Why Pretty Woman Still Charms Us After All These Years
There are few films as iconic as Pretty Woman. It’s the kind of movie you can watch over and over again without ever feeling bored or fatigued. Its heartwarming story, magnetic performances, and unforgettable scenes have cemented its place as a beloved classic.
Yet, despite countless viewings, some intriguing behind-the-scenes details and subtle mistakes in the film often go unnoticed. These little quirks, along with some fascinating facts about its production, offer a whole new perspective on the movie we thought we knew so well.
A Dramatic Script Rewrite: From Grit to Glam
It’s hard to imagine Pretty Woman as anything other than the breezy romantic comedy that won hearts worldwide. However, its journey to becoming the cinematic treasure we know today was far from conventional.
Originally, the screenplay was titled 3,000, penned by then-up-and-coming writer J.F. Lawton. The early drafts painted a much darker picture, delving into the harsh realities of life on the streets and the stark divide between the wealthy and the disenfranchised.
But when Disney stepped in, everything changed. The studio decided to transform the gritty drama into a feel-good romantic comedy, opting to downplay the heavier themes of class struggle and societal inequities. The result? A polished, high-budget film that not only delighted audiences but also launched Julia Roberts and Richard Gere into superstardom.
A Role Al Pacino Almost Took
For many fans, it’s impossible to imagine anyone other than Richard Gere as Edward Lewis, the suave businessman who sweeps Vivian Ward off her feet. However, Richard Gere wasn’t the first choice for the role.
Hollywood heavyweight Al Pacino was initially in talks to play Edward. In fact, he even participated in a reading alongside Julia Roberts before ultimately passing on the part. Pacino never shared specific reasons for turning it down, but he later praised Roberts, describing her as an incredible talent even early in her career.
“You could tell just from the reading,” Pacino once remarked, “this was going to be something special.”
A Breakfast Mishap: Croissant or Pancake?
Even the most devoted Pretty Woman fans might miss this quirky continuity error. In one scene, Vivian is seen enjoying a croissant during breakfast with Edward. However, in the blink of an eye, the croissant mysteriously transforms into a pancake.
According to director Garry Marshall, this amusing slip happened because Roberts’ best performance came during later takes, where she happened to be eating a pancake instead. The editing team decided to keep the scene despite the inconsistency, which has since become one of the film’s most talked-about bloopers.
The Iconic Red Dress
Few movie moments are as memorable as Julia Roberts stepping out in the stunning red gown for a night at the opera. The dress is more than just a costume—it’s a symbol of Vivian’s transformation and newfound confidence.
Designed by the legendary Marilyn Vance, the gown perfectly balanced elegance and sensuality. Vogue once described it as “irresistibly glamorous without losing an ounce of class.”
Vance was also the creative genius behind other notable outfits in the film, including Vivian’s polka-dot dress for the polo scene. Interestingly, that dress was crafted from vintage silk fabric found in a small Los Angeles shop. The shoes paired with it? Chanel, of course.
Richard Gere’s Ever-Changing Tie
While Marilyn Vance’s costumes were masterfully curated, a few wardrobe mishaps made their way into the final cut. One particularly subtle continuity error involves Edward’s tie.
During the polo match, Edward is seen wearing a tie knotted in a half-Windsor style. Later, that same tie magically changes to a full-Windsor knot, paired with a slightly different collar. These small details might slip by most viewers, but sharp-eyed fans are quick to spot the discrepancies.
A Real-Life Friendship
The undeniable chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere brought Pretty Woman to life. But their connection extended beyond the screen. Over the years, the pair have spoken fondly about their bond, with Gere once revealing that he and Roberts would talk “three or four times a day” during filming.
Roberts, for her part, admitted to playfully convincing Gere to take the role. “I told him, ‘If you don’t do this movie and it falls apart, I’ll lose my job!’” she shared during an interview.
A Priceless Necklace
One of the most glamorous accessories in the film is the ruby-and-diamond necklace Vivian wears with her iconic red gown. Valued at a staggering $250,000, the necklace was the real deal—so much so that an armed security guard was stationed nearby during filming to ensure its safety.
That Famous Jewelry Box Scene
The unforgettable moment where Edward snaps the jewelry box shut on Vivian’s fingers, prompting her infectious laugh, wasn’t in the script. It was a spur-of-the-moment prank suggested by director Garry Marshall to inject energy into the scene.
The genuine laugh that followed was so perfect that it became one of the film’s most endearing moments.
Quirky Mistakes: Shoes, Money, and Condoms
Pretty Woman has its share of continuity bloopers that add to its charm. For instance, after Vivian removes Edward’s shoes during a park scene, the shoes mysteriously reappear moments later.
Another mystery involves the $100 bill Vivian tucks into her boot—only for it to vanish when she removes her boots later. Perhaps the most amusing detail occurs when Vivian presents Edward with a selection of colorful condoms. The arrangement of the packets changes between shots as if they’re moving around on their own.
A Timeless Classic
At its core, Pretty Woman is more than just a romantic comedy. It’s a fairytale with a modern twist, blending humor, heart, and a dash of Hollywood magic. Its imperfections and behind-the-scenes stories only make it more endearing, reminding us why we keep coming back to it, year after year.
Did we miss any of your favorite Pretty Woman moments or bloopers? Let us know—we’d love to hear what keeps this classic close to your heart!