Pretty Woman

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Richard Gere as Edward Lewis
• Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward
• Ralph Bellamy as Jim Morse
• Jason Alexander as Philip Stuckey
• Héctor Elizondo as Barnard “Barney” Thompson
• Laura San Giacomo as Kit De Luca
• Alex Hyde-White as David Morse
• Amy Yasbeck as Elizabeth Stuckey
• Elinor Donahue as Bridget
• John David Carson as Mark Roth
• Judith Baldwin as Susan
• Patrick Richwood as Night Elevator Operator Dennis
• James Patrick Stuart as Dennis Rowland
• Dey Young as a snobbish saleswoman in a clothing store
• Larry Miller as Mr. Hollister
• Hank Azaria as a detective (film debut)
• Jason Randal as a magician

Storyline:

Replete with extreme wealth and suave good looks, Edward Lewis could seemingly have any woman he wants, a committed significant other needed on his arm at social events to further how he makes his money as a corporate raider, but since he focuses more on his corporate-raiding pursuits with his lawyer of 10 years and partner-in-crime Philip Stuckey than any woman, every significant other he’s had in his life has felt neglected and eventually left him, the fact of which he is just realizing. In Beverly Hills, still in need of a woman on his arm as he and Philip work toward taking over a company owned by the increasingly insolvent James Morse, he decides, from a chance encounter, to hire Hollywood Boulevard hooker Vivian Ward as his escort for the week. It makes sense: a professional who would be committed to the work without having any relationship issues after the week is done. Beyond their chance encounter, he also makes this decision because she surprises him about how unhookerish she is in certain respects. Vivian, relatively new to Los Angeles and the business, must still look and act the part, with Edward, beyond giving her money, leaving her largely to her own devices to do so. She finds a somewhat-unlikely Henry Higgins in Barney Thompson, manager of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel where Edward is staying. Barney draws that fine line of keeping the hotel’s upscale clients happy while maintaining the posh decorum of the upper class, which does not include people to the hotel looking for rooms with hourly rates. As Barney and his associates are able to transform Vivian into a Cinderella, the questions become whether Vivian can go back to her Hollywood Boulevard life and whether she does have her Prince Charming beyond this week in the form of Edward (or anyone else) who truly does see her as Cinderella as opposed to a Hollywood Boulevard streetwalker.

About Movie:

Pretty Woman is an American romantic comedy directed by Garry Marshall, written by J. F. Lawton, and starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. Supporting roles are played by Héctor Elizondo, Ralph Bellamy (in his final film), Laura San Giacomo, and Jason Alexander.

The title is inspired by Roy Orbison’s 1964 hit “Oh, Pretty Woman.” The original screenplay, titled 3,000, was penned by Lawton during a time when he was a struggling screenwriter. The title 3,000 was changed to Pretty Woman after Disney executives felt the original title sounded more like science fiction.

Initially conceived as a dark drama about prostitution in 1980s Los Angeles, the film underwent significant changes. In the original version, Vivian, the lead character, was addicted to drugs, and part of the agreement with Edward was for her to stay off cocaine for a week. The movie was intended to end with Edward abandoning Vivian and her taking a bus to Disneyland with her friend. However, the film was reimagined as a romantic comedy.

With a budget of $14 million, the film was shot mainly in Los Angeles, particularly in Beverly Hills, as well as on soundstages at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. Filming began on July 24, 1989, but faced challenges early on, including Ferrari and Porsche declining product placement offers due to the film’s association with prostitution. Lotus Cars ultimately provided a Silver 1989 Esprit SE, which became an iconic part of the movie. Shelley Michelle served as Julia Roberts’ body double in the more risqué scenes, including for the film’s publicity poster.

Pretty Woman received mixed reviews initially, but Julia Roberts’ performance garnered widespread praise. It became the highest-grossing romantic comedy ever, with 42.2 million domestic ticket sales, surpassing My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002).

Globally, it grossed $463.4 million, making it the fifth-highest-grossing film at the time of its release, behind E.T., Star Wars, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Jaws. It also held the title of the highest-grossing R-rated film released by Walt Disney Studios for 34 years, until Deadpool & Wolverine surpassed it in 2024.

Julia Roberts’ performance in Pretty Woman catapulted her to stardom, earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical, and her first Academy Award and BAFTA nominations for Best Actress. The film also received BAFTA nominations for Best Film and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Budget & Box Office Collection: