Julia Roberts and Richard Gere starred as Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis in the beloved romantic comedy ‘Pretty Woman,’ released in 1990. To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the film, take a trip down memory lane by running a luxurious bubble bath, dusting off your Walkman, and playing Prince’s “Kiss.”
In a departure from typical boy-meets-girl stories, ‘Pretty Woman’ tells the tale of wealthy businessman Edward Lewis hiring sex worker Vivian Ward as his escort for the week. The duo agrees on a payment of $3,000, along with a stylish wardrobe upgrade, and a strict rule against kissing on the lips. Through their adventures at the opera and racetrack, Vivian helps Edward unwind from his workaholic life, forging a genuine connection that captivates audiences.
Despite tackling serious themes such as classism and sexism, the film’s enduring charm lies in the on-screen chemistry between Gere and Roberts, the iconic soundtrack featuring Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman,” memorable dialogue, and timeless fashion choices.
As we celebrate the 35th anniversary of ‘Pretty Woman,’ let’s explore some intriguing facts that will enhance your next movie night throwback:
– The film was originally titled ‘3,000,’ referencing the price for Vivian’s services. Later renamed ‘Pretty Woman’ after the classic song by Roy Orbison featured in the soundtrack.
– The initial plot was darker, with Vivian facing a bleak fate rather than the uplifting conclusion seen in the final movie. Screenwriter J.F. Lawton drew inspiration from the financial world depicted in ‘Wall Street.’
– Actress Julia Roberts revealed in a conversation with Patricia Arquette that the original ending for Vivian was far from the heartwarming escape scene we know, painting a grim picture of her character’s fate.
Before filming, Roberts met with women at a free clinic where director Garry Marshall’s wife volunteered, influencing the portrayal of Vivian as a character who prioritized safe sex practices. This attention to detail and respect for real-world issues added depth to Vivian’s character in the film.
On the Netflix docuseries “The Movies That Made Us,” producer Gary Goldstein shared his casting process for the film “Pretty Woman.” He immediately envisioned casting Julia Roberts as Vivian, inspired by her performance in “Mystic Pizza,” even though she wasn’t widely known at the time. His top choice for the role of Edward was Richard Gere, known for his romantic lead roles in “American Gigolo” and “An Officer and a Gentleman.”
Initially, Gere turned down the movie due to concerns about Edward’s character. However, when the film became a Disney project, they sought a well-known star for the female lead. The script underwent changes to soften Edward’s character, attracting Gere back to the project. Michelle Pfeiffer and Al Pacino were also considered for the roles, but eventually, Roberts and Gere were chosen as the leads, as Goldstein had originally hoped.
During a meeting with the director, Julia Roberts set a condition that she would not appear nude in the film. Roberts was 20 years old when filming began and celebrated her 21st birthday on set.
One of the iconic scenes in “Pretty Woman” where Edward surprises Vivian with a necklace was not scripted. Director Garry orchestrated the moment to elicit a genuine reaction from Roberts, resulting in her infectious laughter in the scene.
Before going out for a night at the opera, Edward and Vivian shared a lighthearted moment. In a summer 2008 issue of DGA Quarterly, Garry revealed his fondness for playing pranks on set, citing an amusing incident during the filming of Pretty Woman. For instance, during Julia Roberts’ bubble bath scene, the crew disappeared when she went under the water, creating a ghostly effect. Garry also started a rumor that goldfish were in the bathtub, much to everyone’s amusement.
In the opera scene of Pretty Woman, Edward takes Vivian to see La Traviata, an Italian opera about a courtesan and a businessman. The parallels between Vivian and the opera’s protagonist, Violetta, are evident. The film also features a humorous scene where Vivian accidentally flings an escargot across the room during a fancy dinner, which is skillfully caught by a waiter, played by Allan Kent.
Garry Marshall was known for casting familiar faces in his films, with Kent making multiple appearances delivering his signature line, “It happens all the time.” Garry’s family members also had roles in his projects, with his son Scott portraying a skateboarder in Pretty Woman. Collaborator Héctor Elizondo appeared in all of Garry’s feature films, showcasing the strong bonds within the Garry Marshall Cinematic Universe.
Performance by an actor in a supporting role in a motion picture. Related: In a touching final interview with PEOPLE, Garry Marshall revealed a generous man who cherished his friends. Richard Gere is frequently asked about his role in “Pretty Woman.” During a press tour for his 2012 film “Arbitrage,” Gere claimed to have forgotten about the romantic comedy, dismissing it as silly. He initially passed on the film, stating, “It’s not my kind of movie; it’s not what I was looking for.” Garry Marshall played a significant role in convincing Gere to take on the project. In a podcast interview, Gere shared his pride and gratitude for his role in “Pretty Woman,” acknowledging the film’s impact on his career. Another actor, Hank Azaria, recalled his first movie role with lines in “Pretty Woman.” The film was later adapted into a successful Broadway musical in 2018, featuring original music by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Garry Marshall was involved in the stage adaptation and is credited as one of the book writers.
Robert and Garry’s relatives were present at a special showing of Pretty Woman: The Musical on August 2, 2018, to celebrate his life. Pretty Woman: The Musical has been featured in various productions across the U.K. and Europe, including tours in the U.S. and U.K./Ireland. For more information, you can refer to the original article on People’s website.
