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| The Princess Diaries - Promotional Information |
Disney has
kindly provided the following on the movie:
Shy San Francisco teenager Mia Thermopolis (ANNE HATHAWAY) is thrown for a loop when, from out of the blue, she learns the astonishing news that she’s a real-life princess! As the heir apparent to the crown of the small European principality of Genovia, Mia begins a comical journey towards the throne when her strict and formidable grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (JULIE ANDREWS), shows up to give her "princess lessons." The two instantly clash – Mia has no intention of leaving her normal life to become the ruler of a far-off country, while Queen Clarisse insists it is her duty. Clarisse is determined to do a complete makeover of this sparkling – if not polished – diamond in the rough in order that she take her rightful place in the royal line of succession. Now the reluctant princess must make the biggest decision of her life – whether to remain with her family – or leave everything behind to accept the royal responsibilities that comes with being the Princess of Genovia. Walt Disney Pictures presents "The Princess Diaries" directed by Garry Marshall from a screenplay by Gina Wendkos, based upon the Harper / Collins novel by Meg Cabot. The film is produced by Whitney Houston, Debra Martin Chase, and Mario Iscovich. Ellen H. Schwartz serves as co-producer for the film, which is distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.
"I liked the story because it was something that the whole family can see and enjoy," says director Garry Marshall of his attraction to the project. "Also, it shows a young girl turning into a woman and realizing that she can have a positive effect on the world." Marshall and producer Mario Iscovich had been pitching projects to Disney during a meeting with Nina Jacobson, after which the studio called Garry to ask him to direct a favorite project of theirs called "The Princess Diaries." "They told us they wanted Garry to direct it and for me to produce it," recalls Mario Iscovich. "Debra Chase sold a galley of the novel by Meg Cabot to Disney, and developed the script with Gina. They warmed to it immediately – Garry read it and connected with the material, and we were on our way." "I almost didn’t take the movie because there was a typo on the title page which read, ‘The Princess Dairies," laughs Marshall. "I thought it was a movie about privileged cows!" Upon discovering that this was not a film with a bovine bent, Marshall threw himself wholeheartedly into gathering the perfect cast and behind- the- scenes talent for "The Princess Diaries." Producer Debra Martin Chase and her partner, Whitney Houston, who had served as executive producers for the successful, Emmy Award- winning television presentation of "Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella," which starred Brandy, Houston and Whoopi Goldberg, were immediately drawn to the story of a normal teenager who discovers she is a princess. "I’m naturally attracted to female- wish fulfillment and empowerment movies," says producer Debra Martin Chase. "’The Princess Diaries’ is an affirming and entertaining story which fits that mold quite nicely."
The charmed cast of "The Princess Diaries" includes Anne Hathaway, Hector Elizondo, Heather Matarazzo, Caroline Goodall, Mandy Moore, Robert Schwartzman, Erik von Detten, Sandra Oh, Sean O’Bryan and Julie Andrews. Anne Hathaway plays Mia Thermopolis, the bright but shy teenager whose desire to survive each school day with a minimum of attention and embarrassment is thwarted by the news of her royal lineage. Cast in the role of the reluctant royal from thousands of actresses from across the country, Hathaway’s acting talent, presence and charm made her the ideal choice for the role. Julie Andrews portrays Queen Clarisse Renaldi, Mia’s formidable paternal grandmother, who delivers the shocking news which turns Mia’s world upside down. Hector Elizondo portrays Joseph, Genovia’s head of security who acts as Mia’s bodyguard and limo driver. His devotion to duty includes a long-standing affection for Queen Clarisse Renaldi.
Heather Matarazzo plays Mia’s best friend, Lilly, whose environmental and political activism is equaled by her horror at her friend’s sudden notoriety. Caroline Goodall is Helen, Mia’s free-spirited artist mother, whose relationship with her daughter is strained by the revelation that Mia is a princess. Recording artist Mandy Moore makes her feature film debut as Lana, Mia’s nemesis and the most popular girl at school. Robert Schwartzman plays Lilly’s brother Michael, whose fondness for Mia is tested by the news of her royal heritage; Erik von Detten is Josh, Lana’s boyfriend and the most popular guy in school; Sandra Oh portrays Vice Principal Gupta; Sean O’Bryan plays Mr. O’Connell, a teacher who develops an attraction to Mia’s mother; and Mindy Burbano plays Ms. Harbula, girls’ athletic coach who tries her best to help. "I haven’t had such an exciting young cast acting for me since ‘The Flamingo Kid,’ when I had Matt Dillon, Fisher Stevens, Leon Robinson, Bronson Pinchot and Marisa Tomei," notes director Garry Marshall. "And, like everyone else, I’m a big fan of Julie Andrews. And Hector Elizondo has been in all of my movies!"
