Key Points:
- The necklace scene in Pretty Woman, where Richard Gere snaps a jewelry box on Julia Roberts’ fingers, was an unplanned prank.
- Director Garry Marshall and Gere devised the prank to wake up the sleepy young actress on set.
- The impromptu moment became an iconic scene that helped launch Roberts’ stellar career.
In the annals of romantic comedy history, few scenes are as iconic and endearing as the necklace moment in Pretty Woman. As Richard Gere’s character presents Julia Roberts with an extravagant piece of jewelry, he playfully snaps the box shut on her fingers, eliciting an infectious, unscripted laugh that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. But what many fans may not know is that this unforgettable moment was originally intended as a practical joke on the young actress.
Was the Necklace Scene in Pretty Woman Scripted?
As per Patch, according to legendary director Garry Marshall, the necklace scene was not part of the original script. Instead, it was a spontaneous prank devised by Marshall and Gere to wake up the sleepy 23-year-old Roberts after a night of partying.
“I said, ‘Richard, you gotta wake her up a little, so when she reaches for the box, slam it.’ It was a soft box. I would never hurt her,” Marshall revealed in an interview.
What was meant as a lighthearted prank quickly became one of the most iconic moments in the film. Roberts’ natural and endearing reaction to the unexpected gesture instantly won over audiences and critics alike, propelling her into the spotlight as a rising star.
Marshall acknowledged the serendipitous nature of the scene, stating, “We put it in… and it became like the trademark of the movie.” Pretty Woman went on to become a massive commercial success, grossing $463.4 million and launching Roberts’ stellar career.
READ MORE: How Much Would the ‘Road House’ Remake Have Made at the Box Office?
The Real Necklace and Its Security
Adding to the intrigue surrounding the necklace scene is the fact that the ruby-and-diamond jewelry Roberts wore was genuine and reportedly worth a staggering quarter-million dollars. During filming, an armed security guard hired by the jewelry store that provided the necklace was constantly present on set, ensuring the safety of the precious piece.
The unscripted nature of this iconic moment not only showcases the talent and chemistry between Roberts and Gere but also highlights the magic that can unfold when spontaneity meets creative collaboration. It’s a testament to the power of improvisation and the ability of true artists to capture lightning in a bottle.
READ MORE: What to Expect in “Grey’s Anatomy” Season 21?
As audiences continue to revisit and cherish Pretty Woman, the necklace scene remains a beloved and enduring highlight, reminding us of the joy and authenticity that can arise from the unexpected moments on and off the screen.
Pretty Woman was released in theaters on March 23, 1990.
Stay updated with the Latest News and Stories, follow us on our social media platforms.
You can follow us on:
Stay Connected!! Join our Whatsapp Channel
