Aren’t we all in love with Julia Roberts in some way after she played the role of Vivian? But she wasn’t even a second choice after Molly Ringwald. Diane Lane was closest to clinching it and would have got it had it not been in conflict with her other commitments.
Daryl Hannah also turned it down after seeing it as being “degrading to women,” and so did Michelle Pfeiffer, who disliked the story’s tone.
That Special Laugh
Vivian lies down on the hotel floor to watch "I Love Lucy" reruns, and her laughter was so natural it was infectious. The camera also didn’t show her whole body where crew members were helping her perfect those whoops.
They tickled her feet off-camera, and that’s exactly what made Roberts hysterical! It had nothing to do with the show.
The Movie Was Almost Called "$3,000"
"Pretty Woman" was supposed to be titled "$3,000"- in reference to the price Edward paid Vivian to spend the whole week with him.
It doesn’t sound romantic at all, and during the test shoot, they realized that it might be too confusing for the audience. So they decided to come up with a different title.
The First Love Scene
"Pretty Woman" was Roberts's big break as an actress, and she had a tough time acclimatizing herself to the many love scenes with Edward. This caused some delay in the shooting as she needed more time to prepare herself for each scene.
A vein would protrude on her forehead that needed to be tended to with a soothing massage, and other times she would experience hives breakouts from the nerves. It was very difficult for her to gather her confidence to perform the first love scene
A Gifted Musician
Very few knew about actor Richard Gere’s hidden talents until a scene in "Pretty Woman" unveiled it to the public. In the hotel lobby, Gere’s character, Edward, glided towards the piano and played a song apparently composed by Gere himself. He didn’t need a double to play the grand piano, evincing his love for music.
Richard Gere also played the trumpet when he was in high school. Although not unraveled in the film, he was also great at gymnastics and even earned a scholarship for that at the University of Massachusetts.
Uma Thurman Was Almost 'Pretty Woman'
The beautiful and talented "Kill Bill" assassin was very close to playing Vivian in "Pretty Woman." The reason we find this interesting is that, apparently, the reason Thurman turned the part down was that the original script was 'too dark,' and she didn't want to play the part of a working girl.
Funny, considering she had played a part in the racy "Dangerous Liaisons" film and was later to play the part of a killer assassin bride (with a love for blood) in the epic "Kill Bill" saga. Oh well, we're happy she stuck with Tarantino.
Julia Roberts, Who?
Julia Roberts was practically an unknown actress when she landed the role of Vivian Ward, and she was ecstatic about it. Her eagerness was held off after the screenplay was sold to Disney after a week, and losing her job had crossed her mind.
Fortunately, executives decided that she could keep her role after hiring Garry Marshall to direct the film. It’s the best decision they’ve ever made.
The Rom-Com Queen
"Pretty Woman’s" script may only have been improvised on the fly, from its dark themes, it had turned out to be a huge success as a romantic comedy. It caused a resurgence of the movie genre, while Julia Roberts became a fitting queen of the Rom Coms throughout the decade.
She would take lead roles in other romantic comedies such as the "Runaway Bride" and "Notting Hill."
The Big Pay-Off
Back in the 90s, a $14 million budget for a film wasn't a small thing. Then again, neither was the whopping $178 million the film earned upon release!
Needless to say, it was a pretty decent return on investment, and everybody was thrilled. There's even a "Pretty Woman" musical playing on Broadway 30 years after the movie's release!
From a Speedway to a Hotel
The Beverly Wilshire Hotel has become a Beverly Hills landmark, being featured in countless films and TV shows and hosting A-list guests, such as top Hollywood celebrities and even U.S. presidents! But what many don't know is that this luxurious hotel, now charging $825 for the cheapest room, used to be an Auto Speedway back in the day.
The Speedway was built in 1919 and closed down in 1924. It was only four years later that a real-estate magnate built the famous Wilshire Hotel in 1928.
Did You Catch It?
Getting to know each other, Vivian and Edward start a friendly chat in their hotel room. Vivian was having a croissant when she asked Edward about his job and education. The camera shifted to Edward, who explained to her that he was a corporate raider. He bought companies in financial trouble to tear them down, rebuild, and resell them.
As the camera shifted back to Vivian, many must have overlooked the fact that her croissant had instantly turned into a pancake.
Dye Job
Julia Roberts looked nice and cool in the extra bubbly tub, and that’s because they didn’t use regular bubble bath for it. After a few times, Roberts had to submerge in the water for the scene, her red hair dye started to fade.
