Pretty Woman is one of those timeless romantic comedies that continues to captivate audiences around the world. Its charm, wit, and unforgettable performances from Richard Gere and Julia Roberts have solidified the film as a classic. However, for all its brilliance, there are a few hidden mistakes and bloopers that many may not have noticed, even after multiple viewings. Let’s take a closer look at these amusing moments that add an extra layer of fun to this beloved film.
The Script’s Darker Origins
Many fans may not know that Pretty Woman was originally much darker than the version we all know and love. The initial screenplay, titled 3,000, was written by screenwriter J.F. Lawton and focused on more serious themes, such as societal disparity and corporate greed. However, when Disney took over the project, they reworked it into a more lighthearted romantic comedy, shifting the focus away from themes of class struggles and sex work in Los Angeles. This change ultimately turned the film into the iconic romantic comedy that became a massive hit, launching both Richard Gere and Julia Roberts into superstardom.
Al Pacino and the Role of Edward Lewis
It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Richard Gere playing the role of Edward Lewis, the wealthy businessman who hires Vivian (Julia Roberts) for a week. However, before Gere landed the role, the legendary Al Pacino was considered for the part. Pacino even participated in a casting reading with Julia Roberts but ultimately turned down the role. Although he liked the script, Pacino never shared his reasons for rejecting the part. In hindsight, he expressed admiration for Roberts’ performance, noting that it was clear from the reading that Pretty Woman was going to be a hit. Pacino’s instincts about the film’s success were spot on, as Roberts’ performance made the movie unforgettable.
The Croissant that Turned into a Pancake
One of the more amusing continuity errors in Pretty Woman happens during a breakfast scene where Vivian is enjoying a croissant while chatting with Edward. In a quick cut, the croissant mysteriously transforms into a pancake. Director Garry Marshall later revealed that he preferred Roberts’ performance while she was eating the pancake, so they kept the shot. However, this created a continuity issue. In the first shot with the pancake, Vivian takes a second bite, but in the next shot, the pancake is shown with only one bite missing, and the bite pattern is noticeably different—definitely not the same pancake!
The Iconic Red Dress and Fashion Choices
One of the most memorable moments in Pretty Woman is when Vivian wears the stunning red dress for the opera scene. This dress, which symbolized her transformation and empowerment, became an iconic fashion moment. The genius behind the design was Marilyn Vance, who also created the other unforgettable outfits worn by Julia Roberts’ character. The red dress is often described as “eye-catching, incredibly sexy without losing an ounce of elegance,” and it played a pivotal role in Vivian’s character arc.
Interestingly, the brown-and-white polka dot dress worn by Vivian during the horse race scene was crafted from old silk found in a small antique fabric shop in Los Angeles, a perfect example of creative and sustainable fashion. As for Richard Gere’s wardrobe, costume designer Vance coordinated his suits with great attention to detail, using brown, navy, and blue-gray tones to complement his character’s style.
Richard Gere’s Mysterious Tie
Another wardrobe detail that may go unnoticed is the tie Richard Gere’s character, Edward, wears throughout the film. This tie, which appears in several scenes, was not a designer piece, as many might think. In fact, costume designer Marilyn Vance picked it up for just $48 in a Los Angeles shop. Despite being a humble tie, it became a significant part of Edward’s look. There’s also an interesting continuity issue with the tie, as its knot changes throughout the film. In one scene, Edward’s tie is knotted in a half-Windsor, but later, it’s tied in a full-Windsor, with his shirt collar magically changing from a straight collar to a spread collar.
The Ruby and Diamond Necklace
In one of the most romantic scenes of Pretty Woman, Richard Gere’s character presents Julia Roberts with a luxurious ruby-and-diamond necklace. This necklace, valued at a staggering $250,000, was the real deal, and a security guard was stationed on set to ensure its safety. The jewelry not only added glamour to the scene but also highlighted the transformative moment for Vivian’s character. It’s fascinating to think that such an expensive piece of jewelry was part of the movie’s props.
The Jewelry Box Prank
The scene in which Edward presents Vivian with the necklace is iconic, but what many don’t know is that it was originally meant to be part of the film’s gag reel. The moment when the jewelry box snaps shut on Julia Roberts’ fingers was unscripted and was intended as a practical joke. Director Garry Marshall came up with the idea to surprise Roberts, who was sometimes tired after long days of filming. The result was a genuine laugh from Roberts, which director Marshall decided to keep in the final cut, turning a prank into one of the most memorable moments in the film.
Edward’s Disappearing Shoes
Another fun blooper in Pretty Woman involves Edward’s shoes. After leaving the opera, Edward lies down in the park, and in the process, Vivian removes his shoes. However, as he begins to lie down, the shoes mysteriously reappear in a later shot. This small continuity error is a charming reminder that even the most carefully planned scenes can have their quirky moments.
Money in the Boot
In another scene, Vivian hides $100 in her boot after Edward hands it to her in the penthouse. However, later in the film, when she takes off her boots, the money has mysteriously disappeared. Was it an intentional part of the story, or just a small oversight in filming? Either way, it’s a small moment that adds to the film’s charm.
The Colorful Condoms
When Vivian offers Edward a selection of colorful condoms, the scene features a small continuity error. The four condoms are initially arranged neatly, but in a later shot, their order has completely changed. This fun blooper adds a humorous touch to an already playful scene.
Richard Gere’s Feelings About His Character
Although Pretty Woman catapulted Richard Gere into stardom, he was not always entirely satisfied with his character, Edward. In a film festival in Venice, Gere described Edward as “criminally underwritten,” noting that his character was essentially just a man in a suit. Despite this, Gere’s chemistry with Julia Roberts brought the character to life, and their on-screen partnership remains one of the most beloved aspects of the film.
Conclusion: The Magic Behind Pretty Woman
Pretty Woman continues to be a beloved classic, filled with iconic moments, beautiful fashion, and unforgettable performances. Despite the occasional blooper or continuity error, these little mistakes only add to the film’s charm, making it even more enjoyable to watch again and again. Whether it’s the funny tie mishaps or the unscripted jewelry box prank, these moments remind us that Pretty Woman is more than just a romantic comedy—it’s a timeless film that still resonates with audiences today.
Did you spot any other bloopers in Pretty Woman? Share your favorite moments and join the fun!