The Beverly Wilshire Hotel has become a Beverly Hills landmark, being featured in countless films and TV shows and hosting A-list guests, such as top Hollywood celebrities and even U.S. presidents! But what many don’t know is that this luxurious hotel, now charging $825 for the cheapest room, used to be an Auto Speedway back in the day.
The Speedway was built in 1919 and closed down in 1924. It was only four years later that a real-estate magnate built the famous Wilshire Hotel in 1928.
The Rom-Com Queen
"Pretty Woman’s" script may only have been improvised on the fly, from its dark themes, it had turned out to be a huge success as a romantic comedy. It caused a resurgence of the movie genre, while Julia Roberts became a fitting queen of the Rom Coms throughout the decade.
She would take lead roles in other romantic comedies such as the "Runaway Bride" and "Notting Hill."
The Big Pay-Off
Back in the 90s, a $14 million budget for a film wasn't a small thing. Then again, neither was the whopping $178 million the film earned upon release!
Needless to say, it was a pretty decent return on investment, and everybody was thrilled. There's even a "Pretty Woman" musical playing on Broadway 30 years after the movie's release!
Did You Catch It?
Getting to know each other, Vivian and Edward start a friendly chat in their hotel room. Vivian was having a croissant when she asked Edward about his job and education. The camera shifted to Edward, who explained to her that he was a corporate raider. He bought companies in financial trouble to tear them down, rebuild, and resell them.
As the camera shifted back to Vivian, many must have overlooked the fact that her croissant had instantly turned into a pancake.
Dye Job
Julia Roberts looked nice and cool in the extra bubbly tub, and that’s because they didn’t use regular bubble bath for it. After a few times, Roberts had to submerge in the water for the scene, her red hair dye started to fade.
The detergent was strong and very bubbly, and after the shoot, her hair had to be re-dyed again for losing much of its redness.