‘Pretty in Pink’ Celebrates 30th Anniversary
Those of a certain age might feel their heart stop for second when they realize that the teenage romantic comedy that they grew up with, Pretty in Pink, is now celebrating its 30th Anniversary. Originally released on February 28, 1986, the film will celebrate its birthday with a second appearance in movie theaters across the country on Sunday, February 14 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. with a repeat presentation on February 17 at 7:00 p.m.
This mini celebration of a beloved film is being presented by a joint partnership between Fathom Events and Paramount Pictures.
“It is exciting to celebrate 30 years of Pretty in Pink by showing it back in movie theaters for Valentine’s Day,” John Rubey, the CEO of Fathom Events, said in a statement. “Many from this generation have never seen it on the big screen and now they have two very special chances.”
The 30th anniversary version of Pretty in Pink will feature behind-the-scenes footage, including the cast talking about shooting an alternate ending. It will be like watching the extra features on your DVD, but in the theater instead.
Written by John Hughes and directed by Howard Deutch, the film tells the familiar teen angst story complete with cringe-inducing 80s fashion choices that seem ridiculous today, but was completely normal for the time. It not only helped to launch a number of actor’s film careers, but the soundtrack also won the praise of the Rolling Stone who added it to their list of “Greatest Soundtracks of All Time.” The number of new wave styled music made it stand out according to Rolling Stones.
Pretty in Pink was the 22nd highest box-office film of 1986 grossing about $40.5 million over the course of 14 weeks states Entertainment Weekly.
Molly Ringwald actually began acting on TV on Diff’rent Strokes and The Fact of Life in 1979-1980 before moving on to teen-centered movies like 16 Candles (1984) and The Breakfast Club (1985), two other John Hughes films. She and Andrew McCarthy became known as two members of the “Brat Pack” because of these films. From 2008-2013, she did a role reversal playing a mother of a teenager in The Secret Life of the American Teenager and can be seen in the upcoming series, The Wonderful Wayneys, coming to the small screen later this year.
After his “Brat Pack” days, Andrew McCarthy appeared in sillier comedies like, Mannequin (1987), Weekend at Bernies (1989) and Weekend at Bernies 2 (1993). Over the years, his acting has become more refined and will appear in a new TV series this year called The Family.
Pretty in Pink pretty much jump-started John Cryer’s career. Since then, he has had a habit of starring in short-lived TV comedy series until 2003 when he found a gem of Two and Half Men. He played the role of Alan Harper opposite of Charlie Sheen until the show came to an end in 2015. Cryer was most recently seen in two NCIS episodes where he played Dr. Cyril Taft.
James Spader already made a name for himself before Pretty in Pink, playing Jake Nichols on the TV series, The Family Tree (1983) but this movie cemented his cocky nature that he has since used again and again year in numerous movies and TV shows including The Practice (2003-2004), Boston Legal (2004-2008), The Office (2012) and currently on The Blacklist.
Other stars who owe Pretty in Pink their thanks for their careers (and are no doubt celebrating its 30th anniversary as well) include Andrew Dice Clay, Kristy Swanson and Dweezil Zappa, who’s first film role was for this movie.
Visit the Fathom website for participating theaters.
[Photos by Grant Lamos IV (Ringwald), Jerod Harris (McCarthy) and Jonathan Leibson (Cryer)/Getty Images]
