Andrew McCarthy Reveals Secrets of 'Pretty in Pink' on 40th Anniversary

Andrew McCarthy, the 63-year-old actor, confessed on the 'It Happened in Hollywood' podcast that he accepted the role in 'Pretty in Pink' without reading the script. He needed the job and the $50,000 offered to him. Upon reading it on the plane, he was alarmed by the character of Blane, who originally dumped Andie. This led him to call his agent immediately upon landing, asking to be removed from the project, describing Blane as 'a jerk'.

This revelation is just one of many anecdotes that McCarthy shares in a conversation celebrating the 40th anniversary of the film. The actor, who initially considered the film 'a silly, tepid story', now deeply appreciates it, recognizing its impact on popular culture.

The original ending of 'Pretty in Pink' caused controversy in test screenings, where the audience reacted negatively to Blane's rejection of Andie. John Hughes, the screenwriter, spent weeks pondering before proposing a solution. This involved an emergency reshoot with McCarthy, who was in New York working on a play at the time and had shaved his head to play a Marine. The team had one day to film again.

McCarthy jokes about the situation, mentioning that if they had known the film would be remembered 40 years later, they would have invested in a better quality wig for the prom scene. The wig, which he describes as a 'bird's nest', became an iconic element, contributing to the emotionality of the final scene.

McCarthy revealed that, at the time of filming, Molly Ringwald had a slight romantic interest in him, which was not reciprocated. This situation, combined with his own insecurity, created a tension that, unintentionally, enhanced the on-screen dynamic. This friction, with Ringwald feeling a little rebuffed and McCarthy acting cautiously, fueled the on-screen tension in an accidental, but perfect way for the film.

McCarthy also highlighted the influence of Montgomery Clift on his performance, opting to reduce his dialogue and rely on his facial expressions to convey emotions. This led to the elimination of lines in the scene at the record store, creating a more intimate and powerful moment.

John Hughes, although not directing the film, used to show up on set with a boombox and a stack of tapes, sharing music with the cast and crew. This practice led to the creation of the iconic 'Pretty in Pink' soundtrack. McCarthy recalls that Hughes gave him the script for 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', a film that, by the way, he never saw due to his frustration at not having been chosen as Ferris.

In addition, McCarthy reflected on the impact of the term 'Brat Pack', recognizing that, although it initially damaged his career, over time it became a symbol of connection with the audience. Now, McCarthy embraces the legacy of the film and the term, considering them a professional gift.

The final kiss in the parking lot, an iconic romantic moment, was filmed in a studio during the day, using plastic plants and a long lens to create the illusion. McCarthy also talked about the wig he wore in the prom scene, admitting that, although he considered it terrible, it somehow worked, making him look 'sad' and 'pathetic', which complemented the scene.

As for Molly Ringwald, McCarthy described her as an equal, with whom he had great respect. The dynamics between them, both on and off set, contributed to the authenticity and success of the film.