Hector Elizondo (the hotel manager) really shines in his role. You think he's going to be this uptight guy, and he's so helpful and sweet. Great performance.
Yes, the original Greek legend of Pygmalion was the story of a sculptor who made a statue of "the ideal woman," and the gods (Aphrodite IIRC) brought it to life. In some versions of the story, the resulting woman was an innocent and he had to teach her how to act with others. George Shaw wrote a play called Pygmalion about a high class scholar who teaches a lower class woman how to act in upper class society. My Fair Lady is the play Pygmalion done as a musical. Pretty Woman is the play Pygmalion with the lower class woman as a sex worker. They're based on the same source. Pretty Woman = My Fair Lady - music + sex.
Another big influence is "The Lady of the Camellias" (about a courtesan who falls in love with a "respectable" man) and its operatic adaptation "La Traviata," which is the opera they go to.
Hector Elizondo was the MVP of this movie. Director Garry Marshall cast him in nearly all his films, calling him his "lucky rabbit's foot." That's why he's also in the Princess Diaries, Runaway Bride, Valentine's Day,, etc.
@@jsharp3165 He's always a delight to watch! I first saw him in Chicago Hope and always thought he deserved more recognition. I'm glad Garry Marshall provides me with more Hector.
I first got to know about him in a movie called Private Resort back in the mid-80s. I was working in a video store at the time and was getting into movies by Johnny Depp and John Cusack. He always played a solid role.
In the t.v. series, Monk, the fan favorite psychiatrist of Mr. Monk passed away in real life. Monk has to find a new therapist and Hector was cast in that role. I don't think any fans grumbled.
Jason Alexander was actually a Broadway actor. He was cast as George in Seinfeld because they wanted a very strong actor to help anchor Jerry for the sitcom.
@@horstrj Seinfeld was less than a year old when this movie came out, which means the series had barely started when this was filmed. Typecasting takes years and multiple roles to establish. He wouldn't have even known seinfeld would be popular at this point.
I can’t exaggerate how BIG this movie was when it first came out, it was no.1 for ever, so so many weeks, for an R rated rom com this was not typical, Disney got VERY lucky with this one, RIP Touchtone Pictures
The movie that made Julia Roberts a superstar was the 1988 coming-of-age film "Mystic Pizza." While she had appeared in other films before this, her standout performance in "Mystic Pizza" caught the attention of critics and audiences alike, and it is often credited as her breakthrough role. "Mystic Pizza" was the film that introduced her to audiences and showcased her talent for delivering complex and nuanced performances. "Steel Magnolias" proved that her breakthrough role was no fluke and demonstrated her ability to hold her own alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood. But it was "Pretty Woman" that truly launched her into the stratosphere, establishing her as one of the most sought-after and bankable actresses in the industry. The film's success proved that she had the star power to carry a major blockbuster and cemented her place as a true Hollywood icon.
@coldflamebluedragon196 and this movie shows that s.workers are valuablehuman beings only if they're white and attractive, they are "made for more than this", meanwhile the rest of them can stay in their sad lives.....
"Who's Carol Channing?" Oh, you sweet children. She was a star of stage, screen and TV for 60 years from the 1940's to the 2000's. She originated the starring roles in "Hello Dolly", and "Gentleman Prefer Blondes". Tony winner and many other awards.
It also depends on where you live, they are in Canada. I’m a lot older than them and from the UK. I’ve heard the name but I have no idea without googling her who she is, what she’s done or what she even looks like. I’ve seen thousands of movies, but never come across her. Oh maybe I have, but I’ve never realised it.
"Oh, you sweet children"...(often sarcastic) Someone who is naive, or who has never experienced hardship. Appropriate post, considering the two reactors above, were born almost 80 years after Channing was and 50 since she made her debut...that was also sarcasm...
@@camelia5170 Of the two films Runaway Bride is my favourite. In fact it could well be my favourite Julia Roberts movie simply because Of how much I relate to certain aspects of her character in the film.
Hector Elizondo's role as the Hotel Manager is what elevates this from a good film to a great film for me. His part is relatively small yet very important.....& I just love the actor. He was also great in the latter seasons of Monk.
💜💜 A lot of people say it's just an embarrassing movie about a millionaire and a prostitute, but it's not true! This movie is about two lonely people who met and helped each other! Their lives changed for the better! This is what this amazing movie is about - about HOPE! 💜💜 Thank you for your beautiful reactions!
The opera he takes her to is Verdi's La Traviata, the story of a cortesan that falls in love with a wealthy man who, despite her past (and reputation), loves her fully. There are quite a few parallels in the two stories.
the box slap was a goof that they left in because how perfectly real Julias reaction was. Hahaha omg "50 bucks gramps, for 75 the wife can watch" I used to say this randomly in the late 90s. For some reason I forgot that it was from this. lol
There's an old saying that says "If a movie ends with a wedding it is a comedy, if it starts with one it is a tragedy". I think a sequel probably wouldn't be a good idea.
@@DavidMeddowsTaylor First off, I agree that a sequel would be a bad idea. I mean, what story is there left to tell - that they have a daughter who goes into mom's line of work and meets her own Mr Right? Or they have a son who cruises hookers, and learns compassion when he finds out his mom used to be one? 😄 Secondly, I don't agree that a sequel would have to start with a wedding. It could begin years into their marriage. Even if they'd have made a sequel right away, it could have been handled that way. There's no reason why it would have to begin with a wedding.
He's a hell of an actor. In Quiz Show, he's a macho hustler; two years later, in The Birdcage, he's a gay servant who thinks his "hotness" will get him into the drag show. Remarkable.
Jason Alexander is so UNDERRATED it’s almost criminal. He’s actually one of my favorites. Truth be told, I had a weird crush on him but I always go for the odd ball. He’s played a genius killer on Criminal Minds once, it’s one of my favorite episodes, he was great….. creepy seeing him play such a bad guy.
It's super impressive when comedians play a darker side character. You know they just want to show that side of them. Larry Miller had a reprising role on the OG Law and Order and did an outstanding job in it.
@@artboymoy Oh man, Law and Order had several guest stars that were always good guys and much loved that played disturbingly evil characters. Even Robin Williams played a really bad guy along with Martin Short. He’s such an underrated actor.
Carol Channing (1921- 2019) was an American actress, comedian, singer and dancer who starred in Broadway and film musicals. Her characters usually had a fervent expressiveness and an easily identifiable voice, whether singing or for comedic effect.
George, your knowledge of classics in the romcom genre is really expanding quickly. As was said after "When Harry Met Sally" by many, when romcoms are done well, they appeal to anyone with any kind of heart. And great romcoms need a great story and most importantly, actors who actually have great chemistry together. Gere and Roberts are both perfectly cast in their roles, and Julia Roberts' smile has never been better. One of the many things I like about the film is that there are plenty of characters in the film who actually treat Vivian with respect and human dignity. Weaker films would have gone with "everyone except Edward sees her as a whore" angle.
Hector Elizando is my favorite side character in this film. You're right, George -- they circumvent the usual stereotype and surprise you with his decency. I love that so much. (And you think he's just going to help with the clothes, but then he shows her how all the fancy silverware works. Barney is a sweetheart.)
