Originally meant to be a serious drama (called $3,000) about a man buying a prostitute for the night, this turned into a delightful romantic comedy in the hands of Garry Marshall and sent the career of star Julia Roberts into the stratosphere. Co-star Richard Gere didn't do too badly, either - he'd been on a downward spiral before the role of tycoon Edward Lewis came along. On screen they make the "hooker falls for a millionaire in Beverly Hills" tale completely plausible, aided by Marshall's glossy direction, the hit-filled soundtrack, a perky screenplay from JF Lawton (who also scripted the thriller Under Siege) and hilarious support from Marshall stalwart Hector Elizondo.

While on a business trip in Los Angeles, Edward Lewis, a millionaire entrepreneur who makes a living buying and breaking up companies, picks up a prostitute, Vivian, while asking for directions; after, Edward hires Vivian to stay with him for the weekend to accompany him to a few social events, and the two get closer only to discover there are significant hurdles to overcome as they try to bridge the gap between their very different worlds.