The detergent was strong and very bubbly, and after the shoot, her hair had to be re-dyed again for losing much of its redness.
Comic Relief
Vivian Ward was waiting in the room as the hotel manager spoke on the phone, but Roberts saw it as an opportunity to improvise and insert some comedy. As she waited, she kept blowing her nose, which worked with the audience, but she regrets it now.
She doesn’t think the acting was funny now and even thinks it's gross and unnatural to her. But that’s what fans love about Vivian. Who cares about a prim version of her?
Gere Almost Didn't Play Edward
It was equally hard to find a male lead actor to play Edward Lewis’ role. Richard Gere wasn’t impressed with the character, and others thought it wasn’t interesting enough to showcase their talents. It was turned down by many actors, and Gere was on the verge of making the same decision.
Any so-so actor in a fancy suit could be Edward, he thought, but what made him change his mind?
Box Office Hit
Far from its original storyline, "Pretty Woman" has become the top-grossing R-rated film ever to be produced by Disney. It ranked third among the highest-grossing films in 1990, generating $463.4 million at the box office, and holds the highest sales in tickets among romantic comedy films in the US.
The movie broke records and made Julia Roberts famous, opening up many more doors for her.
Southern Accents
There are scenes in the movie where Julia Roberts’ Southern twang becomes considerably noticeable, and this got the attention of the director. When Vivian was at the elevator and exclaimed, “Well, color me happy,” and such similar scenarios, Garry Marshall knew he had to do something about it, so he added bits of details in the script that would cover it.
The story now says Vivian originally comes from the state of Georgia (like Julia Roberts herself, who was born in Smyrna, Georgia) and moved to Los Angeles, where she met Edward.
Richard Gere Couldn't Sit Still
Apparently, Gere used to walk around the set a lot when they started filming Pretty Woman. It got to the point where the director even had to have a word with him and actually ask him to please stay still!
Funnily enough, director Garry Marshall supposedly said, "No, no, no. Richard. In this movie, one of you moves. And one of you doesn't. Guess which one you are?"
Meg Ryan Almost Played Vivian
Both Disney and Garry Marshall wanted Meg Ryan to play the role of Vivian. The director thought she was perfect for the part, but when offered, Ryan turned it down. Let's not forget that the year was 1990, and Meg Ryan was still enjoying the worldwide success that came with the beloved film "When Harry Met Sally."
Apparently, Ryan didn't want to damage the "good girl" image that the famous rom-com helped her establish, and so declined to star in "Pretty Woman." Ryan went on to become the "it" girl of the 90s, starring in major films like "You've Got Mail," "Sleepless in Seattle," and "City of Angels." We're happy she did because we can't imagine anyone other than Julia Roberts as the beautiful Vivian.
Kristin Davis, Sandra Bullock, and Sarah Jessica Parker Turned Down the Role
It's not so farfetched to imagine the beautiful "Sex and the City" girls, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kristin Davis, playing Vivian in "Pretty Woman," isn't it? Well, they almost did! And so did Sandra Bullock! Apparently, Parker, Bullock, and Davis were sought out by the director, but after reading the script, they turned it down.
You have to remember that, as we mentioned above, the original script was much darker than what ended up on the screen. Back in the 90s, when these women were cementing their reputation as big Hollywood actresses, no one wanted to be seen as a working girl in a debut role. Guess the joke was on them since "Pretty Woman" ended up becoming a 90s classic. Not to mention the box office success it had. Sorry, ladies.
The Devastating Earthquake of 1989
Edward and Vivian watching the Italian opera "La Traviata" was one of the more memorable scenes in the movie, and locals who know the area are aware that it was shot in Los Angeles. But the actors were supposed to work on it in San Francisco.
The production set had to be moved at the last minute to the history museum of the University of Southern California due to a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that devastated parts of the city. It caused 67 people dead, leaving damages worth $5 billion.
Knight in Shining Armor
It would seem that Vivian was alluding to the end of the story when she talked about her childhood dream of being rescued by a knight from being a captive in a tower by a terrible, wicked queen but, believe it or not, when the scene was being shot, the movie’s ending had not yet been written.
Pure coincidence? What do you think?
The Bubble Bath Scene
The shooting of the film was so much fun, especially for Roberts. In a memorable scene where Vivian was conversing with Edward while she was in the bathtub, she became ecstatic upon learning that she’d be making so much money from their deal. She was so happy that she dipped underwater.
Meanwhile, Richard Gere pulled a prank on her and the production crew by disappearing from the set before she could arise back out of the water, which she found amusing.