The "sweet old man" in this movie is played by veteran actor Ralph Bellamy, who has been perfectly villainous elsewhere, as in Rosemary's Baby and the comedy Trading Places starring Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, and Jamie Lee Curtis. I had a bit of a crush on Laura San Giacomo, the actress who played Vivian's friend Kat, when she starred in the TV comedy show Just Shoot Me. Finally, to appreciate the full range of actor Hector Elizondo, who plays the nice manager, you may want to catch him in the excellent original crime thriller The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, in which he plays an ex-Mafia hood threating to shoot someone's pee-pee off. Thanks, guys.
Yes, George, it's a retelling of My Fair Lady, which is a retelling of George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, which is a retelling of the Pygmalion and Galatea story in Ovid's poem Metamorphoses. Pygmalion and Galatea are characters based on Greek mythology. There's another retelling - the novel "Trilby" by George du Maurier, from which comes the term 'Svengali', who is the male protagonist.
George, you had a good catch with Julia's boisterous laugh in the scene with the red dress when Edward playfully snaps the jewelry shut on her hand. Richard Gere did that as a joke in the moment, surprising Julia, so she laughed that wonderfully delighted laugh, and Garry Marshall the director thought it was really charming and funny and decided to keep it in the film. It's a great laugh, isn't it?
Yeah, you want to surprise a girl, take her to the ballet or the opera. One of my fave memories was getting tickets to The Nutcracker for me, my wife, and our two daughters. Called her from work and told her to dress herself and the girls up really nice and be ready when I get home. I got home, changed clothes, and drove us all downtown, never told them where we were going. We walked in and they were looking around at the huge lobby and all the other people dressed up so fine, and my wife finally made the connection. "Are we at the BALLET?!" She and the girls got so excited. One of the best nights out ever.
G.B. Shaw's Pygmalion is based on a Greek myth about a sculptor who fell in love with his own statue. My Fair Lady is basically Shaw's Pygmalion, but Shaw hated the ending. I don't think the idea of someone falling in love with their own creation is applicable to Pretty Woman - if anything, it's based on the opera they're watching - La Traviata.
@@lisakovanen1975 Exactly; this isn't Pygmalion/MFL. He wants to spend time with her (and falls in love with her) as she is. It's just the age-old "lovers from opposite side of the tracks" thing.
@@lisakovanen1975 It's of course not exactly the same, but he, and more so the hotel manager, are very much changing her into a more "high class" woman. Clothes, manners, to _some_ degree language, ...
The scene with the necklace when Edward shuts the box on Vivian's hand and startled her was not in the script. Richard Gear did it spontaneously and the director liked Julia Roberts' genuine laugh so much that he left it in the film. Also, my favorite scene in the movie is where Vivian goes back into the snobby ladies store and shoves their attitude in their faces, "I have to go shopping now!".
The whole thing was loosely scripted, viggo mortensen kicked a helmet & injured himself when he was filming another movie, and to relax walked downtown LA and came across prostitute Julia. Due to his injury, they got Richard Gere to step in for the riole, and as they say, the rest is history.
@@fredfinks Bullshit. not possible. Pretty Woman was filmed in Mid-1989 and the first Lord Of The Rings didnt start filming until 10 years later. The scene in which Mortensen broke his toe was even in the second movie (granted they were all filmed simultaneously).
@@IH8YH Its very much real, and i wasnt talking about LOR, Viggo was filming Predator, and in the final fight scene he kicked the predators helmet. Due to injury, he couldnt continue, so they brought in Leo Dicaprio, but he cut his hand on a glass while filming another movie, so thats when they brought in Arnie.
I actually had a somewhat similar experience in the early 90s (in Germany). I went to this exoensive store and tried a few dress on, decided to buy one and then asked for matching accessories. The lady sniffed at me and said "well you'll find them cheaper somewhere else". I said "oh thanks! Do you also know where I can find better customer service?"
America's Sweethearts (2001) with Julia Roberts, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Billy Crystal, Hank Azaria, Stanley Tucci, Seth Green, & Christopher Walken. A rom-com send up of the Hollywood studio PR machine. Still funny.
9:36 I'm impressed by the fact that she just _happens_ to know how to tie a Windsor. I think that's one of those skills we're _all_ well advised to have. You never know when you might have to put on a tie.
The original script is much darker. It ends with Gere and Roberts getting into an argument in his limo and he stops it, throws her out, and tosses her a wad of cash that she collects and then uses to go to Disneyland with her roommate.
"The plot of The film Pretty Woman is a loosely based iteration of the screenplay and 1964 film My Fair Lady, with Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison " IMDB
While "Pretty Woman" was an original screenplay written by J.F. Lawton, it does have some similarities to the classic musical "My Fair Lady," which was based on George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion." Both stories center around a wealthy man who takes on a project to transform a lower-class woman into a sophisticated lady. In "My Fair Lady," the man is a linguistics professor named Henry Higgins, while in "Pretty Woman," the man is a wealthy businessman named Edward Lewis. Both films also share similar themes of class differences, transformation, and the power dynamics between men and women. And while "Pretty Woman" is a modernized, romanticized version of the story, the inspiration from "My Fair Lady" and "Pygmalion" is clear.
The director of this movie is Garry Marshall RIP, here he met the Hotel manager actor (that I forgot the name of), and ever since he appeared in every movie directed by the late Garry Marshall, "The Princess Diaries" being one of them (two actually...) There he was "Joe" the bodyguard. Oh, BTW, the original name of the Screenplay was "$3000", and it was decided during production. Great reaction from you two. 😀
Hector Elizondo plays Joe in the Princess Diaries. There are also two other actors from this movie that play small parts in that movie (the guy who does the makeover for Mia is in the shop where Vivian finally gets to use Edward's credit card and the liftboy of the hotel is the neighbor of the Thermopolis house)
@@adrianaheiler9794 True! Also, the scene where Mia f***ed up the dinner, the waiter was also from this movies' dinner scene. Garry Marshall was very loyal to his favorite actors.
@@toriecarter2711 I really need to check as I haven't seen Pretty Woman in years, but it was one of my mom's favourite movies. I do remember the other two actors though (and Hector of course). I guess it's time for a rewatch. I do remember Runaway Bride though and Christopher Meloni being Julia's goofy boyfriend in this - long before I knew him as hardass cop in SVU! 🤭
And this is a disney movie! "Pretty Woman is a 1990 romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere that was released by Disney through Touchstone Pictures"
In regards to the discussion at the end about what happens after the movie ends. You know a "happy" ending doesn't necessarily mean some fairy tale rest of life story. Sometimes things end up not working out/lasting forever, but that's fine. The point is that they both found someone that they not only might love, but perhaps more importantly they were both willing to actually express that feeling & give a more serious relationship a shot. They both inspired the other into making changes in their own life that they so desperately wanted to make but were afraid to actually do. She changed him into being willing to open himself up to someone else [more so then he previously ever imagined possible,] & inspired him to take a chance at using his business to help build up businesses more like he imagined when he was a child. And he inspired her to take the chance at changing her life which she didn't really want to be in, as shown by her deciding to move to San Francisco. So, even if somewhere down the line the relationship ends up not being what one or both of them wanted & it ends it doesn't change the fact that it would be a good, "happy" story because they will have helped one another be more like the person they want themselves to be.
