Garry Marshall’s daughter wasn’t the only Marshall family member to get a chance in the spotlight. In fact, the director’s son directed one of the film’s most memorable scenes, the polo match.
That whole sequence, from the moment Roberts and Gere arrive, to when she’s talking to the jockey (who turns out to be Edward’s business rival) and even being politely insulted by Edward’s business associate, played by Jason Alexander. The entire thing was directed by Marshall’s son.
He Was Afraid to Make the Same Mistake Twice
Richard Gere, at first, was not even slightly convinced about playing the bland role of Edward Lewis. It took a little while before Julia Roberts would eventually convince him, but another factor may have come into play, aside from his chemistry with Roberts, that also prompted him to take the job.
Gere regretted not taking the role of Gordon Gekko three years prior, whose character profile was similar to Lewis’. Michael Douglas was subsequently picked for Gekko’s character in the movie "Wall Street" (1987) and won an Academy Award for it. This might have silently haunted Gere for years, thinking the role and the award could have been his.
A Quick Cameo
"Pretty Woman’s" director, Garry Marshall, slips into a cameo role in the film that must have been unnoticed by many. Edward Lewis decides to stop by the sidewalk and ask someone for directions. He happens to find a homeless man (played by Marshall), who was rummaging through some trash nearby and asked him how to get to his hotel.
The three would reunite in the film "Runaway Bride." Do you remember?
The Iconic Red Jacket
Vivian Ward has become so beloved that her fashion sense became iconic- her boots, dress, and red jacket. The last item, however, wasn’t available when the actors were about to shoot a scene in the street.
The wardrobe department had failed to send for a jacket, but they found a girl passerby who wore a jacket they liked and offered to buy it. She wanted Disneyland tickets in exchange, but they eventually traded for $30.
You Can't Fake Chemistry
"Pretty Woman’s" wide success is a testament to Richard Gere and Julia Roberts’ chemistry. Had it not been for this, Gere would never have committed himself to the role. In fact, he went as far as to describe Edward Lewis as a trite character.
For Richard Gere, it was Julia Roberts’ personality that cut it. He was very fond of her, which made him take the job after they had met in New York. And this is the main reason why their partnership is so attractive on the set.