While The Breakfast Club focuses on divisions between high school cliques, Pretty In Pink offers instead a sensitive portrayal of the larger issue of class in America. Hughes passed directorial duties on this film to Howard Deutch (as he would for Some Kind Of Wonderful (1987)), who created one of the most memorable of teen movies.

Hughes’ muse Molly Ringwald plays Andie, the girl from the wrong side of the tracks who falls for rich kid Blane (Andrew McCarthy). To her surprise, the attraction is mutual, and they start dating. However, their relationship faces hostility from their friends, including a contemptuous James Spader and the loyal but heartbroken Duckie (Jon Cryer, stealing the film). Despite the studio-ordered ending, the film remains an unflinching and relevant examination of class distinction.

Screening as part of Teenage Kicks: American Teens on Film (August 4th – 28th).