@@waynecanning4122 After 30+ years of her being an established star, it is just so cool to look back at a then relatively unknown just lighting up the screen.
Perfect example of excellent character development in movies. Both people are very different, and both are very flawed. They get to save each other. Really satisfying to watch.
The original ending for this film was pretty brutal, so we can be grateful for what we got. If you haven't seen the theatre version (not the film) of Into the Woods, it explores exactly that: the idea of "after" happily ever after. Any decently sized city is going to have a low budget community theatre company that occasionally puts on operas. They're not usually up to the standards of the Metropolitan Opera, but you can still see some good performances, and they're affordable, too.
18:17 I saw a doc about the bts of this movie and they were telling, while they were in a rush making the movie, the clothes designer didn't know how to dress her for this scene. By chance they found a piece of cloth in the back of the warehouse and that dress became iconic and LOVED by the public
There was an interesting movie called Paris When It Sizzles that was made in the 1960s. In it, one character says that the second oldest story is Frankenstein and then suggests that Frankenstein and Pygmalion are essentially the same story about a creator who's creation outgrows him. I only mention this because this film is basically a modern update of Pygmalion, only with a prostitute instead of a flower girl.
For the two movie reaction people: This is a favorite part of this movie for me!! It reflects on how people preceve each other's first impression & how they can be wrong!!
The manager is my favorite character in the movie. He's a genuinely nice guy. He is apparently the day manager, but knows the name of the overnight elevator guy (and probably most everyone else on staff), and he takes opportunities to help his people learn (the scuff mark). At the end he makes it known that the limo could take Edward to Vivian, but is not nosey about it. That part was just so well played.
You called it, and I'm sure other people have already commented this. When he closed the necklace box on our hand that was a genuine reaction. It was never in the script, it was just something Richard Gere did on the spot.
21:10 I thought the same thing. I went to go see the Wagner series; even though I speak German, they're singing so you don't know what they're really saying. I watched it with a playbill that said "Act 1: Odin is pissed. He talks to..." etc., though with more elevated language. Knowing what was happening allowed me to focus on the singing and the performances so now I love opera (so long as I know what's happening). If you want something that's just beautiful and tragic without any context, check out "Thy Hand Belinda." It's in English and even if you don't know what's happening it's very moving. If you want a solid comedy, can't go wrong with "Don Pasquale."
Back in the 90's, I delivered to downtown LA, Beverly hills, west la and Hollywood areas. One day it was a really bright day and my shades broke. So while delivering in BH to a ski shop. As the guy was signing for the freight, I looked at the shades case. I heard him say under his breath, "I hate nosy delivery people". Well I didn't buy there, waited till I got to Hollywood. But every time I see the scene where they shop turns her away. It makes me wish I could have had a pretty man moment. Gone to BH, buy a bunch of stuff, then walk into that store and rub it in his face. 😅😢
Crazy coincidence. The pretty woman theme tune was playing on the radio in my work today, and yes there was a bunch of overweight guys in their 40s and 50s singing along... and yes it was as funny as it sounds. Funniest part, across the yard is another building doing fabric parts for our production line and mostly staffed with women who finish half hour earlier than us... they walked out right innthe middle of the song to a bunch of guys singing... yes we serenaded half our workforce by pure fluke 😂😂😂
27:48 in regards to hotel managers in movies (whilst he wasn’t the manager) Michael J Fox in The Conceirge (also known apparently as ‘For Love or Money) is good. Anyone else remember that movie?
What George said at the end about "what happens after" there's a Danish movie called "Love You for Now" which explores just that. It basically shows you the normal romcom stuff in act 1, and then the rest of the movie is them actually being in a relationship, and going through all that. Highly recommend it, maybe not for the channel, but just to watch one day
I assumed that I liked this so much as a kid because I was a kid, but re-watching it here I still think it's great. Julia Roberts is absolutely amazing.
Now you have to watch Runaway Bride. It's the unofficial sequel to Pretty Woman. Totally different story and characters, but it reprises Julia, Richard and Hector Elizondo.
This was my favorite movie for over a decade. I feel like [as a dude], I should be embarrassed about that, but.... I remain unembarressed to this day, decades later.
I've always maintained even the most masculine of men is allowed a "Top 5 Chick Flick" list. Pretty Woman is at the top of mine. Along with You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle along with 2 others I can't remember right now 😆
@@sundalangur3250 44-year old hetero guy here. I LOVE 13 Going On 30, it's really charming, and Jennifer Garner is always a great watch. Good films are good films, regardless of 'who they are for'.
The nice old man who played the shipyard owner was played by Ralph Bellamy, who usually played second leads in the great Hollywood movies of the thirties and forties. You really need to see him in "His Girl Friday" (1940). He also won a Tony award for playing Franklin D. Roosevelt in "Sunrise at Campobello" and had an Oscar nomination for the film version. By the way, his mother was born in Hamilton, Ontario and he toured Canada during World War Two selling bonds.
And if you remember Trading Places (reviewed here) he plays Randolph, one of the Duke brothers, a very different character not at all nearly as likeable.
@@ericmarois6960 To list the number of movies Ralph Bellamy appeared in and the number of different kinds of characters he played would fill up the comments section. Personally, I like the old movies, like "Lady on a Train" (1945).
No Richard Gere was the pros in American Gigolo. Carol Channing was a famous comedian back in Lucy's day. She also sang at the halftime show of the first Super Bowl.
It's an original script though it did take some points from Fair Lady. The original ending supposedly was a big mystery for a long time and became a topic of debate in the industry, but it seriously was kind cute as well, just very realistic. There's even an episode of ''The movies that made us'' on Netflix about this film. It was an incredible hit.
13:45 While I don't *know* that this story is a '90's retelling of Shaw's Pygmalion (in the way Clueless was an intentional retelling of Austen's Emma), there themes are so similar, and Pygmalion is so well known (through stuff like My Fair Lady), that I don't think it is coincidental. 21:30 They are attending a performance of Verdi's "La Traviata." The choice of this opera for the film must be deliberate. La Traviata is about the love story between a young nobleman (Alfredo) and a courtesan (Violetta) who runs a popular salon in Paris. Alfredo takes Violetta out to his estate in the countryside to take her away from the life, but while he is away, Alfredo's father visits her and convinces her to leave him so as to not endanger the marriage prospects of Alfredo's sister. The scene in the movie is the end of the 2nd act where Violetta is telling Alfredo goodbye without telling him why. Alfredo, jealous and thinking that Violetta has returned to her former sponsor, goes to her salon, wins a lot of money gambling there, then humiliates her by throwing it at her, causing her to collapse, upon which time his father appears to rebuke him for his boorish conduct. The opera ends with a regretful Alfredo and his father visiting Violetta's bedchamber where she is dying of a consumption (or the mor romantic explanation - she is pining away for love of Alfredo; I'm a realist so I am going with TB as the cause); they reconcile, and Violetta, delirious, thinks she is recovering right before falling down dead. Anyway, Pretty Woman is also about a rich and important guy taking the fallen woman out of the streets, but the movie has a fairytale ending rather than the tragic one in the opera. The return of the aria from La Traviata at the end of Pretty Woman is ironic.
