John Hughes’ 1986 classic, Pretty In Pink, is part of pop-culture history. The fashion, the soundtrack, the eclectic characters, and IMO, the most important of all, the love story, is what makes this movie legendary.
It’s the perfect Teen Romance.
She’s poor. He’s rich. They go to the same high school where the preppy well-to-do kids rule the school. A girl like that doesn’t stand a chance, unless she’s in a John Hughes movie.
Andie lives by her own rules. She’s smart and has her own sense of style. Being poor, she makes her own clothes and supports her unemployed alcoholic father.
Blane is the kid who has it all and whose parents barely notice him. His friends party, over-indulge, and the lifestyle wears thin with this playboy.
Andie catches his eye and she notices. They each risk their reputations and go out on a date. Andie’s life long friend, Duckie, has his objections. Why wouldn’t he? He’s been in love with Andie forever.
Andie and Blane fall in love. It tests the bonds of friendship for both, but neither care, at least not at first. The pressure of how different they are gets the best of them. Andie is ashamed to show Blane where she lives and Blane isn’t that confident about prom. But Blane asks Andie anyway.
As the date draws near, Blane ignores Andi and the blow out of all high school blowouts takes place in the hall by his locker. She accuses him of being ashamed of her, curses him out, and walks away.
The defiant Andi sets out to go to prom anyway, her head held high. She creates a stunning dress, a combination of her mother’s and a friend’s.
Walking into Prom, Duckie finds her and they enter together, arm in arm by 
OMD plays in the background of this entire scene, only amping up the emotion.
They enter the ballroom. Blane sees her and makes his way over.
Blane: Hi.
The tension oozes between them. Andie looks upon him with disdain.
Andie: Hi.
Blane extends a hand toward Duckie, who in turn laughs, then finally relents, and shakes his hand. Blane looks to Andie.
Blane: You don’t need me to say I’m sorry.
Andie: It’s done. It’s over with. I’m fine.
Blane can’t take his eyes off her and his pain at her words is prevalent.
Blane: Well, if that’s true, then I’m glad.
Andie: It’s not true. But it doesn’t matter, does it?
Pause, sullen staring…
Blane: You told me you couldn’t believe in somebody who didn’t believe in you. I always believed in you….I just didn’t believe in me….Blane pauses, and looks down and them right into Andie’s eyes…I love you…Blane walks toward Andie, kisses her on the cheek, and whispers into her ear….Always.
Andie pauses, looks over her shoulder at a leaving Blane but does not move.
Duckie: Andie, he came here alone…OK, you’re right. He’s not like the others….If you don’t go to him now, I’m never gonna take you to another prom again! This is an incredibly romantic moment and you’re ruining it for me.
Andie hugs Duckie and smiles her thanks.
Andie: Duckie…
Duckie: Go ahead.
Andi runs off and Duckie looks around the room. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Kristy Swanson, eyes The Duck Man and Duckie looks at the camera and walks off. Andi finds Blane in the parking lot. The scene is dark and misty…
Andie: Blane!
She goes to him and they face each other. They kiss and it’s a pretty long kiss. Andi drops her handmade purse, equivalent to an old school kicking up your leg. Swoon!
This is ’80s movie magic at its best.
Did you know that the original ending Hughes wrote, Duckie wins the girl? After a test screening the studios had him shoot the scene that made the cut. The test audience seemed to like that one better. It never sat well with Hughes so he wrote Some Kind Of Wonderful, where the poor kid ends up with the friend who’s always loved him. ☺
Philly native Charli Mac is an aspiring author, mother, wife, friend, and part-time clown. Come find lost love along the Jersey Shore at http://charlimac.com/. Twitter her @CharliMacs
