User reviews

Fun in Acapulco is your standard, run of the mill Elvis flick. Unfortunately, it suffers from bargain basement production, but it is good enough to help you forget your troubles. It is obvious that some of the scenes filmed in "Mexico" were actually done in front of a blue screen. According to Priscilla Presley, the hotel scenes were filmed at a Mexican style hotel in California. Of course with every Elvis film, there is a few big names thrown in for good measure. In this case, the beautiful Ursula Andress, fresh from Dr. No and Alejandro Rey, who would find fame in The Flying Nun and Moscow on the Hudson. The cast is amicable, and most of the songs are passable (with the exception of the stupid 'No Room To Rumba In A Sportscar').

Elvis was still searching for that big role. While a few of the stars went on to meatier roles, Elvis was stuck doing the same thing. You could tell by the time he was finished with movies, he was just burned out. Still, you can see he has the knack for acting, even in a flick like this. I know it sounds like I am putting down this film, but I still find some charm in it. You can't say no to Elvis or Acapulco.

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...

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.

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.

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.

After her big break role in Dr. No Ursula Andress got to co-star with Elvis Presley in Fun In Acapulco. Not that she or Elvis got to have any fun in Acapulco off the set because Paramount did all their location footage with doubles. On learning that fact I carefully watched all the scenes and if you examine it closely which the average member of the movie-going public did not do you can clearly see that the King is being doubled.

Still Acapulco is certainly shown to best advantage with that second unit cinematography. And Elvis sings some nice songs, none of which really charted for him.

Fun In Acapulco find Elvis working as a charter boat skipper who gets fired and is stranded in the famous Mexican resort town. He has a past which involves him being involved in a family trapeze act and when he failed to catch his brother during the act resulting in the brother's demise it left him with a fear of heights and failure.

Still he can sing and he gets a job at one of the resorts due to an enterprising shoeshine boy played by little Larry Domasin. And he gets two girls falling for him, lady bullfighter Elsa Cardenas and an exiled princess Ursula Andress. That gets Mexican high diving champion Alejandro Rey all bent out of shape. Ursula's dad, a former Grand Duke from some Zenda like duchy is played by Paul Lukas who is now making a living as the head chef at the resort hotel Presley is singing at. Another great example of Colonel Tom Parker getting Elvis the best support possible. I have no doubt that Parker also got former MGM contract director Richard Thorpe who did a number of MGM classics back in the day to direct the film.

Elvis does a bit of acting here and Fun In Acapulco gives the King a bit of an acting job which he carries off as he struggles with his fears.

I'm sure Presley felt gypped along with the rest of the cast in not actually shooting in Acapulco. The second unit shooting though gives Fun In Acapulco a look like the Hawaiian location films that Presley did. And it's a nice story with a capable cast backing up the King.

Cameraman Daniel Fapp had just collected an Oscar for 'West Side Story', and Elvis got a Bond Girl (introduced in a bright red bikini, after which she as usual rarely appears so attired again) as his leading lady (and was supported by another Oscar winner - Paul Lukas - as her Hungarian-accented father). But the blandness of his later vehicles was already becoming too evident in the presence of a streetwise little orphan; and plainly only the second unit actually went south of the border.

On the plus side, Edith Head adds a female matador's outfit (and matching bikini) to her portfolio, while the best joke in the film goes to an unbilled Howard McNear playing an American tourist from Atlanta.

This time Elvis Presley (as Mike Windgren) plays a trapeze artist who has lost his nerve, after high-wire mishap. He leaves his circus family act, "The Flying Windgren", and becomes a drifting sailor. When his boat docks in Acapulco, Mr. Presley gets a job as lifeguard at the local hotel. There are plenty of fit bathing-suited bodies around the pool, including rival lifeguard Alejandro Rey (as Moreno, before "The Flying Nun"), and object of their affection Ursula Andress (as Marguerita, after "Dr. No"). Presley sings, fights, swims, and struggles to overcome his fear of heights. And, Elvis still looks trim in his own bathing trunks.