I love movies of Garry Marshall, because the side characters are played by his favourite actors....and they are truly special in their roles: Hector Elizondo, Patrick Richwood and Larry Miller.
The older businessman was veteran actor Ralph Bellamy in his final appearance (he'd also played one of the 2 brothers in "Trading Places" a few years earlier)🎩
So there's two bloopers in the movie..... 1.Where Julia's eating breakfast the Richard orders for her... it goes from being a pancake to a croissant back to a pancake AND 2. when Richard is putting the necklace on her in the red dress .. it goes from being pearls in the case to ruby's on her neck.🥰 The Sequel was a non sequel sequel howl.... kinda like "You've got Mail" was to "Sleepless In Seattle" and that was "Runaway Bride" different story but had both Richard & Julia in it.
Carol Channing was a comedienne, actress, movie star and singer from the 40's 50's and on and was Dolly in a Hello Dolly stage version. Her voice was iconic and a world wonder as it had a Joplin type harsh quality that could break a mirror. However, she made it work and acted until her retirement. Check out Thoroughly Modern Millie (either for the show, or not) and a bunch of other things should come up
Carol Channing was a comedian/singer (Diamonds are a Girls best friend). Here's a clip that explains Julia's question wherein she's being funny: th-cam.com/video/BEetiSN59Cw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5TUdnsRwxKqbr9VZ
I love how much you talked about her outfits. Here’s some extra Pretty Woman trivia… or maybe it’s Ted Lasso trivia? That’s right, several of Keeley’s outfits are directly inspired by Vivian’s wardrobe from this film. The outfit from the first night, the brown polka dot ensemble she wore to polo, and I believe the red dress was the third.
One of my favorite films. There's a lot of great little tidbits but here's an unusual one. The waiter that catches the food and says, "it happens all the time," is cast in "Princess Dairies" for the near exact same part and line. :)
High end hotels operate a concierge service. It's less used now with the internet, but their job is to take care of whatever the guests need. That could be something like getting tickets to a show, setting up a taxi or linking them up with a tailor. Good concierge were known for having contacts everywhere.
Tim Roth plays a bellhop put in charge on NYE when the Manager stays home sick. it has 4 stories with 4 Directors, and it is called Four Rooms. Absolutely epic 90s Cinema time capsule. And Tim might make your list of favorite hotel Managers after seeing it. :)
Carol Channing of _Hello, Dolly!_ Yes, it was real! The director suggested snapping the lid shut. Didn't warn her. Jason Alexander is a big Trekkie, so he was thrilled to play a character on _Star Trek._ He was also a very different character, albeit comical, in _Shallow Hal_ with Gwyneth Paltrow & Jack Black.
The hotel manager is essentially Vivian's fairy godfather, granting wishes and giving advice. I adore his character. 🥰
Hector Elizondo does such a great job with that type of character.
Hector Elizondo (the hotel manager) really shines in his role. You think he's going to be this uptight guy, and he's so helpful and sweet. Great performance.
He is the 'fairy godmother' :)
I always loved this actor since I first watched him. I just don't remember where, but once I noticed him, he kept popping up everywhere
I always love him as Joe from Princess Diaries. Can't forget about the garbage man from Overboard, "Foca!" 😂
I love him in the Princess Diaries, too.
Nuyorican legend
George was absolutely right. The DNA of My Fair Lady is all over this, right down to the polo match.
Yeah, both of them are pretty much adaptations of Pygmalion. Do you mean the Ascot scene in My Fair Lady?
Yes, the original Greek legend of Pygmalion was the story of a sculptor who made a statue of "the ideal woman," and the gods (Aphrodite IIRC) brought it to life. In some versions of the story, the resulting woman was an innocent and he had to teach her how to act with others. George Shaw wrote a play called Pygmalion about a high class scholar who teaches a lower class woman how to act in upper class society. My Fair Lady is the play Pygmalion done as a musical. Pretty Woman is the play Pygmalion with the lower class woman as a sex worker. They're based on the same source. Pretty Woman = My Fair Lady - music + sex.
Another big influence is "The Lady of the Camellias" (about a courtesan who falls in love with a "respectable" man) and its operatic adaptation "La Traviata," which is the opera they go to.
Hector Elizondo was the MVP of this movie. Director Garry Marshall cast him in nearly all his films, calling him his "lucky rabbit's foot." That's why he's also in the Princess Diaries, Runaway Bride, Valentine's Day,, etc.
@@jsharp3165 He's always a delight to watch! I first saw him in Chicago Hope and always thought he deserved more recognition. I'm glad Garry Marshall provides me with more Hector.
I first got to know about him in a movie called Private Resort back in the mid-80s. I was working in a video store at the time and was getting into movies by Johnny Depp and John Cusack. He always played a solid role.
In the t.v. series, Monk, the fan favorite psychiatrist of Mr. Monk passed away in real life. Monk has to find a new therapist and Hector was cast in that role. I don't think any fans grumbled.
Don't forget Overboard!
He has a similarly sized role in Taking Care Of Business with Jim Belushi, though the character is decidedly meaner. He plays it perfectly, of course.
Jason Alexander was actually a Broadway actor. He was cast as George in Seinfeld because they wanted a very strong actor to help anchor Jerry for the sitcom.
I think he took this role specifically to distance himself from the George typecast.
Good to know.
@@horstrj Seinfeld was less than a year old when this movie came out, which means the series had barely started when this was filmed. Typecasting takes years and multiple roles to establish. He wouldn't have even known seinfeld would be popular at this point.
That explains his part in young Sheldon then.
Duckman!
I can’t exaggerate how BIG this movie was when it first came out, it was no.1 for ever, so so many weeks, for an R rated rom com this was not typical, Disney got VERY lucky with this one, RIP Touchtone Pictures
Yep, George - Richard slapping the box lid on Julia's fingers was real and not in the script - and they kept it in! Good catch.
Yep, His laugh is so genuine in the scene.
This film was the one that made Julia Roberts a superstar and resurrected Richard Gere’s career
The movie that made Julia Roberts a superstar was the 1988 coming-of-age film "Mystic Pizza." While she had appeared in other films before this, her standout performance in "Mystic Pizza" caught the attention of critics and audiences alike, and it is often credited as her breakthrough role. "Mystic Pizza" was the film that introduced her to audiences and showcased her talent for delivering complex and nuanced performances. "Steel Magnolias" proved that her breakthrough role was no fluke and demonstrated her ability to hold her own alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
But it was "Pretty Woman" that truly launched her into the stratosphere, establishing her as one of the most sought-after and bankable actresses in the industry. The film's success proved that she had the star power to carry a major blockbuster and cemented her place as a true Hollywood icon.
