Fun in Acapulco

I would probably have never watched this film if it were not for a little old lady who often calls to the film archive where I work and asks for movies starring French actor Maurice Ronet (who is her favorite star), and strange choices as Don Sharp's "Rasputin, the Mad Monk" or this Elvis Presley's vehicle. Surprisingly I enjoyed watching it as "zero degree style" as it is, and now I believe that this is one of Presley's best vehicles of the early sixties. It has a formulaic story that does not demand much from viewers, most of the songs are forgettable and corny, and back projection and sound stage decors do not match well with such a magnificently sunny location as Acapulco. But somehow it works: Presley, kid Larry Domasin and leading ladies Ursula Andress and Elsa Cárdenas all seem to enjoy what they are doing (and make fun of themselves, as in the musical number in which Presley finishes a ridiculous song with a matador cape wrapping his head) , and screenwriter Allan Weiss surely knows how to keep us viewers smiling at every new move by orphan Raoul (Domasin) to get trapeze-artist- in-crisis Mike (Presley, that is) back in shape. Richard Thorpe (who also directed "Jailhouse Rock") moves things efficiently until the grand finale in which the trapeze artist sings... "Guadalajara" in Spanish. I could not understand a word, but it was fun to watch "The King" (at his handsomest) trying hard.

If you are an Elvis fanatic, you have to see all the movies he made, even of the majority of them are not even decent. The fact that he is in them makes them more than they would normally be. This entry is not that bad - I mean it. You have Ursula Andress, always a plus, and all those location shots. Plus the number "Bossa Nova Baby" is great. Like this movie? Of course I do - the man is known as the King for a reason, and proper respect must be paid to the man.

Richard Thorpe directed a previous Elvis movie, "Jailhouse Rock". Elvis plays Mike Windgren, who is running away from a family trapeze act accident. He is hired as a life guard and singer. Elsa Cardenas, a lady bullfighter, wants Mike's attention. The beautiful Ursula Andress plays hard to get. Mike gets over his fear of heights by diving off one of the local landmark cliffs. The eleven song soundtrack of Latin-beat ditties includes "You Can't Say No In Acapulco" and the million plus selling "Bossa Nova Baby". Better than average travelog.

Fun in Acapulco is one of those films that might surprise you. Often overlooked, it is loaded with great music and a cast that really worked well together. The interplay between Elvis and Larry Domasin, who played little Raoul, was amazing. Elvis has a history of working well with children.

Mike, Played by Elvis, is fired from his job on a boat in Acapulco. It's The boat owners young daughter who gets him fired after Elvis refuses her charm.

Little Rauol Befriends Mike and helps him get a job as a Singer/lifeguard. The current lifeguard, who is a champion Cliff diver begins to feel threatened by Mike. Not only is Mike cutting in on his hours but he is making moves on his girl Margueita, played by Ursala Andress. Mike is also attracted to a lady Bullfighter. It works as a silly but very fun love triangle.

Will Mike get over his fear of diving that was brought on by an accident while performing a high wire act with his family? And who will he fall for? It makes for a fun story line.

Fun in Acapulco was the #1 Box Office Musical in 1963. The soundtrack for this picture was wonderful. The single "Bossa Nova Baby" was a huge top 10 smash for Elvis. Also the performance of "Marguerita" was a highlight in the film.

If you have overlooked this picture I urge you to check it out. I know you will be entertained by this charming film.

.....You can see Garr in a few scenes, yer basic bikini/dancer gal as she was in all these Elvis flix-Viva Las Vegas, Roustabout, etc. She is listed here as being born in '49 (yeah guys...)-but Leslie Halliwell had is right-1944. Hello!!!!! Do yer homework IMDB.

As for the flick-this is a FUN Elvis meets Mexico meets Ursula movie, typical travelogue, see him dance, rumbha, romance Ursula, etc. All the usual things he did-but here he seemed to be having fun doing it. The movie does have 'Bossa Nova Baby', his last top 10 before the British invasion too.

**1/2