Pretty in Pink

Pretty in Pink is a 1986 American romantic comedy-drama film about love and social cliques in 1980s American high schools. It is one of John Hughes' films starring Molly Ringwald, and is commonly identified as a "Brat Pack" film. The film was directed by Howard Deutch, produced by Lauren Shuler Donner and written by John Hughes, who also served as co-executive producer. It has become a cult favorite. The film was named after a 1980 single by the band The Psychedelic Furs.

The film's soundtrack has been rated as one of the best in modern cinema. It features a rerecorded sax-heavy version of the title song by The Psychedelic Furs. Additionally, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's "If You Leave", which plays prominently during the emotive final scene, became an international hit and charted at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1986.

Plot

High school senior Andie Walsh (Molly Ringwald) is a working-class girl who has a crush on one of the rich, preppy boys in her school, Blane McDonough (Andrew McCarthy). When Andie and Blane try to get together, they encounter resistance from their respective social circles. Andie lives on "the wrong side of the tracks" with her underemployed father, Jack (Harry Dean Stanton). Andie's best friend, Phil "Duckie" Dale (Jon Cryer), is in love with her, but plays it off as a joke in front of her. In school, he and Andie are harassed and bullied by Blane's friends, the arrogant so-called "richie" kids, Benny (Kate Vernon) and Steff (James Spader). Steff is especially interested in Andie, but she finds him repugnant and continuously brushes him off. Andie works at TRAX, a new wave music store, managed by her older friend and mentor Iona (Annie Potts). Iona advises Andie to go to her senior prom despite not having a date.

Pretty in Pink (disambiguation)

Pretty in Pink is a 1986 American film.

Pretty in Pink may also refer to:

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Pretty in Pink (song)

"Pretty in Pink" is a song by the English rock band The Psychedelic Furs, originally released in 1981 as a single from the band's second album, Talk Talk Talk. The song inspired the 1986 film of the same name and a re-recorded version of the song was included on the film's soundtrack.

Release and reception

The original version of "Pretty in Pink" peaked at number 43 on the UK Singles Chart in July 1981.Allmusic writer Bill Janovitz credits producer Steve Lillywhite for finding "the ideal sound for the band, with a perfect blend of classic pop, punk, and art rock elements". Janovitz called it "the definitive take" of the song.

The 1986 version reached number 18 in the UK and number 41 on the United States Billboard Hot 100 chart. Janovitz described this version as "ho-hum, streamlined, (and) radio-ready".

Music video

The video for the song features the band in a room similar to that shown on the cover of the single. Singer Richard Butler alternates between dancing throughout the room and singing while sitting on a pink couch. Other band members appear outside the windows or in the room with their respective instruments, but they are not played. Various busts and statues are placed throughout the room, along with a guitar and drum set. A blonde female appears at certain parts of the video, along with a male with a top hat and fan. Their clothes appear to be inspired by Victorian fashion.