@coldflamebluedragon196 and this movie shows that s.workers are valuablehuman beings only if they're white and attractive, they are "made for more than this", meanwhile the rest of them can stay in their sad lives.....
@@zedwpdMystic Pizza had a box office of $14 million. But got her noticed. Pretty Woman box office was $463 million. Making her a movie star.
@@zedwpd This movie and Mystic Pizza showed that Julia Roberts got her start as a slut/prostitute.
@@Dularr Indeed. Mystic Pizza got her noticed. Steel Magnolias gave her heat, with the supporting actress nod. Pretty Woman made her a movie star.
"Who's Carol Channing?" Oh, you sweet children. She was a star of stage, screen and TV for 60 years from the 1940's to the 2000's. She originated the starring roles in "Hello Dolly", and "Gentleman Prefer Blondes". Tony winner and many other awards.
It also depends on where you live, they are in Canada. I’m a lot older than them and from the UK. I’ve heard the name but I have no idea without googling her who she is, what she’s done or what she even looks like.
I’ve seen thousands of movies, but never come across her. Oh maybe I have, but I’ve never realised it.
"Oh, you sweet children"...(often sarcastic) Someone who is naive, or who has never experienced hardship.
Appropriate post, considering the two reactors above, were born almost 80 years after Channing was and 50 since she made her debut...that was also sarcasm...
Years later they reunited for Runaway Bride. Sweet, even funnier, same great chemistry.
@@camelia5170 Of the two films Runaway Bride is my favourite. In fact it could well be my favourite Julia Roberts movie simply because Of how much I relate to certain aspects of her character in the film.
That’s a fun movie as well!
Ooooh I hope they watch runaway bride!!!
@@marilynmuerta2905 Me too!
Hector Elizondo's role as the Hotel Manager is what elevates this from a good film to a great film for me. His part is relatively small yet very important.....& I just love the actor. He was also great in the latter seasons of Monk.
💜💜 A lot of people say it's just an embarrassing movie about a millionaire and a prostitute, but it's not true! This movie is about two lonely people who met and helped each other! Their lives changed for the better! This is what this amazing movie is about - about HOPE! 💜💜 Thank you for your beautiful reactions!
The opera he takes her to is Verdi's La Traviata, the story of a cortesan that falls in love with a wealthy man who, despite her past (and reputation), loves her fully. There are quite a few parallels in the two stories.
the box slap was a goof that they left in because how perfectly real Julias reaction was. Hahaha omg "50 bucks gramps, for 75 the wife can watch" I used to say this randomly in the late 90s. For some reason I forgot that it was from this. lol
There's an old saying that says "If a movie ends with a wedding it is a comedy, if it starts with one it is a tragedy". I think a sequel probably wouldn't be a good idea.
well this movie had no wedding
@@zedwpd Which would imply that a sequel would start with a wedding, right?
@@DavidMeddowsTaylor First off, I agree that a sequel would be a bad idea. I mean, what story is there left to tell - that they have a daughter who goes into mom's line of work and meets her own Mr Right? Or they have a son who cruises hookers, and learns compassion when he finds out his mom used to be one? 😄
Secondly, I don't agree that a sequel would have to start with a wedding. It could begin years into their marriage. Even if they'd have made a sequel right away, it could have been handled that way. There's no reason why it would have to begin with a wedding.
I agree with you.
Runaway Bride.
“Who’s Carol Channing?” 😩 also, “is that what that is?” re: I Love Lucy…I am SO old. 😢😂
Same. Luckily, I have co-workers at my job who don't know The Police, U2 or The Eurythmics, so my ability to be shocked has been dulled.
Yep. Same. I grew up in the 70s and 80s. Most of my coworkers are millennials. So my clever references are dated and get blank looks.
I don't think George not recognizing I Love Lucy is because he's young, I think it's more because he grew up elsewhere.
31:17 Watch the original Arthur then Arthur 2 for what happens after.
@@Baiko What makes you think that's a more likely explanation than his age?
Hank Azaria shows up at the most random times 😂 like dodgeball
"You gotta be happy. Like the hippo, you know?"
No one expects the Hankish Inquisition!
He's a hell of an actor. In Quiz Show, he's a macho hustler; two years later, in The Birdcage, he's a gay servant who thinks his "hotness" will get him into the drag show. Remarkable.
Jason Alexander is so UNDERRATED it’s almost criminal. He’s actually one of my favorites. Truth be told, I had a weird crush on him but I always go for the odd ball. He’s played a genius killer on Criminal Minds once, it’s one of my favorite episodes, he was great….. creepy seeing him play such a bad guy.
It's super impressive when comedians play a darker side character. You know they just want to show that side of them. Larry Miller had a reprising role on the OG Law and Order and did an outstanding job in it.
@@artboymoy Oh man, Law and Order had several guest stars that were always good guys and much loved that played disturbingly evil characters. Even Robin Williams played a really bad guy along with Martin Short. He’s such an underrated actor.
Carol Channing (1921- 2019) was an American actress, comedian, singer and dancer who starred in Broadway and film musicals. Her characters usually had a fervent expressiveness and an easily identifiable voice, whether singing or for comedic effect.
"Jam tomorrow, jam yesterday, but never ever jam today"
Plus the very blonde bob hairdo, which is the connecting thread to the comment in the movie.
George, your knowledge of classics in the romcom genre is really expanding quickly. As was said after "When Harry Met Sally" by many, when romcoms are done well, they appeal to anyone with any kind of heart. And great romcoms need a great story and most importantly, actors who actually have great chemistry together. Gere and Roberts are both perfectly cast in their roles, and Julia Roberts' smile has never been better. One of the many things I like about the film is that there are plenty of characters in the film who actually treat Vivian with respect and human dignity. Weaker films would have gone with "everyone except Edward sees her as a whore" angle.
How nice seeing George connecting with this story.
I almost choked on my coffee when George said "I'm having a good tine" 😆
Hector Elizando is my favorite side character in this film. You're right, George -- they circumvent the usual stereotype and surprise you with his decency. I love that so much. (And you think he's just going to help with the clothes, but then he shows her how all the fancy silverware works. Barney is a sweetheart.)
The "sweet old man" in this movie is played by veteran actor Ralph Bellamy, who has been perfectly villainous elsewhere, as in Rosemary's Baby and the comedy Trading Places starring Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, and Jamie Lee Curtis. I had a bit of a crush on Laura San Giacomo, the actress who played Vivian's friend Kat, when she starred in the TV comedy show Just Shoot Me. Finally, to appreciate the full range of actor Hector Elizondo, who plays the nice manager, you may want to catch him in the excellent original crime thriller The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, in which he plays an ex-Mafia hood threating to shoot someone's pee-pee off. Thanks, guys.
RIP Gary Marshall. Thanks for directing this film and many beloved others.
Yes, George, it's a retelling of My Fair Lady, which is a retelling of George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, which is a retelling of the Pygmalion and Galatea story in Ovid's poem Metamorphoses. Pygmalion and Galatea are characters based on Greek mythology. There's another retelling - the novel "Trilby" by George du Maurier, from which comes the term 'Svengali', who is the male protagonist.
For me, it's more La Traviata than My Fair Lady (based on Pygmalion).