Fist Fight
Richard Gere appeared to have gotten carried away when his character fought with his own lawyer, Philip Stuckey after the latter slapped Vivian. They got entangled after it, and Gere clipped him, accidentally breaking a crown off his tooth.
All was good, but it makes one wonder if he had been set off subconsciously, watching such a beautiful face being slapped, albeit part of an act.
He Was Afraid to Make the Same Mistake Twice
Richard Gere, at first, was not even slightly convinced about playing the bland role of Edward Lewis. It took a little while before Julia Roberts would eventually convince him, but another factor may have come into play, aside from his chemistry with Roberts, that also prompted him to take the job.
Gere regretted not taking the role of Gordon Gekko three years prior, whose character profile was similar to Lewis’. Michael Douglas was subsequently picked for Gekko’s character in the movie "Wall Street" (1987) and won an Academy Award for it. This might have silently haunted Gere for years, thinking the role and the award could have been his.
A Quick Cameo
"Pretty Woman’s" director, Garry Marshall, slips into a cameo role in the film that must have been unnoticed by many. Edward Lewis decides to stop by the sidewalk and ask someone for directions. He happens to find a homeless man (played by Marshall), who was rummaging through some trash nearby and asked him how to get to his hotel.
The three would reunite in the film "Runaway Bride." Do you remember?
Family Talent
Garry Marshall's daughter wasn't the only Marshall family member to get a chance in the spotlight. In fact, the director's son directed one of the film's most memorable scenes, the polo match.
That whole sequence, from the moment Roberts and Gere arrive, to when she's talking to the jockey (who turns out to be Edward's business rival) and even being politely insulted by Edward's business associate, played by Jason Alexander. The entire thing was directed by Marshall's son.
The Iconic Red Jacket
Vivian Ward has become so beloved that her fashion sense became iconic- her boots, dress, and red jacket. The last item, however, wasn’t available when the actors were about to shoot a scene in the street.
The wardrobe department had failed to send for a jacket, but they found a girl passerby who wore a jacket they liked and offered to buy it. She wanted Disneyland tickets in exchange, but they eventually traded for $30.
You Can't Fake Chemistry
"Pretty Woman’s" wide success is a testament to Richard Gere and Julia Roberts’ chemistry. Had it not been for this, Gere would never have committed himself to the role. In fact, he went as far as to describe Edward Lewis as a trite character.
For Richard Gere, it was Julia Roberts’ personality that cut it. He was very fond of her, which made him take the job after they had met in New York. And this is the main reason why their partnership is so attractive on the set.
The Director’s Daughter
You probably remember the nice front desk clerk at the stunning Beverly Wilshire Hotel. What you probably don't know is that this is actually the director, Garry Marshall's daughter, Kathleen. In fact, Kathleen Marshall has a pretty impressive acting record, making her first debut in the popular 1970s TV show, "Happy Days."
Kathleen went on to land several roles in major motion pictures, including "Laverne & Shirley," "Beaches," "A League of Their Own," "Never Been Kissed," "The Princess Diaries" (1 & 2), "EdTV," "Runaway Bride," "Raising Helen," "Rat Race," and many more.
The Movie Poster
Perhaps some of you may have noticed something different about the Pretty Woman poster but could not point a finger at it. For one, it’s not like Julia Roberts's figure wasn't good enough, but in fact, the poster shows Shelley Michelle’s body, Roberts’ double.
We don’t know why that decision was made. Also, Richard Gere’s head was merely superimposed on her body. And whatever happened to Gere’s iconic grey hair? It’s apparently dyed black in the official poster.
Staying True to the Part
If you're keen on movie details, you probably remember that Vivian almost never sits down on a chair. The director did this on purpose to portray Vivian as a laid-back, raunchy working girl that felt more comfortable sitting on the floor or on top of the furniture.
Talk about staying in character, huh?
The Bling Bling
Julia Roberts looked absolutely stunning after Richard’s character, Edward, lent Vivian jewelry for her to wear during the opera.
The diamonds were large and glittering, and the set wasn’t a mere prop. In fact, it was on loan, and the jewelry shop that owned it sent security to watch over it at the set the whole time. It’s said to be worth $250,000 at the time.
First Speaking Role
The movie wasn’t just a big leap for actress Julia Roberts. It was a breakthrough for actor Hank Azaria, too, who was the detective at the scene where a dead body was found. It may not be much for us, but it was his first-ever speaking role in a movie.
