Pretty Woman (1990) is one of the most iconic romantic comedies of all time. Directed by Garry Marshall and starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, it transformed a gritty story about class, love, and self-worth into a modern fairy tale that defined an era of Hollywood romance.
Detailed Summary
The Beginning: A Chance Encounter
The movie opens with Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), a suave and successful corporate raider visiting Los Angeles for business. After borrowing a Lotus Esprit sports car he can barely drive, he gets lost on Hollywood Boulevard — where he meets Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), a spirited and street-smart prostitute.
Vivian helps him navigate the city’s streets, and in a spontaneous decision, Edward invites her to spend the night with him in his lavish Beverly Wilshire Hotel suite — for $100.
The Deal: A Business Arrangement
Impressed by her honesty and charm, Edward offers Vivian a deal: she will stay with him for an entire week as his escort for social events, in exchange for $3,000 and a shopping spree to buy suitable clothes. This setup forms the emotional and social backbone of the movie — a business contract that slowly turns into something deeper.
Vivian, unused to the upper-class world, faces condescension and humiliation from store clerks and Edward’s business associates. However, with Edward’s help (and his credit card), she undergoes a transformation. But the film makes it clear: this isn’t about her becoming someone new — it’s about the world finally seeing her worth.
The Transformation: More Than Appearance
In one of cinema’s most memorable montages, Vivian shops on Rodeo Drive, emerging in elegant dresses and radiating confidence. The iconic scene where she returns to a store that had refused her service, saying “Big mistake. Big. Huge.”, is pure cinematic satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Edward begins to change too. Under Vivian’s influence, he starts questioning his cutthroat business ethics. She encourages him to see people, not just profits. Their chemistry deepens, blurring the boundaries of their arrangement.
The Conflict: Reality Strikes Back
The fairy tale is interrupted when Edward’s ruthless lawyer, Philip Stuckey (Jason Alexander), discovers Vivian’s background. He treats her with cruelty and attempts to assault her — a dark reminder of the class and power dynamics that still separate their worlds. Edward defends her, and this confrontation forces him to realize how much he has changed.
Vivian, wounded by the humiliation, decides to leave. She tells Edward she wants more than being “kept” — she wants the full fairy tale, with someone who loves her for who she is.
Movie Ending
Edward, for the first time in his life, decides to take a risk not for business, but for love. In the movie’s unforgettable ending, he drives to Vivian’s apartment in a white limousine, clutching flowers, with opera music soaring in the background.
As he arrives, Vivian stands on her balcony — a callback to her dream of being rescued by a “knight” climbing a tower to save her. Edward climbs the fire escape, despite his fear of heights, symbolically fulfilling her fairy tale fantasy.
Their exchange is simple yet powerful:
- Vivian: “So what happens after he climbs up and rescues her?”
- Edward: “She rescues him right back.”
The film closes with a kiss, suggesting they will build a new life together — not as a rich man and a prostitute, but as two people who saved each other from loneliness and cynicism.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, Pretty Woman does not have any post-credits scenes. The story ends on a definitive, emotionally satisfying note with Edward and Vivian’s reunion.
Type of Movie
Pretty Woman is a romantic comedy-drama, blending elements of Cinderella-style fantasy with social commentary about wealth, class, and self-worth.
Cast
- Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward
- Richard Gere as Edward Lewis
- Jason Alexander as Philip Stuckey
- Laura San Giacomo as Kit De Luca
- Ralph Bellamy as James Morse
- Hector Elizondo as Barney Thompson
Film Music and Composer
The soundtrack, like the movie, became iconic. The most famous song is “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison, which plays during the opening credits. The score was composed by James Newton Howard, featuring romantic orchestral themes that heighten the emotional warmth and fairy tale tone.
Other notable songs include “It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette, which became a global hit.
Filming Locations
- Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills — Edward’s main residence and a symbol of wealth and luxury.
- Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles — where Vivian lives and first meets Edward.
- Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills — site of the iconic shopping montage.
- Los Angeles Theatre — where Edward takes Vivian to the opera, representing her introduction to high culture.
These real locations anchor the fantasy in recognizable American glamour, reinforcing the “Cinderella in LA” narrative.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Awards (1991): Nominated for Best Actress (Julia Roberts)
- Golden Globe Awards (1991): Julia Roberts won Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
- The film was also nominated for its music and screenplay at several other award ceremonies.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The original script, titled “3000”, was a dark drama about prostitution and drug abuse, not a love story. Disney reworked it into a romantic comedy.
- The iconic “necklace box snap” scene was improvised by Richard Gere — Julia Roberts’s surprised laughter was genuine.
- Garry Marshall often encouraged ad-libbing to make the characters’ chemistry feel authentic.
- Julia Roberts was only 21 when filming began; she became a global star overnight.
- Richard Gere almost didn’t take the role — it was Julia Roberts who convinced him during a meeting by handing him a note that said, “Please say yes.”
Inspirations and References
The movie draws loose inspiration from the Cinderella fairy tale: a poor woman meets a rich man who changes her life, but the film adds a feminist twist — Vivian isn’t waiting to be saved; she’s deciding what she wants from life.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The original ending of 3000 (the early script) was much darker. Edward threw Vivian out of the car, tossing her payment at her, and she returned to her life on the streets. There was no romantic reunion. This ending was scrapped once Disney reimagined the film as a romantic comedy.
Deleted scenes include:
- An extended scene of Vivian interacting with hotel staff, showing her growing friendship with them.
- A more detailed argument between Edward and Stuckey before the final confrontation.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Pretty Woman is not based on a book but was inspired by the idea of contrasting Los Angeles wealth and poverty during the 1980s. The tone and message changed dramatically during production to create a feel-good romantic story.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Edward and Vivian’s first night together — where their emotional connection begins.
- The shopping montage on Rodeo Drive (“Big mistake. Big. Huge.”).
- The opera date — Vivian’s teary-eyed reaction to La Traviata mirrors her own story.
- The fire escape finale — Edward’s symbolic climb to love.
Iconic Quotes
- “Big mistake. Big. Huge.”
- “I want the fairy tale.”
- “Welcome to Hollywood! What’s your dream?”
- “She rescues him right back.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The opera La Traviata, which Edward takes Vivian to see, is about a courtesan who falls in love with a rich man — a direct parallel to their story.
- Vivian’s red dress in the opera scene mirrors La Traviata’s lead character’s costume.
- The Lotus Esprit car was chosen because it symbolized luxury without being overly pretentious — much like Edward’s evolving personality.
Trivia
- The necklace in the movie was worth over $250,000 and was guarded by a security officer during filming.
- Julia Roberts’ red dress became one of the most iconic costumes in film history.
- The hotel’s manager, Barney (Hector Elizondo), was modeled after real Beverly Hills concierge staff.
- The movie grossed over $463 million worldwide, becoming one of the most successful romantic comedies ever made.
Why Watch?
Watch Pretty Woman because it’s not just a romance — it’s a transformation story about dignity, love, and second chances. The chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is electric, and the movie’s charm, humor, and emotional sincerity have made it timeless.
Director’s Other Movies
- Runaway Bride (1999)
- The Princess Diaries (2001)
- Beaches (1988)
- Valentine’s Day (2010)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Notting Hill (1999)
- Runaway Bride (1999)
- My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
- The Proposal (2009)
- 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