You have to watch "An officer and gentleman". Awesome.
"Who's Carol Channing?" These kids today!😂
Thought that Canadians are very familiar w/ "Whose Line Is It Anyway" where there are plenty of Carol Channing references.
George, you had a good catch with Julia's boisterous laugh in the scene with the red dress when Edward playfully snaps the jewelry shut on her hand. Richard Gere did that as a joke in the moment, surprising Julia, so she laughed that wonderfully delighted laugh, and Garry Marshall the director thought it was really charming and funny and decided to keep it in the film. It's a great laugh, isn't it?
George, you called it. It’s the “pygmalion motive”, George Bernard Shaws play. The musical and movie version is called “My fair lady”
Based on the ancient Greek story Galatea (?)
Yeah, you want to surprise a girl, take her to the ballet or the opera. One of my fave memories was getting tickets to The Nutcracker for me, my wife, and our two daughters. Called her from work and told her to dress herself and the girls up really nice and be ready when I get home. I got home, changed clothes, and drove us all downtown, never told them where we were going. We walked in and they were looking around at the huge lobby and all the other people dressed up so fine, and my wife finally made the connection. "Are we at the BALLET?!" She and the girls got so excited. One of the best nights out ever.
Awww. Lovely.
YOU CAN SHUT IT. RIGHT NOW. You elitist. Thanks byeee
@@albertjimeno807 WTF?!
13:42 -technically the basis of the story is "Pygmalion" . "My Fair Lady" is also based on it.
Correct, Julias character was changed to a girl of the night at the last minute, as the location scouts couldnt find enough chimneys in LA.
No it's not Pygmalion/My Fair Lady. He is not changeing her. He is not correcting her language.
G.B. Shaw's Pygmalion is based on a Greek myth about a sculptor who fell in love with his own statue. My Fair Lady is basically Shaw's Pygmalion, but Shaw hated the ending.
I don't think the idea of someone falling in love with their own creation is applicable to Pretty Woman - if anything, it's based on the opera they're watching - La Traviata.
@@lisakovanen1975 Exactly; this isn't Pygmalion/MFL. He wants to spend time with her (and falls in love with her) as she is. It's just the age-old "lovers from opposite side of the tracks" thing.
@@lisakovanen1975 It's of course not exactly the same, but he, and more so the hotel manager, are very much changing her into a more "high class" woman. Clothes, manners, to _some_ degree language, ...
The scene with the necklace when Edward shuts the box on Vivian's hand and startled her was not in the script. Richard Gear did it spontaneously and the director liked Julia Roberts' genuine laugh so much that he left it in the film.
Also, my favorite scene in the movie is where Vivian goes back into the snobby ladies store and shoves their attitude in their faces, "I have to go shopping now!".
The whole thing was loosely scripted, viggo mortensen kicked a helmet & injured himself when he was filming another movie, and to relax walked downtown LA and came across prostitute Julia. Due to his injury, they got Richard Gere to step in for the riole, and as they say, the rest is history.
@@fredfinks Bullshit. not possible. Pretty Woman was filmed in Mid-1989 and the first Lord Of The Rings didnt start filming until 10 years later. The scene in which Mortensen broke his toe was even in the second movie (granted they were all filmed simultaneously).
@@IH8YH Its very much real, and i wasnt talking about LOR, Viggo was filming Predator, and in the final fight scene he kicked the predators helmet. Due to injury, he couldnt continue, so they brought in Leo Dicaprio, but he cut his hand on a glass while filming another movie, so thats when they brought in Arnie.
I actually had a somewhat similar experience in the early 90s (in Germany). I went to this exoensive store and tried a few dress on, decided to buy one and then asked for matching accessories. The lady sniffed at me and said "well you'll find them cheaper somewhere else".
I said "oh thanks! Do you also know where I can find better customer service?"
The whole movie was kind of improvised. That's why.
America's Sweethearts (2001) with Julia Roberts, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Billy Crystal, Hank Azaria, Stanley Tucci, Seth Green, & Christopher Walken. A rom-com send up of the Hollywood studio PR machine. Still funny.
“Kiki! Kiki I smell smoke, who’s smoking?” 😂 love that movie
@@KrystalAnn0688 Exactly! People are sleeping on that movie.
George... you were right. It is like My Fair Lady because both are interpretations of Pygmalion.
9:36 I'm impressed by the fact that she just _happens_ to know how to tie a Windsor.
I think that's one of those skills we're _all_ well advised to have. You never know when you might have to put on a tie.
For some more Julia Roberts movies I recommend Steele Magnolias, Flatliners, Mystic Pizza, and Sleeping with the Enemy.
Love "Mystic Pizza" Good cjoice!
As a Mexican, I appreciate the fact that the movie poster was in spanish
The original script is much darker. It ends with Gere and Roberts getting into an argument in his limo and he stops it, throws her out, and tosses her a wad of cash that she collects and then uses to go to Disneyland with her roommate.
Wow glad they didn’t choose that ending
Vivian: (in her gorgeous red dress) Where are we going?
Edward: It's a surprise.
George: WRESTLEMANIA!!!!
Me: 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
"The plot of The film Pretty Woman is a loosely based iteration of the screenplay and 1964 film My Fair Lady, with Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison " IMDB
It's funny that the first Kingsman movie pointed this out.
While "Pretty Woman" was an original screenplay written by J.F. Lawton, it does have some similarities to the classic musical "My Fair Lady," which was based on George Bernard Shaw's play "Pygmalion."
Both stories center around a wealthy man who takes on a project to transform a lower-class woman into a sophisticated lady. In "My Fair Lady," the man is a linguistics professor named Henry Higgins, while in "Pretty Woman," the man is a wealthy businessman named Edward Lewis.
Both films also share similar themes of class differences, transformation, and the power dynamics between men and women. And while "Pretty Woman" is a modernized, romanticized version of the story, the inspiration from "My Fair Lady" and "Pygmalion" is clear.
@@zedwpd Thank you, ChatGPT 😉
The director of this movie is Garry Marshall RIP, here he met the Hotel manager actor (that I forgot the name of), and ever since he appeared in every movie directed by the late Garry Marshall, "The Princess Diaries" being one of them (two actually...) There he was "Joe" the bodyguard. Oh, BTW, the original name of the Screenplay was "$3000", and it was decided during production. Great reaction from you two. 😀
Hector Elizondo plays Joe in the Princess Diaries. There are also two other actors from this movie that play small parts in that movie (the guy who does the makeover for Mia is in the shop where Vivian finally gets to use Edward's credit card and the liftboy of the hotel is the neighbor of the Thermopolis house)
@@adrianaheiler9794 True! Also, the scene where Mia f***ed up the dinner, the waiter was also from this movies' dinner scene. Garry Marshall was very loyal to his favorite actors.
@@adrianaheiler9794 Isn't there one more with the guy that makes the catch of the escargot, too?~^.^
@@toriecarter2711 I really need to check as I haven't seen Pretty Woman in years, but it was one of my mom's favourite movies. I do remember the other two actors though (and Hector of course). I guess it's time for a rewatch.
