If we’re going to cover Pretty In Pink and its filming locations, I must write a few lines about Hughes, the master of teenage movies, the dude who revolutionized the coming-of-age genre with his extraordinary talent for putting the teen era all lived in all its awkward, amazing weird glory.
That’s what makes Pretty in Pink a timeless film because it captures the world of high school romance, urban tribes, and youthful aspirations. John Hughes, the scriptwriter for Pretty in Pink, was a visionary with an unrivaled talent for putting into scenes the teenage feeling of two generations.
The film, which Howard Deutch directed but which still clearly bears the genius of John Hughes, presents us with Molly Ringwald’s character, Andie Walsh, who must navigate her romantic life through high school romances.
The filming locations for “Pretty in Pink” are one element that contributes to the film’s enduring charm; if the school for The Breakfast Club was a character in itself, the scenes that Deutch captured with this flick are no exception.
Pretty In Pink Filming Locations
Pretty in Pink is your quintessential California flick. Filmed entirely in the Golden State, in iconic high schools, and with exterior shots across the metropolitan district of Los Angeles, this movie shows us how posh and rough life can be growing up in LaLa Land.
From John Burroughs Middle School to the Biltmore Hotel, these classic locations have come together to create a captivating cinematic experience that is sure to leave viewers feeling inspired.
Fun fact: The movie’s title comes after Molly Ringwald told John Hughes that he should write a script about a song called “Pretty in Pink”, which was Ringwald’s favorite song in those years.
John Burroughs Middle School, Los Angeles, California
John Burroughs Middle School served as the backdrop for the high school scenes in Pretty in Pink. Here, Andie interacts with her friends and confronts her high school adversaries.
The school’s traditional architecture, including its red brick exteriors and spacious corridors, lends itself to the classic high school environment depicted in the movie.
Also Read: Pretty In Pink Ending Explained: Why Andie Chose Blane?
John Marshall High School, Los Angeles, California
Another noteworthy high school location in the film is the John Marshall High School, which adds suburban charm to the movie’s setting.
The school’s campus gives those California openness and freedom vibes that make John Hughes’ films so appealing to so many people, and both its exteriors and interiors help to create the authentic atmosphere that the film tries to show the audience.
South Pasadena, California
The scenes at Andie’s home were filmed at an actual house, located at 1014 Hope Street in South Pasadena. The scenes here give Andie’s working-class background and give depth to her character:
The inside of the house is cozy, and the slightly worn exterior depicts Molly Ringwald’s character living a typical suburban life.
Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles, California
This hotel is a Los Angeles landmark; it is where they shot all those prom scenes at the movie’s ending. It is a fancy and very opulent hotel whose interiors, including its grand ballroom and crystal chandeliers, make the perfect setting for Andie’s journey towards finding love and acceptance.
Santa Clarita, California
Santa Clarita is where the scenes about Andie’s everyday life were filmed. Because the streets were quiet and there was a lot of greenery, it was the perfect place to show the character’s journey through high school romance and the difficulties of being a teenager.
Santa Clarita takes place in a small town, which gives the story more depth and makes the movie more interesting to a wide range of people.
Santa Monica, California
The 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica makes an appearance in the movie as a setting for gatherings and social events. Full of trendy shops, the avenues of Santa Monica Boulevard become part of the storyline, showing us how different people can be when they come from different socio-economic backgrounds.
Also Read: The Breakfast Club Ending Explained: What Happens After Detention?
