O Seresteiro de Acapulco

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

Attractive , agreeable vehicle with Presley as Mike, a lifeguard and singer at a local hotel . There's a nice pairing between the two leads , Elvis Presley and Ursula Andress , falling in love at a fancy beachfront resort and the King singing classic songs . Notable musical comedy in which Elvis plays an ex-acrobat , working on a boat , including amusing events , nice set design , good actors and overwhelming production numbers . There a bratty, spoiled daughter of a wealthy man and boat owner gets him fired and Mike must find new work , while little boy Rauol helps him get a job . Then he takes a job at luxurious Acapulco Hilton hotel as a lifeguard by day and a singer by night and while falling in love for Ursula Andress , but Mike's also seeing a bullfighter woman. Clashes abound when Mike runs into the rival and fellow employee lifeguard (Alejandro Rey) , who is the champion diver of Mexico . He's really angry at Mike for taking his daily job hours , and stealing his girlfriend . And Andress becomes jealous when Elvis becomes interested in a woman bullfighter : Elsa Cardenas . Eventually , beloved Elvis and appealing Ursula Andress get together , which comes as no surprise to any viewer . Eventually , he must conquer his fear of heights for a climatic dive from Acapulco cliffs . Elvis Never Had It Like This ! .Come With Elvis to Fabulous Acapulco!

Typical of Presley's movies with usual ingredients such as songs , dances romances, beautiful girls , entertainment and fun . Elvis and Ursula Andress well teamed in this popular and enjoyable tipically Presley musical comedy. This is a pretty lightweight stuff , but a sympathetic cast , classical songs and impressive dances make it worthwhile . Pleasant musical comedy , being really a great recital from the stunning Elvis Presley , as well as the beauty Ursula Andress recent her hit in ¨James Bond vs. Dr. No¨, adding colorful cinematography by cameraman Daniel L. Fapp and catching soundtrack by composer Joseph Lilley . Stars the great Elvis as a former trapeze artist who romances two beauties and acts as a part-time lifeguard and night club entertainer . The film benefits itself from likable main singers/dancers and charming support cast , such as : Elsa Cardenas , Alejandro Rey , veteran Paul Lukas and the unknown little boy Larry Domasin who's very likable. And including wonderful songs , hilarious moments and lots of fun with the two splendid entertainers : Presley and Ursula Andress , though it has inconsistent plot , then takes off for the spectacular musical numbers and catching songs.

There are several marvellous songs and dances , featuring ten musical numbers along the way , and the King does particularly fine , such as : Fun in Acapulco ; Vino, dinero y amor ; El Toro ; Marguerita ; No room to Rhumba ; I think I'm going to like it here ; You can't say no in Acapulco. The motion picture was competently directed by Richard Thorpe . This was a great Hollywood filmmaker with penchant for Westerns , Epics and Musicals , though also made other genres at times . Richard was a prolific director who made slickly a lot of films of all kinds of genres . As he directed the following ones : "Thin Man goes home" , "Three little words" , "Knights of the Round Table" , "The Black Hand" , "Great Caruso" , "Prisoner of Zenda" , "King of the Kongo" , "Fun in Acapulco" , "Jailhouse Rock" , "Vengeance Valley" , among others . Rating : 6/10 . Passable and acceptable Elvis vehicle . The picture will appeal to Presley and Andress fans .

coulda-shoulda(s): Elvis is King of Pop and King of shoulda-wouldas > since so much of his '60s career was based upon movies and move soundtracks, we have a perfect example of what coulda shoulda woulda been: in 1962 Elvis traveled to the Seattle World's Fair to film IT HAPPENED AT THE WORLD'S FAIR. in 1963 Elvis traveled to Mexico to film FUN IN ACAPULCO. not really > he had traveled to Canada before, so the excuse of his Manager not being a citizen and therefore couldn't travel, won't take.

so the movie co. gets down some nice location shots for cheesy rear projections.

having said all that, we have some positives: yes Elvis played once again the loner, fighting inner demons, and outer angels (aka girls, girls, girls). but the storyline is quite enticing: can this young man, playing lifeguard during the day and nightclub swinger at night, manage to overcome his fear of heights and do the big dive off the cliff? good storytelling! very good script (for an Elvis musical). and very importantly, although there are way too many songs, they are all good, some fantastic, like MARGARITA (written by noted ballad writer, Don Roberson), and the unknown Leiber and Stoller BOSSA NOVA BABY. Elvis really sings his heart out and we have the most "production" since the BLUE HAWAII recording sessions.

Released in 1963, "Fun in Acapulco" stars Elvis Presley as a lifeguard/singer at a ritzy Mexican resort who stirs the interest of two women and rivalry of a Mexican diver. Fun in Acapulco is an amusing musical/comedy directed by Richard Thorpe, the same director from 'Jailhouse Rock'.

It plays out exactly as you expect and production values waver from scene to scene. But there's nearly always something cheery about Presley's movies, and this one is no different. If you can accept them for what they are, and ignore what a shame that Presley's early acting promise wasn't fulfilled? Then there's a good time to be had in Acapulco.

The acting is good,a good fun story line and great singing make for a very enjoyable 95 mins. Recommended to all regardless of whether you're an Elvis fan or not. After all, how can you say no to Acapulco And Elvis...