I do remember Runaway Bride though and Christopher Meloni being Julia's goofy boyfriend in this - long before I knew him as hardass cop in SVU! 🤭
Another Gary Marshall film co-starring Elizondo is the coming of age 1984 gem, “The Flamingo Kid.”
And this is a disney movie! "Pretty Woman is a 1990 romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere that was released by Disney through Touchstone Pictures"
In regards to the discussion at the end about what happens after the movie ends. You know a "happy" ending doesn't necessarily mean some fairy tale rest of life story. Sometimes things end up not working out/lasting forever, but that's fine. The point is that they both found someone that they not only might love, but perhaps more importantly they were both willing to actually express that feeling & give a more serious relationship a shot. They both inspired the other into making changes in their own life that they so desperately wanted to make but were afraid to actually do.
She changed him into being willing to open himself up to someone else [more so then he previously ever imagined possible,] & inspired him to take a chance at using his business to help build up businesses more like he imagined when he was a child. And he inspired her to take the chance at changing her life which she didn't really want to be in, as shown by her deciding to move to San Francisco. So, even if somewhere down the line the relationship ends up not being what one or both of them wanted & it ends it doesn't change the fact that it would be a good, "happy" story because they will have helped one another be more like the person they want themselves to be.
10:33 "I would've stayed for $2000."
"I would've paid 4."
You've _got_ to love the dialogue.
I always laugh at Simone's random intro statements and the baffled looks on George's face when she says them. Heeeeeeeee.
Second knuckle sounds like code. Maybe something to do with Hobbits?
I’m hoping it was a Letterkenny reference
@@joebhankenobiI think it was. There was a sly look.
In case anyone was wondering how Julia Roberts became a megastar.... I almost forgot how incandescent she was in this.
@@waynecanning4122 After 30+ years of her being an established star, it is just so cool to look back at a then relatively unknown just lighting up the screen.
‘We think you’ve got a lot of potential Kit Taluka!’
Perfect example of excellent character development in movies. Both people are very different, and both are very flawed.
They get to save each other. Really satisfying to watch.
She serviced not only his crank, but his heart
The original ending for this film was pretty brutal, so we can be grateful for what we got. If you haven't seen the theatre version (not the film) of Into the Woods, it explores exactly that: the idea of "after" happily ever after.
Any decently sized city is going to have a low budget community theatre company that occasionally puts on operas. They're not usually up to the standards of the Metropolitan Opera, but you can still see some good performances, and they're affordable, too.
Funnily enough - it is indeed normally true that a person's feet are almost exactly as long as the distance between their elbow and their wrist.
As soon as George said it wasn't true, I placed my foot along my forearm, and it was indeed the length from elbow to wrist.
18:17 I saw a doc about the bts of this movie and they were telling, while they were in a rush making the movie, the clothes designer didn't know how to dress her for this scene.
By chance they found a piece of cloth in the back of the warehouse and that dress became iconic and LOVED by the public
There was an interesting movie called Paris When It Sizzles that was made in the 1960s. In it, one character says that the second oldest story is Frankenstein and then suggests that Frankenstein and Pygmalion are essentially the same story about a creator who's creation outgrows him. I only mention this because this film is basically a modern update of Pygmalion, only with a prostitute instead of a flower girl.
You guys should watch Primal Fear if you haven't, it has Richard Gere and Edward Norton in his very first movie role.
oh yea that one is golden if you know nothing about it
Excellent suggestion!
Yes, the performances were amazing
The opera they were at was La Traviata by Verdi, to all those who were wondering
20:17 Richard Gere improvised the box snapping shut as a gag. Julia's reaction was real, and they liked it so they used that take.
For the two movie reaction people: This is a favorite part of this movie for me!! It reflects on how people preceve each other's first impression & how they can be wrong!!
The manager is my favorite character in the movie. He's a genuinely nice guy. He is apparently the day manager, but knows the name of the overnight elevator guy (and probably most everyone else on staff), and he takes opportunities to help his people learn (the scuff mark). At the end he makes it known that the limo could take Edward to Vivian, but is not nosey about it. That part was just so well played.
Hector Elizondo has a rich history of awesome characters.
Yes Simone, it IS "Pygmalion" rewritten.
The snapping jewellery case was improvised.
You called it, and I'm sure other people have already commented this. When he closed the necklace box on our hand that was a genuine reaction. It was never in the script, it was just something Richard Gere did on the spot.
21:10 I thought the same thing. I went to go see the Wagner series; even though I speak German, they're singing so you don't know what they're really saying. I watched it with a playbill that said "Act 1: Odin is pissed. He talks to..." etc., though with more elevated language. Knowing what was happening allowed me to focus on the singing and the performances so now I love opera (so long as I know what's happening). If you want something that's just beautiful and tragic without any context, check out "Thy Hand Belinda." It's in English and even if you don't know what's happening it's very moving. If you want a solid comedy, can't go wrong with "Don Pasquale."
One of my favorite lines is her calling the orchestra pit a band🤭
Back in the 90's, I delivered to downtown LA, Beverly hills, west la and Hollywood areas. One day it was a really bright day and my shades broke. So while delivering in BH to a ski shop. As the guy was signing for the freight, I looked at the shades case. I heard him say under his breath, "I hate nosy delivery people". Well I didn't buy there, waited till I got to Hollywood. But every time I see the scene where they shop turns her away. It makes me wish I could have had a pretty man moment. Gone to BH, buy a bunch of stuff, then walk into that store and rub it in his face. 😅😢
Crazy coincidence. The pretty woman theme tune was playing on the radio in my work today, and yes there was a bunch of overweight guys in their 40s and 50s singing along... and yes it was as funny as it sounds.
Funniest part, across the yard is another building doing fabric parts for our production line and mostly staffed with women who finish half hour earlier than us... they walked out right innthe middle of the song to a bunch of guys singing... yes we serenaded half our workforce by pure fluke 😂😂😂
27:48 in regards to hotel managers in movies (whilst he wasn’t the manager) Michael J Fox in The Conceirge (also known apparently as ‘For Love or Money) is good. Anyone else remember that movie?
What George said at the end about "what happens after" there's a Danish movie called "Love You for Now" which explores just that. It basically shows you the normal romcom stuff in act 1, and then the rest of the movie is them actually being in a relationship, and going through all that. Highly recommend it, maybe not for the channel, but just to watch one day
More hotel manager roles: in John Wick, in The Shining, the Grand Budapest Hotel, and let's not forget Tom Hiddleston in the Night Manager
The original script was so much darker. With no happy ending.
How can you have a story about a prostitute without a happy ending? 😂
@@davidmcleod5133 easily?
It was more like a ''realistic'' ending, cause it wasn't exactly soul crushing.
@@davidmcleod5133 But they go to Disney Land. ;p
You are right. The jewelry box laugh was real. He prank her for fun and the scene made the cut
I assumed that I liked this so much as a kid because I was a kid, but re-watching it here I still think it's great. Julia Roberts is absolutely amazing.
Now you have to watch Runaway Bride. It's the unofficial sequel to Pretty Woman. Totally different story and characters, but it reprises Julia, Richard and Hector Elizondo.