Supposedly, one of the men carrying Presley, after his stuntman's triumphant cliff-side dive, got fresh, and groped the King; if so, it doesn't show on camera. As was sometimes the case, many of the soundtrack songs sounded better on record, with stronger studio instrumentation. This is the case with "Bossa Nova Baby", which was destined to be the film's lead hit single, peaking at #8. Of the film songs, "Mexico" was given short shrift; a pop delight, the studio version did well when released its own, peaking at #4 on worldwide charts. The title song reached #28 in Australia, and the lush soundtrack was a million-seller.

**** Fun in Acapulco (11/27/63) Richard Thorpe ~ Elvis Presley, Ursula Andress, Alejandro Rey, Paul Lukas

A typical Presley film that's quite enjoyable. Made a little before the King got bored with the indistinguishable material thrown at him and he gives a relaxed and likable performance here.

Here he's playing a character who's trying to overcome a past trauma (an accident in a circus show which resulted in his brother's demise) by taking a job as a lifeguard at a hotel resort in Acapulco. But, with this being a Presley film, he also moonlights as a singer and has two knockout beauties wanting his full attention.

The dramatic aspect here is actually quite good and what little Presley gets to show off in dramatic acting he pulls off well. Other than that; this is standard Presley fare. A few musical numbers in nightclubs, a shallow love story with the irresistible Andress, a macho rival for the girl's affections and a cute kid who befriends Elvis. Actually; the kid here (Larry Domasin) is quite funny and endearing and scenes involving the two are very good.

The acting by Andress, Elsa Cardenas (as the other woman vying for Elvis's affections) and Alejandro Rey (as the fellow lifeguard and Presley's rival for Andress) is remarkably stilted. Elvis and the kid come off best. The songs here are fairly solid for Presley fans but none have become classics with the possible exception of "Bossa Nova" which is undoubtedly the highlight of this film's musical numbers.

In the end; "Fun in Acapulco" is enjoyable for a Presley fan and others might just have a decent enough time. The scenery here is wonderful and you'll just wish you were there (as is the case with many Elvis films). Too bad the King hardly ever visited these great locations as he was always in studio and a body double used for the wide shots (and it's quite apparent in a few here).

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.

How many outdoor scenes did Elvis require a double to stand in for him in this lame duck flick?

Elvis riding bike? Stunt double.

Elvis climbing a high dive? Stunt double.

Elvis walking on the friggin beach? Stunt double.

You can always spot the double, who was clearly older than Elvis at the time of filming. Any scene that has Elvis' back to the camera, isn't Elvis at all -- even for scenes that didn't require him to do anything remotely dangerous.

This movie is absolute crap.

I didn't know Elvis Presley was an actor until my parents told me. I logged on to YouTube to see this movie and I was happy I did. Like classic rock, I think it is a good idea to have your children watching these movies because back in the fifties, sixties and seventies - they were what people would call the golden age. People had morality, men knew how to treat women and any sexual interaction was rather conservative. In contrast, that is all the opposite these days. You don't have to be a fan of Elvis and his music this is a good film I am glad I watched it.

Hello!? And they actually called this dismal, 1963, movie - "Fun In Acapulco"!?.... Oh? Really? Well, it sure didn't come across as being "fun" to me. No way.

And, let me tell ya - Once it was established that Elvis's sidekick (for comedy relief) in the story was going to be a 10-year-old brat named Raoul, I just knew that the so-called "fun" in this flick was gonna go nowhere, fast.

And, speaking about the sexual chemistry between Presley and Swiss beauty, Ursula Andress - Well - To be honest, there wasn't any chemistry, at all.

And, what about the 11 songs that Elvis sang for his adoring fans?.... (Answer) - Totally forgettable, one and all.

And, finally - On top of all of my other complaints - This decidedly dull-edged, "boy-meets-girl", musical/comedy lost itself even more points for the filming of far too many of the outdoor scenes in the story with the actors obviously posing in front of back-projection screens..... Sheesh!

This film certainly didn't win me over as an Elvis Presley fan. Nope. It sure didn't.

