Secrets From 1986's Pretty In Pink

#1 Pretty In Pink

This 1986 CLASSIC movie is about a poor girl who must choose between the affections of her doting childhood sweetheart and a rich but sensitive playboy. It starred Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Jon Cryer, James Spader, and Annie Potts. Director John Hughes, famous for his 'Brat Pack' movies featuring teens, names it one of his favorite films he ever created, as this one he wrote himself based on life experiences.

#2 The Story of Pretty In Pink is Classic

If you've never seen it, and who hasn't!? Here is the premise...

Andie (Molly Ringwald) is an outcast at her Chicago high school, hanging out either with her older boss (Annie Potts), who owns the record store where she works, or her quirky classmate Duckie (Jon Cryer), who has a crush on her. When one of the rich and popular kids at school, Blaine (Andrew McCarthy), asks Andie out, it seems too good to be true. As Andie starts falling for Blane, she begins to realizes that dating someone from a different social sphere is not easy. But here are some facts about the classic you may not have known before..

#3 The Theme Song Was Changed

'If You Leave', performed by Andy McCluskey, was not the original theme song for the film. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark had originally composed their song 'Goddess of Love' as the original composition. But it later got replaced with 'If You Leave.'

#4 Molly and Dweezil

Simon is played by Dweezil Zappa and there is a sign inside the Trax music store (in the film) that says Dweezil is the 'Pick of the Week.' He was also Molly Ringwald's boyfriend in real life at the time. Seen here on the cover of IN Magazine.

#5 Anthony Michael Hall

Anthony Michael Hall had turned down the role of Duckie, which eventually went to Jon Cryer of "Two and a Half Men" fame. He was at the time part of the Brat Pack. Robert Downey Jr. also turned down the part.

#6 Charlie Sheen

Other star of "Two and a Half Men," Charlie Sheen, auditioned for the part of rich kid Blaine, but lost out to McCarthy who had worked with Hughes previously.

#7 Molly Ringwald Was Never Considered For The Part

Jodie Foster turned down the role of Andie. Justine Bateman, Tatum O'Neal, Lori Loughlin, Diane Lane, Sarah Jessica Parker and Brooke Shields were each considered for the role and all were doing other projects at the time. Bring in Molly Ringwald, please. Rinwald was the person who had asked Hughes to write a movie based on a song by 'The Psychedelic Furs' song "Pretty in Pink", which was her favorite song song at the time.

#8 Andie Chooses Duckie??

John Hughes was allegedly unhappy with the ending. He wanted Andie to get together with Duckie. So, he ran a test screen of the film to see what needed changing.

#9 Test Audiences Wanted Andie With Blaine

The original ending to this film depicted Duckie getting the girl. However, the test audiences said they would have preferred to see Blaine win Andie's heart. Duckie lost out, and the film was changed to reflect the test audience's preferred ending.

#10 Welcome To Rydell High

If this high school looks a bit familiar, it is because Pretty in Pink was filmed in the same L.A. high school where Grease (1978) was made. Turns out, the school, John Burroughs Middle School, has been used in over 40 films since the late 1960's.

#11 End Credits Dedications

The movie is dedicated to Alexa Kenin and Bruce Weintraub. Kenin, who played Jena, was murdered in New York just after the movie was released.

#12 Cryer's Biggest Role

Though most popular to today's audiences as the star of 'Two and a Half men,' Jon Cryers biggest hit today was that of Duckie in Pretty In Pink. He went on to make over 50 films, and none matched up to his big role in this movie as the downtrodden young teen.

#13 Star Ringwald Loved The Rave-Ups So They Included Their Music In The Movie

The Rave-Ups are the band playing in the club scene. Star Molly Ringwald was apparently a fan of their music and her sister had a child with one of the band members.

#14 Cryer Was Found To Be Irritating

In spite of their chemistry on-screen, Jon Cryer (Duckie) has stated that both of his co-stars Molly Ringwald (Andie) and Andrew McCarthy (Blane) found him "irritating" from day one. Cryer, who describes himself as a "very outgoing person" believes his attitude was the reason he never got along with the very reserved Ringwald and McCarthy.

#15 Molly's Favorite Role. EVER!

Known as the breakout star of The Breakfast Club and Sixteen Candles before landing the role of Andie, Molly Ringwald says this is her favorite role she has done in her career, which includes over 55 movie and television roles. Little known fact... she got her start playing a small role on TV's "Facts Of Life" in 1983-94.