It has led him to the next tier in his career, which is notable for voice acting roles such as in "The Simpsons" and characters like Apu, Wiggum, and Moe.
Werner Herzog Was Asked to Direct the Film
Apparently, according to an interview back in 2009, the brilliant German director, Werner Herzog, was approached by Richard Gere and asked if he could direct Pretty Woman.
Of course, this was when the film's script wasn't yet sanitized by Disney. However, Herzog still declined. Albeit, very politely.
Ferrari and Porsche Turned Them Down
Julius Roberts mentioned how much she enjoyed driving the 1989 Esprit SE near the beginning of the film. It has a slick design, and it’s fast and quick, and the production didn’t have much of a choice either. Popular car makers like Ferrari and Porsche didn’t want to lend their automobiles and be associated with a film that touched on such controversial and problematic subjects.
Only Lotus eventually ventured on the idea, and it obviously paid off manifold following the huge success of the film.
Gere’s Favorite Scene in the Movie
Richard Gere was quite fond of Vivian, and watching Julia Roberts walk was always his favorite scene. He says she was “all about the legs” when asked to explain why he enjoyed watching her.
He, among many others, found it fun to watch her move in those thigh-high boots, all dressed up in her Vivian outfit.
Hit Soundtrack
The Pretty Woman movie and soundtrack are named after the popular Roy Orbison song from 1965. The music compilation also turned out to be a huge commercial hit like the film itself, selling more than 3.6 million copies in Switzerland, Canada, and the UK alone. Imagine how much sales turn out there would be on a worldwide scale.
It earned a platinum a number of times in the UK and Canada and once in Switzerland. It reached gold in Sweden, and its songs could be heard everywhere on the radio.
Jason Alexander Before Seinfeld
Pretty Woman helped actors’ careers take off and included Jason Alexander, who played the character Philip Stuckey, the insensitive lawyer. When he accepted this role, he had already won a Tony Award and was a successful Broadway stage actor, yet remained a minor screen actor.
He became more popular after the movie was released, just in time for the first season of "Seinfeld," which would become a television hit.
Roberts Wasn't the First Choice for Molly
Julia Roberts’ role as Vivian Ward was initially offered to actress Molly Ringwald. She’s noted for her performances in "Sixteen Candles," the sweet "Pretty in Pink," and "The Breakfast Club," and her personality could have been a good fit for "Pretty Woman." However, she wasn’t too enthusiastic about it after reading the original dark script and turned it down.
Looking back, she has no regrets. She thinks the movie was perfect for Julia Roberts, saying she’s what made that movie.
Inspired by an Opera
One can say that "Pretty Woman" is loosely based on an opera by Giuseppe Verdi titled La Traviata. Edward and Vivian went to the Italian Opera, whose story revolves around a man who falls for a young and lovely courtesan. Their story unravels somehow similarly to the film, except that it ends in tragedy.
Violetta, the courtesan, dies from tuberculosis. Unlike Edward, the young man is left in anguish at the end of the story.
Sunday Shopping
As you know, many of the film's scenes were filmed on Beverly Hill's famous Rodeo Drive. However, the only inconvenience was that all of these scenes had to be filmed on Sundays since the municipality has very strict rules on filming in that particular street.
It is strictly forbidden to film during the week since these are prime business hours, and the city ensures nothing affects the local business owner's profits.
The Hotel and Sets
Pretty Woman had a big budget, especially for a romantic comedy. This allowed the production to film in various locations, in upscale places around Los Angeles. They filmed scenes that were supposedly at the Beverly Wilshire hotel, but the actual shooting was done at the Los Angeles Ambassador Hotel.
If you ever find time to roam around Los Angeles, try going to Cicada, where Vivian and Edward dated and relive the show.
Christopher Reeve, Denzel Washington, and Daniel Day-Lewis Almost Played Edward Lewis
Regardless of knowing it's all staged and there are real people behind our favorite screen characters, we still get attached to their on-screen personas. Can you imagine the business tycoon Edward Lewis being played by anyone other than Richard Gere? Neither can we. But the fact is, many other brilliant actors were considered for the role, such as Denzel Washington, Christopher Reeve, and Daniel Day-Lewis.
Any of these three actors would have undoubtedly, done a phenomenal job at playing Edward Lewis. However, we'd rather remember Denzel Washington as the compassionate lawyer from "Philadelphia," Christopher Reeve as the legendary Superman, and Daniel Day-Lewis as the one and only Daniel Plainview in "There Will Be Blood."