This was my favorite movie for over a decade. I feel like [as a dude], I should be embarrassed about that, but.... I remain unembarressed to this day, decades later.
I've always maintained even the most masculine of men is allowed a "Top 5 Chick Flick" list. Pretty Woman is at the top of mine. Along with You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle along with 2 others I can't remember right now 😆
@@sundalangur3250 44-year old hetero guy here. I LOVE 13 Going On 30, it's really charming, and Jennifer Garner is always a great watch. Good films are good films, regardless of 'who they are for'.
It's actually incredibly representative of what every lonely male ideally wants out of life.
"Fuck yeah, Princess Diaries!"
- Roy Kent
The nice old man who played the shipyard owner was played by Ralph Bellamy, who usually played second leads in the great Hollywood movies of the thirties and forties. You really need to see him in "His Girl Friday" (1940). He also won a Tony award for playing Franklin D. Roosevelt in "Sunrise at Campobello" and had an Oscar nomination for the film version. By the way, his mother was born in Hamilton, Ontario and he toured Canada during World War Two selling bonds.
And if you remember Trading Places (reviewed here) he plays Randolph, one of the Duke brothers, a very different character not at all nearly as likeable.
@@ericmarois6960 To list the number of movies Ralph Bellamy appeared in and the number of different kinds of characters he played would fill up the comments section. Personally, I like the old movies, like "Lady on a Train" (1945).
This I believe was his final role as well (he died the same year).
"I'm having a good tine!" This is a good rom-com. Make Julia a star.
No Richard Gere was the pros in American Gigolo. Carol Channing was a famous comedian back in Lucy's day. She also sang at the halftime show of the first Super Bowl.
It's an original script though it did take some points from Fair Lady. The original ending supposedly was a big mystery for a long time and became a topic of debate in the industry, but it seriously was kind cute as well, just very realistic. There's even an episode of ''The movies that made us'' on Netflix about this film. It was an incredible hit.
13:45 While I don't *know* that this story is a '90's retelling of Shaw's Pygmalion (in the way Clueless was an intentional retelling of Austen's Emma), there themes are so similar, and Pygmalion is so well known (through stuff like My Fair Lady), that I don't think it is coincidental.
21:30 They are attending a performance of Verdi's "La Traviata." The choice of this opera for the film must be deliberate. La Traviata is about the love story between a young nobleman (Alfredo) and a courtesan (Violetta) who runs a popular salon in Paris. Alfredo takes Violetta out to his estate in the countryside to take her away from the life, but while he is away, Alfredo's father visits her and convinces her to leave him so as to not endanger the marriage prospects of Alfredo's sister. The scene in the movie is the end of the 2nd act where Violetta is telling Alfredo goodbye without telling him why. Alfredo, jealous and thinking that Violetta has returned to her former sponsor, goes to her salon, wins a lot of money gambling there, then humiliates her by throwing it at her, causing her to collapse, upon which time his father appears to rebuke him for his boorish conduct. The opera ends with a regretful Alfredo and his father visiting Violetta's bedchamber where she is dying of a consumption (or the mor romantic explanation - she is pining away for love of Alfredo; I'm a realist so I am going with TB as the cause); they reconcile, and Violetta, delirious, thinks she is recovering right before falling down dead. Anyway, Pretty Woman is also about a rich and important guy taking the fallen woman out of the streets, but the movie has a fairytale ending rather than the tragic one in the opera. The return of the aria from La Traviata at the end of Pretty Woman is ironic.
I love movies of Garry Marshall, because the side characters are played by his favourite actors....and they are truly special in their roles: Hector Elizondo, Patrick Richwood and Larry Miller.
The older businessman was veteran actor Ralph Bellamy in his final appearance (he'd also played one of the 2 brothers in "Trading Places" a few years earlier)🎩
So there's two bloopers in the movie..... 1.Where Julia's eating breakfast the Richard orders for her... it goes from being a pancake to a croissant back to a pancake AND 2. when Richard is putting the necklace on her in the red dress .. it goes from being pearls in the case to ruby's on her neck.🥰
The Sequel was a non sequel sequel howl.... kinda like "You've got Mail" was to "Sleepless In Seattle" and that was "Runaway Bride" different story but had both Richard & Julia in it.
Pretty Woman is absolutely a re-telling of the My Fair Lady story.
Carol Channing was a comedienne, actress, movie star and singer from the 40's 50's and on and was Dolly in a Hello Dolly stage version. Her voice was iconic and a world wonder as it had a Joplin type harsh quality that could break a mirror. However, she made it work and acted until her retirement. Check out Thoroughly Modern Millie (either for the show, or not) and a bunch of other things should come up
Carol Channing was a comedian/singer (Diamonds are a Girls best friend). Here's a clip that explains Julia's question wherein she's being funny:
th-cam.com/video/BEetiSN59Cw/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5TUdnsRwxKqbr9VZ
That is adorable! I didn't realize Carol Channing was that funny in person, or that Gene Shalit could laugh that hard. Thanks for a great clip.
If you want a different kind of romantic comedy, try the movie Forget Paris.
I love how much you talked about her outfits.
Here’s some extra Pretty Woman trivia… or maybe it’s Ted Lasso trivia? That’s right, several of Keeley’s outfits are directly inspired by Vivian’s wardrobe from this film. The outfit from the first night, the brown polka dot ensemble she wore to polo, and I believe the red dress was the third.
I love trivia at the end. And yes, Richard Gere closing the necklace jewelry box on Julia's fingers was not in the script. I love her laugh. 💛
22:24 "He's tasting commoner food!" Good one George! 😄
I’ve seen this movie many times once when I was really young. I have never been to the Opera but those singers are amazing. 🤩
This movie, My Best Friend's Wedding with Cameron Diaz and Stepmom with Susan Sarandon are my favorite comfort movies
One of my favorite films. There's a lot of great little tidbits but here's an unusual one. The waiter that catches the food and says, "it happens all the time," is cast in "Princess Dairies" for the near exact same part and line. :)
The ending line: pair it with "Inland Empire" movie - "Welcome to Hollywood, what's your dream?"
High end hotels operate a concierge service. It's less used now with the internet, but their job is to take care of whatever the guests need. That could be something like getting tickets to a show, setting up a taxi or linking them up with a tailor. Good concierge were known for having contacts everywhere.
"Such a sweet old man." Wait 'til you see Trading Places...
Tim Roth plays a bellhop put in charge on NYE when the Manager stays home sick. it has 4 stories with 4 Directors, and it is called Four Rooms. Absolutely epic 90s Cinema time capsule. And Tim might make your list of favorite hotel Managers after seeing it. :)
this film is so full of good moments very well written.
Carol Channing of _Hello, Dolly!_
Yes, it was real! The director suggested snapping the lid shut. Didn't warn her.
Jason Alexander is a big Trekkie, so he was thrilled to play a character on _Star Trek._ He was also a very different character, albeit comical, in _Shallow Hal_ with Gwyneth Paltrow & Jack Black.
"He's a wealthy per...son..." That sentence was ending so differently in my head. xD