Although directed by first-timer Howard Deutch, this teen romance is the brainchild of writer-producer John Hughes, and one of three hits he made in the 1980s with teen queen Molly Ringwald. This one finds Ringwald playing a high school senior from the wrong side of the tracks, constantly dissed by her wealthier peers, who develops a crush on a dreamboat from the in-crowd (Andrew McCarthy). Further complicating her life are her n’er-do-well father (the wonderful Harry Dean Stanton) and her best friend, Duckie (Jon Cryer), a blabbermouth with an all too obvious crush on her. Will love conquer all?
The original ending of Pretty in Pink saw Molly Ringwald’s character getting together with her goofy admirer, Duckie, played by Jon Cryer; after test audiences complained that they’d rather see her end up with Andrew McCarthy’s rich and popular character, however, the compliant filmmakers shot a new ending.
production details
USA | Paramount | 96 minutes | 1986
Director: Howard Deutch
Producers: Michael Chinich, John Hughes, Lauren Shuler
Director of Photography: Tak Fujimoto
Editor: Richard Marks
Music: Michael Gore
Script: John Hughes
Production Design: John W. Corso
cast
Molly Ringwald as Andie Walsh
Jon Cryer as Philip F. “Duckie” Dale
Andrew McCarthy as Blane McDonough
Harry Dean Stanton as Jack Walsh
Annie Potts as Iona
James Spader as Steff
Kate Vernon as Benny Hanson
Andrew Dice Clay as Bouncer
Kristy Swanson as Duckette
Dweezil Zappa as Simon
Gina Gershon as Trombley, Girl Friend/Gym Class
Maggie Roswell as Mrs. Dietz
Emily Longstreth as Kate