The Cinderella Complex
Some people classify "Pretty Woman" as a Cinderella Complex film. The famous website Box Office Mojo, which tracks box office revenue for Hollywood's biggest films, places "Pretty Woman" in this category. Which, as the name clearly suggests, means it tries to be a modern-day version of the much fantasized Cinderella story (the poor girl that falls in love with a prince and all of her dreams come true).
This Cinderella Complex genre also features films like "The Devil Wears Prada," "She's All That," and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." But Pretty Woman is listed as the second highest-grossing film in the category.
Not Your Average Disney Movie
Believe it or not, Pretty Woman is a Disney movie. It purchased its screenplay and, since many of the movie's themes are not exactly family-friendly, they produced it under Touchstone Pictures, its film distribution label that carries movies intended for a mature audience.
This minute detail is easy to miss, and it’s quite surprising when you first learn about it.
A Very Big Age Difference
People say age is just a number, but when the gap between two co-stars (especially when they're a man and a woman) is significantly big, age does seem to play a part. When "Pretty Woman" was filmed, Julia Roberts was 18 years younger than Richard Gere. She was 22, and he was 40!
This seems to have paved the way for Gere since, after that, he became known for dating (much) younger women, such as Hillary Swank (25 years younger), Winona Ryder (22 years younger), and Julie Delpy (21 years younger).
The Song That Matched the Title
While it was already decided that the original title, 3000, would be changed, it took some time for the production group to formalize the use of its new name. "Pretty Woman" is borrowed from the famous song by Roy Orbison. So they also had to get the rights to use the song’s title, "Pretty Woman", for the movie.
Once production finally got the green light to use the title, they realized how fitting it was for the story and Julia Roberts’ character.
Please Say Yes
Richard Gere thought he had better roles out there to play at the time and thought Edward was such a boring character. Why risk it or waste his time? Get a goat and put a suit on it, and that could be your Edward, he said. But he eventually changed his mind after he met Julia Roberts, who traveled to New York City to coax him into playing the role.
After they met, Roberts slipped a personal note that said, “Please say yes,” and he liked her already. He accepted the job mainly on account of their chemistry.
The Red Evening Gown
Who would’ve thought that Vivian’s eye-catching red dress had caused trouble within the production group? The studio wanted her to wear a black dress for a more sophisticated look, but Marilyn Vance-Straker, the costume designer, insisted on the red dress we adore.
The latter eventually won the argument after a number of screen testing. We just can’t imagine Julia Roberts donning a black dress instead.
Live The Pretty Woman Experience
It can be hard to let go of a story that affects us in such a positive way. This is why the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in LA offers die-hard fans the opportunity to relive the "Pretty Woman" experience for $100,000. The two-night package covers the Presidential suite accommodation, Rodeo Drive shopping with added services such as a couple’s massage, and accompanied by a personal stylist.
Couples are entitled to a private dinner at "la Edward and Vivian," of course, followed by a date at the opera.
Al Pacino, Albert Brooks, and Sylvester Stallone Were Also Offered the Part
Although we will never really know the reasons why these three world-renowned actors turned down the part, we are sure that, even if they did regret it briefly, they certainly recovered quickly and went on to have big Hollywood careers. When asked about it in an interview in 2010, Al Pacino said, “Sometimes it's just not the right role for you, and you don't feel you belong in that part.”
To be completely fair, we don't really see Sylvester Stallone going to the opera. Or Albert Brooks as a serious billionaire tycoon. Do you?
The Scene With The Snails
A scene in "Pretty Woman" is somewhat adapted from the 2001 film "Princess Diaries," also directed by Marshall. When Vivian struggles to eat escargot, it slips her hands and drops, fans gobbled on her sweet clumsiness. It was a funny moment, and the waiter, trying to save her from embarrassment, said, “it happens all the time.”
That same actor reprised the waiter role in 2001, where it was Mia Thermopolis’ turn to bumble. She hit the champagne glass so hard with a knife that it broke, and the same waiter comes to her aid and says the popular line, “It happens all the time.” Then both Mia and Vivian ate their green dessert.
Other A-listers That Turned Down The Role
Aren’t we all in love with Julia Roberts in some way after she played the role of Vivian? But she wasn’t even a second choice after Molly Ringwald. Diane Lane was closest to clinching it and would have got it had it not been in conflict with her other commitments.
Daryl Hannah also turned it down after seeing it as being “degrading to women,” and so did Michelle Pfeiffer, who disliked the story’s tone.
