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“Pretty Woman” Closes Out App Theatre Rom-Com Series Feb. 21: Julia Roberts, Richard Gere Star in Box Office Record-Breaking Film

BOONE, NC – Following up on successful screenings of both “Dirty Dancing,” and “The
Notebook,” the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country closes out its February Romantic
Comedy Film Series with the modern “Rom-Com” classic “Pretty Woman.” A third of a century
after its initial release, the movie still holds the box office record for ticket sales in its genre.
The film will be screened at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21 and is two hours in duration with a
general admission ticket price of only $6 per person.


“Pretty Woman” is a 1990 romantic comedy film directed by Garry Marshall, from a screenplay
by J. F. Lawton. The film stars Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, and features Héctor Elizondo,
Ralph Bellamy (in his final performance), Laura San Giacomo, and Jason Alexander in
supporting roles.


The story centers on Hollywood prostitute Vivian Ward (Roberts) and wealthy businessman
Edward Lewis (Gere). Vivian is hired to be Edward’s escort for several business and social
functions, and their relationship develops during her week-long stay with him.
The film’s title “Pretty Woman” is based on the 1964 song “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison.
The original screenplay was titled “3,000” and was written by then-struggling screenwriter J. F.
Lawton. It is the first film on-screen collaboration between Gere and Roberts; their second film,
“Runaway Bride,” was released in 1999.


Originally intended to be a dark cautionary tale about class and prostitution in Los Angeles, the
film was re-conceived as a romantic comedy with a large production budget. The film received
mixed to favorable reviews, though Roberts received a Golden Globe Award and a nomination
for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance, which catapulted her to stardom.
In addition, screenwriter J. F. Lawton was nominated for a Writers Guild Award and a British Academy Film Award (BAFTA).


The popular soundtrack to “Pretty Woman” has been certified triple platinum by the Recording
Industry Association of America.
The film saw the highest number of ticket sales in the United States ever for a romantic comedy
with Box Office Mojo listing it as the number-one romantic comedy by the highest estimated
domestic tickets sold at 42,176,400, slightly ahead of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002).
“Pretty Woman” grossed $463.4 million worldwide and at the time of its release, was the fourth
highest-grossing film of all time worldwide, behind only “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” “Star Wars,”
and “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”

Note that all Films@TheApp are shown without movie previews or trailers, so please arrive a
few minutes before the scheduled start time to secure tickets and purchase concessions. The
general admission ticket price is just $6 per person, and attendees under the age of 13 must be
accompanied by a parent or guardian.


While the App Theatre’s online ticketing system is accessible 24/7, customers can avoid the
online service fees by visiting the lobby box office between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. from Tuesday
through Friday, or two hours prior to showtime for each film. For a complete performance
schedule of all upcoming events, or to sign up for the theatre’s e-blast distribution list, visit the
organization’s website at www.apptheatre.org


Events, days, dates, times, performers, and prices are subject to change without notice.