Pretty Woman (1990)
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A wealthy corporate raider hires a Hollywood escort to accompany him during a week of high-stakes business dealings.
The story
After a chance encounter in the red-light district of Hollywood Boulevard, wealthy corporate raider Edward Lewis hires street walker Vivian Ward to accompany him for a week of business and social functions. As they navigate a series of high-profile events, the two begin to develop a complex relationship. While Edward focuses on his goal of acquiring a shipbuilding company, Vivian undergoes a transformation in her appearance and social etiquette. The story explores the growing connection between the two as they navigate the complexities of their differing social worlds and the demands of the corporate environment in Los Angeles.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Edward Lewis, a wealthy corporate raider, meets Vivian Ward, a street walker, in Hollywood's red-light district. He hires her for a week to accompany him during his attempt to acquire Jim Morse's shipbuilding company. During this time, Vivian is coached in etiquette and given a new wardrobe. Their relationship deepens as they attend events together, including a polo match and an opera in San Francisco. Amidst the tension of the business deal, Edward's lawyer, Philip, becomes suspicious of Vivian's role. After a confrontation where Philip's behavior leads to a physical altercation, Edward fires him and decides to work with Morse instead of dismantling his company. In the end, Edward offers Vivian a permanent arrangement, but she chooses to leave for a new life. He later finds her at her apartment, and they share a final kiss, fulfilling a childhood fantasy of being 'rescued'.
- First release year
- 1990
- Runtime (minutes)
- 119
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Garry Marshall
- Writers
- J. F. Lawton · writer
- Cast and characters
- Richard Gere · Edward Lewis; Julia Roberts · Vivian Ward; Ralph Bellamy · Jim Morse; Jason Alexander · Philip Stuckey; Héctor Elizondo · Barnard "Barney" Thompson; Laura San Giacomo · Kit De Luca; Alex Hyde-White · David Morse; Amy Yasbeck · Elizabeth Stuckey
- Genres
- romantic comedy; sex comedy
- Themes
- class; prostitution; romance
- Tone and mood
- lighthearted; fairytale
- Premise and plot tags
- romance; comedy; business; interclass romance
- Source material / true-story basis
- 1964 song "Oh, Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for the chemistry between the lead actors. It was a major commercial success, becoming one of the highest-grossing R-rated films of its time.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 51 · scale: 100 · review count: 18
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Globe Award · Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical · win
- Production trivia
- The original screenplay was titled 3000.; The film was originally intended to be a dark cautionary tale.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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