Unscripted Charm
When Edward Lewis opens the box containing the diamond necklace for Vivian to wear at the opera, the scene had become one of the most memorable, breathtaking moments in the film. But then he pranks her by closing it back, and Julia Roberts was so surprised by this unscripted prank that Garry Marshall found her reaction purely natural and sweet.
He decided to keep that scene in the movie where their chemistry simply shines before the audience.
Director's Pet
We all know the beloved actor Hector Elizondo. Turns out he's not only a crowd favorite but the director's favorite, too! Elizondo, who plays the sweet and helpful hotel manager in "Pretty Woman," has worked on another 14 films with Garry Marshall.
The two have worked together in "The Princess Diaries," "Georgia Rules," "Runaway Bride," "Beaches," and more.
Four Golden Globe Nominations
"Pretty Woman" was nominated for four Golden Globes in 1991, including Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical or Comedy (Richard Gere), and Best Performance by a Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture (Hector Elizondo). But Julia Roberts was the winner of the night, taking home a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.
This was a huge achievement since she managed to beat Demi Moore, Andie McDowell, Mia Farrow, and the legendary Meryl Streep. Julia Roberts had won a Golden Globe the year before, as well, for her performance in the drama "Steel Magnolias."
One of the Most Important Lines Was Added by a Woman
Remember the final line in "Pretty Woman," when Vivian says, "She rescued him right back!"? Well, not so surprisingly, that line was written by a woman. More specifically, a famous Hollywood producer called Laura Ziskin, known for "Spiderman" (I, II, and III), "As Good as it Gets," "Dinner With Friends," "No Way Out," "The Butler," and more. But there's a backstory to why Ziskin decided to add that final line.
At some point during the film, Roberts tells Gere that she always dreamed of a knight in shining armor that would come and rescue her. And, of course, he ends up doing just that, making the grand gesture of climbing the fire escape up to her modest apartment, holding her in his arms, and kissing her. Ziskin didn't want to end the film there, so when Gere says, ‘So what happened when he climbed the tower to rescue her?’ Roberts replies, ‘She rescued him right back!’. Ziskin explains that she didn't want the film to send out a message to women that a nice guy will always come around to 'rescue' them by giving them money and buying them nice clothes. She wanted to give both of them equal credit for their happiness.
Preparation For The Role
Julia Roberts didn’t want to miss the opportunity of really being able to play her role effectively, so she immersed herself in a free clinic in Los Angeles, where Garry Marshall’s wife worked as a nurse.
She met working girls there and tried to understand their plight until she was confident enough to play her character as Vivian Ward.
The Original Version Was Much Darker
The final version of the film we love is a romantic comedy, but its original script was intent on showing us a dark version of it. It had Vivian Ward as an addicted working girl, whom Edward paid $3,000 to stay with him for a week, but their deal was cut short as he could no longer stand being with her.
Vivian gets thrown out on the side of the road. Kit, her close friend, tragically dies. There was nothing romantic about it at all.
Roberts’ Favorite Scene in the Movie
"Pretty Woman" has many lovely scenes, but Julia Roberts’ favorite was early in the film when she drove the Lotus automobile for Edward. She said she wasn’t really good at driving at the time but enjoyed it nevertheless, describing it as a hilarious scene.
Garry Marshall admitted the cameramen struggled to keep up with her fast driving.
Four Screenwriters
There were so many changes made to the original script that the final draft was actually written by four different screenwriters...at least! Despite the fact that J.F. Lawton is the only credited writer for the movie, other talented scriptwriters helped add to it along the way.
Most noticeably, these include Robert Garland ("The Big Blue"; "No Way Out"), Barbara Benedek ("The Big Chill"; "Sabrina") and Stephen Metcalfe ("Turner & Hooch"; "Cousins")
Ralph Bellamy's Final Role
Remember Mr. Morse, the sweet old man that Richard Gere is doing a business deal with? Well, this sweet old man is none other than Ralph Bellamy, who was a Hollywood institution.
With a career stretched over 62 years, he made cinema history with his brilliant roles on stage, in film, and on TV. Sadly, Bellamy's role in "Pretty Woman" would be his last before passing away on November 29th, 1991.
The Deleted Scenes
As we've mentioned before, the original script for "Pretty Woman" was way, way darker. But since Disney was producing it, they had to make some pretty big adjustments. This caused a lot of scenes to be deleted, and it's a shame they were because some are simply amazing!
One is a romantic sunset horse ride that Vivian and Edward go on, the other shows Vivian putting ketchup on her fancy, expensive steak, and another one is where Edward almost gets into a nasty fight while trying to protect Vivian from a gang!