Questions
Who made Pretty in Pink and when did it come out?
It was written by John Hughes and directed by Howard Deutch, and it was released on February 28, 1986 by Paramount Pictures.
Where did the title Pretty in Pink come from?
Molly Ringwald introduced Hughes to The Psychedelic Furs’ song ’Pretty in Pink,’ which inspired him to write the screenplay. The film features a re-recorded version of the track.
Who starred in the movie?
Molly Ringwald played Andie Walsh, Andrew McCarthy played Blane, Jon Cryer played Duckie, Annie Potts played Iona, James Spader played Steff, and Harry Dean Stanton played Andie’s father Jack.
Is it true the original ending was different?
Yes. Originally Andie ended up with Duckie, but test audiences reportedly booed that ending, so Hughes rewrote it so Andie reunites with Blane instead.
Why did the studio want the ending changed?
Paramount executives reportedly worried the original ending might seem classist, as if it suggested wealthy and poor people do not mix.
How was the new ending filmed?
The new finale was shot in one day, months after production wrapped, on a soundstage built to replicate a Los Angeles hotel ballroom.
Why does Andrew McCarthy wear a wig in the ending?
He had been called back for the reshoot while in pre-production for a stage play, having lost weight and cut his hair, so he was reportedly fitted with a wig to match his earlier look.
Can you watch the original ending anywhere?
No. Paramount states it cannot locate the footage of the original ending.
Who else was considered for the roles?
Charlie Sheen was considered for Blane before Ringwald advocated for McCarthy, and Jennifer Beals, Jodie Foster, Sarah Jessica Parker, Tatum O’Neal, and Lori Loughlin were among those considered for Andie.
Why didn’t Anthony Michael Hall play Duckie?
Anthony Michael Hall reportedly declined the role of Duckie to avoid being typecast. Ringwald lobbied for Robert Downey Jr. but accepted Jon Cryer after the ending changed.
What’s the story behind the song ’If You Leave’?
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark reportedly composed ’If You Leave’ in less than 24 hours after Hughes rejected their original song ’Goddess of Love’ for the revised ending. It reached number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in May 1986.
Was the soundtrack a hit?
Yes. It peaked at number 5 on the US Billboard 200, was certified Gold by the RIAA in April 1986, and was later listed in Rolling Stone’s 25 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time.
Which bands are on the soundtrack?
It features The Psychedelic Furs, New Order, Suzanne Vega, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Smiths, and INXS, among others.
How well did the film do at the box office?
Made on a budget of about 9 million dollars, it grossed 40.5 million dollars in the US and was the 22nd-highest-grossing film of 1986.
Who is the film dedicated to?
The closing credits dedicate the film to actress Alexa Kenin and set designer Bruce Weintraub, both of whom died shortly after production finished.
