Uncovering a New Perspective on "The Princess Diaries": 21 Unveiled Facts That Alter Your Viewing Experience
In the enchanting world of "The Princess Diaries", many fascinating stories unfolded beyond the silver screen. Here's a glimpse into the production of this beloved film.
Julie Andrews, the iconic actress who played Queen Clarisse, played an active role in the film's creation. She worked closely with production designer Mayne Berke to design Queen Clarisse's rose garden and was consulted on the royal aspects of the movie.
Anne Hathaway, who brought Mia Thermopolis to life, often improvised her clumsy moments on set, adding a touch of spontaneity to the film.
Garry Marshall, the director of "The Princess Diaries", ran the set like a camp. Special activities were organised for each holiday, including a pumpkin carving contest and a Thanksgiving parade.
One of the more unconventional scenes involved Mia and her mother, Helen, throwing darts at balloons filled with paint. While it may seem dangerous, a prop master offscreen was the one shooting the balloons with a BB gun to ensure safety.
Gerald Hathaway, Anne Hathaway's real father, was the inspiration for the picture of Philippe that appears in the film.
During the filming of her pre-makeover scenes, Anne Hathaway recalled hearing whispers from extras questioning why she got the part. "I'm so much better looking than her," they would say.
The tiara and jewelry Julie Andrews wore in the last scenes of the film were worth a staggering $500,000, courtesy of jeweller Harry Winston.
Meg Cabot, the author of the "Princess Diaries" series, sold the rights to Disney for a mere $4,000 in 1999. At the time, she was working as a supervisor in a girls' dormitory at NYU.
Allan Kent, who also had a line in "Pretty Woman", played the waiter who says, "It happens all the time", when Mia breaks her champagne glass during dinner.
During Mia's makeover scene, Larry Miller, who played her grandpa, had to snap the hairbrush for real.
These behind-the-scenes stories add a delightful layer to the magic of "The Princess Diaries", making the film even more cherished by its fans.
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