Well, it seems like just yesterday, but the classic film Pretty in Pink is 24 years old! What? How did that happen? So I guess it qualifies as vintage lol. I love this movie, and know many do, since it has a cult type following. Here are some fun facts about the film. Tell me what you thought about it then and now…have a great weekend friends!
–Pretty in Pink was filmed in the same L.A. high school where Grease (1978) was made.
–The original ending to this film depicted Duckie getting the girl. However, the test audiences said they would have preferred to see Blane win Andie’s heart. Additionally, Molly Ringwald was sick during the filming of the ending and John Hughes wasn’t satisfied with the editing. He was also concerned that audiences would take the original ending as a message that poor people and rich people don’t belong together.
–The Rave-Ups are the band playing in the club scene. Star Molly Ringwald was apparently a fan of their music and her sister had a child with one of the band members. Also, in Sixteen Candles (1984), “The Rave-Ups” is scrawled on the notebook Molly’s character is carrying while walking down a corridor after study hall.
–“If You Leave”, performed by Andy McCluskey, was not the original song Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark had composed for this movie. Their song “Goddess of Love” was the original composition, but it did not fit when the ending was changed.
–The movie is dedicated to Alexa Kenin and Bruce Weintraub. Kenin, who played Jena, was murdered in New York just after the movie was released.
–When the ending was re-shot, all of the principal actors had to be called back. Andrew McCarthy had already lost a substantial amount of weight and shaved his head for a new role in a New York play called “The Boys of Winter”. Although he wore an auburn wig, he’s noticeably more gaunt in the re-shot scenes.
–This is Molly Ringwald’s favorite among her own films.
–Anthony Michael Hall turned down the role of Duckie.
–“Simon” is played by Dweezil Zappa and there is a sign inside the Trax music store that says “Dweezil” is the Pick of the Week. He was also Molly Ringwald’s boyfriend at the time.
–John Hughes was allegedly unhappy with the ending. He wanted Andie to get together with Duckie. But the film’s ending of Andie getting together with Blaine was forced upon him by the studio. In retaliation, Hughes virtually made the same film all over again the following year with Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), a film about a similar love triangle. Hughes wanted Molly Ringwald to star in it as well, but she refused. Hughes took it personally, and effectively ended their working relationship. They never worked together again.
–Jodie Foster turned down the role of Andie.
–Tatum O’Neal, Lori Loughlin, Diane Lane, Sarah Jessica Parker and Brooke Shields were each considered for the role of Andie.
–Charlie Sheen auditioned for the role of Blane.
I love this movie, but most of all I love James Spader.
So interesting about Hughes’ and the ending. Poor Duckie.
I’m just checkin’ in petal less you think I’ve forsaken you! NEVER!!I loved Molly back then. So cool
Rainey
I never liked the ending of this movie. She should have ended up with Duckie! I loved Some Kind Of Wonderful too. Oh, the 80s…
I love this movie but I’ve always been disappointed in the ending. The older I get, the more I dislike Blane. She totally should have ended up with Duckie. Or perhaps on her own, if she felt she didn’t have chemistry with Duckie.
Hell, I’d date him!
Annie Potts is fantastic in this flick.
I haven’t seen the whole movie yet! ‘Breakfast Club’ is my favorite one. I did like that guy in ‘Sixteen Candles.’ Oh my gosh! He is sooooo cute! I guess that he makes furniture now or something.
I love this movie. Molly Ringwald was like the coolest girl ever back in the day!!!
Gosh, this film is older than me.. lol. I have never seen it myself but i think Mr V thinks it’s great (or did he say he hated it…??) either way very fun facts!
Have a great weekend honey! xx
Thanks–fascinating facts about one of my fave movies! I simply can’t believe it’s 24 years old, though!
Holy Cow! I can’t believe that Pretty in Pink is 24 years old. It just doesn’t seem that long ago. When did I get older…never old but just older (wink). I always felt bad for Duckie. He was so in love with Andie.
My Papa went to that same high school where they filmed Grease (Venice High School). It was back in the 30’s. I had no idea that it was used as the film location for Pretty in Pink. Interesting….
Ooooh – I can’t believe its 24 years old …… this is making me feel a little ancient!
Loved this film 🙂
Have a great weekend!
I liked John Cryer in this movie, He is one of those guys that will always like the same.
Oh yeah, Andie should have totally been with Duckie. I never liked Blane. LOL
I loved this movie. Some kind of wonderful would have NEVER worked with Molly Ringwald. John Hughes should not have taken it personally…
How AWFUL would Pretty in Pink been if Andy ended up with Duckie??? I think it was because of John Cryer – It may have worked with Anthony Micheal Hall.
I love this movie! I just did a post a little bit ago on it. The information you have on here is great! I remember seeing it during the day with my first boyfriend HA! My Mom dropped us off and picked us up from the movies. So funny! When things were so innocent. I was in the 6th grade and his name was Richard lol..They don’t make movies like this anymore!!! A true 80’s classic!! Thanks for posting!!!Winona
Can you believe I’ve never seen this movie? I really do need to see it! Make sure to send me your address for your prize!