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 .

You'd have to be a real Elvis Presley junkie to get through this romp, another travelogue mostly confined to the studio which neither challenges Presley as an artist nor gives him anything fresh or lively to do. Presley sings some good songs--"Bossa Nova Baby"--and some duds--"(There's) No Room To Rhumba In A Sports Car"--while portraying a party-loving, Señorita-ogling crooner and lifeguard who finds romance down Mexico way. Gorgeous Ursula Andress get ogled by E.P. (and the camera!), while the scenery is also attractive (whenever we venture outdoors). However, admirers of Elvis's genuine talents won't find much 'Fun' here. Teri Garr has a small bit (as Teri Hope), and the supporting cast is appropriately chosen. ** from ****

Fun in Acapulco is directed by Richard Thorpe and written by Allan Weiss. It stars Elvis Presley, Ursula Andress, Paul Lukas, Elsa Cárdenas and Larry Domasin. Music is by Joseph J. Lilley and cinematography by Daniel L. Fapp.

Mike Windgren (Presley) is working as a boatman down in Acapulco when an unfair dismissal sees him taking up employment as a lifeguard and singer at a local hotel. Getting involved with two gorgeous women, Mike has plenty on his hands, especially since he has greatly annoyed one of his co-workers who thinks he has claims on one of the girls. But why is Mike in Acapulco in the first place? It seems he has something in his past that greatly troubles him...

By the time 1963 had rolled around, Elvis Presley movies had settled into a safe formula purely designed to cash in on the star. All hope Presley had of becoming an actor of worth had been left behind with the likes of Jailhouse Rock, King Creole and Flaming Star.

Fun in Acapulco basically sees Presley have women problems, have a fight with another macho man, kill off a demon in his past and sing a bunch of tunes. Unfortunately where the songs are concerned for this one, they are in keeping with much of Presley's 60s film output, not really worthy of his talents. The exception is Bossa Nova Baby, where a truly fine rendition from The King is backed up by an energetic snake-hips performance. In fact one of the film's strengths is that Presley looks in great shape, as does Andress and Cárdenas, the pic is never less than colourful and graced with beautiful people!

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 down in Acapulco. 6/10

Another in a long line of dull films from THE BIG E. This time he goes south of the border to sunny Acupulco to play a lounge lizard who also proves his manhood by high diving and taking crap from nobody, particularly a loud mouth who feels THE BIG E is a threat to his position as head stud of the area. Plenty of stupid song and dance routines, love scenes between The King and some lovely ladies, and the requisite scene in which THE BIG E pours a burrito shell full of refried whup-ass on a rival and makes the boy like it. Same old plot, same old ending, same old, same old, same old......

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.

Unlike other Elvis Presley vehicles I reviewed on this site for the past several months, this was one I hadn't seen before. Neither had my mom. To us, this was enjoyable fluff with the usual enjoyable Presley numbers sprinkled throughout the narrative. There's also the added treat of Ursula Andress, she of the first James Bond film Dr. No, to provide some eye candy. There's also some amusing scenes of a kid acting as Elvis' manager talking to various club owners on the phone. Oh, and as someone who likes citing when a player from my favorite movie-It's a Wonderful Life-is in something else, here, it's Mary Treen playing the wife of Howard McNear talking to another lady in Elvis' life who's a bullfighter. In summary, Fun in Acapulco was an okay time-waster.

Light hearted happy go lucky but troubled womanizer, trapeze artist & singer turned cliff diver? It's fun to see these movies 50 years later. I understand that Elvis got very tired of this formula & wanted more serious roles. It's also easy to understand why the movie executives were reluctant to do that. Boy like looks & THE Voice. As usual, they stick with what worked & what was safe. One hit song from the otherwise forgettable sound track. Although I found this to be a very silly movie, to be fair it was a very different era & you have to consider who the target audience was. As always, pretty girls abound. Include a fight scene with a bad guy who becomes a friend Later & cut, print it. Next very similar script please. That's entertainment 60's style.