical made waves, not only for their talent but also for the stories that emerged from behind the scenes. One of the most intriguing aspects of the movie was the complex dynamic between Elvis and Ursula, sparking rumors of a love triangle that captivated both fans and insiders alike.
Fun in Acapulco became a top-grossing movie in 1963, shortly after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The film’s success was bolstered by the magnetic presence of Elvis, whose voice and dance moves had already cemented his status as a global icon. Ursula Andress, fresh off her breakout role in Dr. No, added a layer of intrigue to the film. But what really happened behind the scenes between these two legendary figures? The story might surprise you.
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Elvis Presley and Ursula Andress: A Chemistry You Can’t Ignore
When Fun in Acapulco hit theaters, the palpable chemistry between Elvis and Ursula was undeniable. Elvis, known for his smooth voice and striking presence, and Ursula, renowned for her beauty and sex appeal, created a perfect match on screen. Ursula played Marguerita Dauphin, the hotel social director, who quickly found herself interested in Elvis’s character, Mike.
Ursula Andress, in her own words, described her initial encounter with Elvis as one that left her in awe. “The first day I went to work, he came over, this humble man, full of charm, love in his eyes, and kindness,” she recalled. Ursula was surprised by Elvis’s warm demeanor, contrasting with the rock ‘n’ roll idol image she had seen on TV. Despite her initial hesitation due to tabloid rumors, Ursula quickly warmed up to him, and the chemistry on screen was palpable.
The Rumors of a Romance
As with many celebrity pairings, rumors of an off-screen romance quickly began to swirl. The chemistry between the two was so intense that many speculated that they were more than just co-stars. However, despite their undeniable attraction, those close to Elvis revealed that nothing romantic ever transpired between him and Ursula.
While Elvis was famously known for his romantic liaisons, some close to him, including his Memphis Mafia buddy Sonny West, suggested that this time, the tables had turned. According to West, “She went after him. She wanted him bad.” However, despite this attraction, Elvis seemed to hold back, and there were several reasons why he chose not to pursue a relationship with Ursula.
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Elvis’s Reluctance: Why He Didn’t Pursue Ursula
Elvis had a rule when it came to relationships: he would never get involved with married women. This was a key reason why he avoided any romantic involvement with Ursula Andress, despite her being an obvious temptation. Moreover, there were tensions surrounding Ursula’s previous relationships, particularly with actor John Derek, who had been very possessive of her.
Elvis’s close friend Alan Fortas recalled Elvis’s reluctance to get involved with Ursula because of Derek’s presence. Elvis was wary of Derek’s jealous eyes and didn’t want to risk creating any conflict, especially since Derek had already made his affections clear by gifting Ursula a car with a note that read, “Baby, you’re indispensable.”
Elvis and Ursula’s Professional Boundaries
Although the chemistry between them was undeniable, Elvis maintained a strict professional boundary when working with Ursula. His long-standing rule about not dating married women kept the relationship from progressing beyond friendship. His friend Sonny West confirmed this, stating, “Elvis told us never to leave him alone with her.”
In addition to this personal rule, Elvis had a deep emotional connection with his first love, Priscilla Presley, and was intent on reuniting with her. Priscilla, in her memoir Elvis and Me, reflected on Elvis’s feelings toward Ursula, noting that he found her “too broad-shouldered” and commented that she didn’t fit his usual preference for petite women.
Priscilla Presley’s Thoughts on Ursula
Priscilla Presley, in her book, recalls a conversation where Elvis openly criticized Ursula Andress’s appearance. He described her body as “like a man” and even joked about how he felt awkward undressing next to her. “I was surprised to hear how Elvis was talking about Ursula Andress,” Priscilla said. “Wasn’t she pretty?” she asked, to which Elvis snickered and remarked about her sharp bone structure.
Elvis’s words about Ursula highlight a complex relationship with her—while he appreciated her beauty, he also saw her as more of a professional colleague than a romantic interest. This dynamic further fueled the rumors but also provided a clear understanding of the boundaries that Elvis set in his personal life.
Fun in Acapulco’s Innocent Image
Although Ursula Andress was a major sex symbol at the time, Fun in Acapulco took a toned-down approach to her character, aiming for a more family-friendly image that aligned with Elvis’s audience. Ursula was disappointed by the restrictions on her appearance, explaining that she wasn’t allowed to wear a real bikini, and instead, they dressed her in a ruffled version to appeal to the younger demographic.
Elvis’s image was carefully curated for his young audience, and this meant toning down the more adult aspects of the movie. Despite this, Ursula’s allure and her iconic beauty still managed to shine through, even within the constraints placed on her character.
Behind the Scenes: Elvis’s Filming Challenges
One of the fun facts about Fun in Acapulco is that Elvis didn’t actually film in Acapulco. Due to a longstanding ban by the Mexican government—stemming from derogatory comments Elvis was falsely reported to have made about Mexican women—Elvis couldn’t film in Mexico. Instead, the production used a stunt double for the location shots, and Elvis filmed all his scenes at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.
Moreover, Elvis was notoriously uncomfortable in some of his costumes, including a short-sleeved shirt that he described as something he would never wear in real life. Still, he embraced the challenge and gave his all, making his Latin-inspired costumes a highlight of the film.
The End of an Era: Fun in Acapulco and Elvis’s Legacy
Fun in Acapulco was Elvis Presley’s final film before the cultural revolution of the 1960s, spearheaded by the Beatles. The movie, full of catchy tunes and Elvis’s iconic charm, provided a brief escape from the social upheavals of the time. Despite the film’s lighthearted nature, it marked the end of an era for Elvis and Hollywood.
As Elvis’s star waned and Beatlemania took over, Fun in Acapulco became a symbol of a bygone era in Hollywood. Interestingly, the Beatles themselves made a point to visit a drive-in theater in Florida to watch the film, unknowingly bridging the gap between two iconic forces of pop culture.
Conclusion: A Love Triangle in Hollywood
The chemistry between Elvis Presley and Ursula Andress in Fun in Acapulco remains one of the most fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of classic Hollywood. Though their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, the real story behind their dynamic is one of boundaries, mutual respect, and unspoken attraction. Elvis’s reluctance to engage in a romance with Ursula, coupled with his deep love for Priscilla, adds layers to their interactions that we can now appreciate with a deeper understanding of the personalities involved.
As we look back on Fun in Acapulco, we are reminded not only of Elvis’s iconic performances but also of the fascinating stories that shaped his relationships with the people who appeared alongside him on screen.
