~John Hughes originally conceived the story from a young man's point of view. ~The movie was inspired by the Psychedelic Furs song Pretty in Pink. The Furs even recorded a different, more upbeat version of the song for the movie.
Cast/Crew
~Anthony Michael Hall turned down the role of Duckie, concerned about being typecast as a "nerd." Hall had already played similar roles in three other John Hughes films: Sixteen Candles, Weird Science, and The Breakfast Club. ~If you watch the credits, Pretty in Pink is "in memory of" Bruce Weintraub and Alexa Kenin, who both died before its release. Kenin, who played Jena, died on Sept. 10, 1985, at age 23. Weintraub was a set decorator. ~Jon Cryer, on Alexa Kenin: "There are
several sorts of mysteries about her death. At the time, we were told she had an allergic reaction to an asthma inhaler. But I heard years later that she had actually been beaten by her boyfriend or something like that. To this day, I don't know exactly what happened." (Source: The '80s Server) ~Gina Gershon, Andrew Dice Clay, and Kristy Swanson all had small roles. Gershon was Benny's friend in gym class, and also appeared in the prom scene. Clay was the bouncer at Cats. Swanson, billed as "Duckette," was the girl who noticed Duckie at the prom. ~Howard Deutch made his directing debut with this film.
The Ending
~The ending of the movie was changed. Originally, Andie was supposed to end up with Duckie. However, test audiences reacted negatively to this finish. Also, there was concern that the movie sent out the message that cross-class relationships cannot/should not work. And due to Molly Ringwald being sick during the filming of the first ending, the director didn't get all of the shots he wanted, and the editing was unsatisfactory. So, the end was reshot, and in the final version, Andie and Blane reconcile. ~If You Leave, the song played at the prom, was not the original choice. Goddess of Love (also by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) was supposed to be used. But when the movie's ending was changed, so was the song. (Source: Internet Movie Database)
Locations
~The movie was shot mainly in Los Angeles. ~Santa Monica Mall=Trax
~Rothchild Home in Hancock Park=Steff's house
~Biltmore Hotel=prom location ~Pico Blvd. area, central L.A.=Cats ~Harvard School, Laurel Canyon=Andie's history class
~Cal Arts campus, Valencia=gym class ~Burroughs Junior High, Hancock Park=all school interiors except the two listed above ~Marshall High, Los Feliz area=school exterior (Source: Paramount Handbook of Product Information)
Miscellanous
~Pretty in Pink grossed about $40.5 million, ranking it #22 for 1986. This total might not sound like much in today's terms, but considering the inflation of ticket prices in recent years, it seems much more impressive. (Comparatively, a movie with a 1998 take of $40.5 million would rank in 49th place.) ~A book version of Pretty in Pink was written based on the script. The author is H.B. Gilmour. ~There are rumors of a sequel, but it is unlikely that one will be made.