Director Garry Marshall is a veteran producer, director and writer of film, television and theater. He most recently directed Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in the hit comedy "Runaway Bride," having previously directed the team in "Pretty Woman." Marshall’s other film credits include "The Other Sister," "Frankie and Johnny," "Beaches," "Overboard," "Nothing in Common" and "The Flamingo Kid." Marshall has created and executive produced some of the longest- running most celebrated and award- winning comedies in American television history, including "Happy Days," "Laverne & Shirley," "The Odd Couple" and "Mork and Mindy." Producer Mario Iscovich most recently co-produced Garry Marshall’s hit comedy "Runaway Bride." His long association with Marshall includes serving as producer on "The Other Sister" and executive producing "Dear God." Iscovich was the Touchstone Pictures production executive on Marshall’s romantic comedy "Pretty Woman," which was one of the most successful films in The Walt Disney Studios’ history. Co-producer / first assistant director Ellen H. Schwartz served in the same dual capacity for Garry Marshall’s hit comedy "Runaway Bride," as well as Marshall’s "The Other Sister" and "Dear God." Schwartz was the first assistant director for Marshall’s blockbuster Touchstone Pictures’ hit "Pretty Woman." She was the first assistant director on "Miss Congeniality," and the recent "One Night at McCool’s." About the production: Mia Thermopolis (ANNE HATHAWAY) is a bright but shy teen who lives in San Francisco with her free-spirited artist mother Helen (CAROLINE GOODALL), and experiences the typical perils of high school life along with her best friend, Lilly (HEATHER MATARAZZO). A bit of an outsider, Mia is content to slip beneath the radar as she navigates the treacherous waters of physical education class, her school’s social caste system and a secret crush on a popular boy. Mia is suddenly thrust into the spotlight when her grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (JULIE ANDREWS), arrives in town to deliver the startling news that Mia is the heir apparent to the throne of the small European principality of Genovia!
The character of Mia required a very special actress to bring her to life, and Anne Hathaway was chosen from thousands of hopefuls for the role. "Anne Hathaway has a lot of star qualities," says director Garry Marshall. "She reminds me of two people I love very much – Judy Garland and Harpo Marx. That may sound like a strange combination, but she can smile and light up the room, or make a goofy face for a laugh – and she’s a terrific physical comedian. She’s not afraid to fall down. I haven’t worked with anyone who wanted to do physical comedy more since I worked with my sister Penny." "Garry Marshall gave me what I believe is the most important advice anybody will ever give me in my career," recalls Hathaway of their first meeting about the film. "He said to me, ‘You never know what’s going to be a hit, so you might as well have fun making it.’ And we’ve had more fun than I ever could have imagined."
Of the character of Mia, the slightly awkward and shy young girl who blooms into a self- assured, graceful young woman, Hathaway notes, "I think Mia has gone through life with only one or two people telling her that she is special – her rather flighty mother and her best friend, Lilly. When she begins princess lessons with her grandmother, she begins learning more about herself, which makes her feel good. I think the transformation Mia makes is far more than physical – it’s completely emotional and psychological – and it’s wonderful." As for preparing to be a princess, Hathaway says, "There is absolutely no way to prepare for it unless you’re born into it. So, all you can do is try to accept it as graciously as you can, while always remaining true to yourself, which I think is a very important message of this movie. Don’t believe in the labels that other people assign to you – follow your own heart." As Anne Hathaway was the ideal Mia, Julie Andrews was the filmmakers’ first and only choice for the role of the formidable Queen Clarisse Renaldi. Garry Marshall, a longtime admirer of Andrews, was thrilled when she agreed to join the cast. "She is such a talented artist," recalls Marshall of the experience. "She did great work, and she is really funny. She knows where the jokes are – and she’s one of the great reactors of all time. The English language was written for her – she knows every syllable, and I just love to listen to her." Producer Mario Iscovich echoes Marshall’s sentiments, noting, "I can’t imagine this movie without Julie Andrews, and we thank our lucky stars that she agreed to join us. She anchors the movie, and she brings to the part of Clarisse such a regal, elegant quality. Working with Julie Andrews reminds you what a real professional truly is ... she’s amazing."
And why was Julie Andrews drawn to the film? "First and foremost, I was attracted to the project for the opportunity to work with Garry Marshall," says Andrews. "I’m a great admirer of his, and I was thrilled when I was asked. I have always connected with the humor and the layers of character in his films. He does it beautifully – it’s all of the tiny details that make you smile and appreciate what he does – he’s just wonderful at it." Andrews also appreciated Marshall’s collaborative nature: "He’s unbelievably generous. He allows so much input from the actors that you feel like you’ve really contributed." Heather Matarazzo plays Mia’s best friend, the fiercely opinionated Lilly, whose school-sponsored TV show "Shut Up and Listen" is a forum for her vehement diatribes about social and political issues. Matarazzo was eager for the opportunity to work with Garry Marshall. "Garry’s one of the few directors I’ve worked with who’s into improv and allowing the actors to run with an idea," says Matarazzo. "And a lot of magical things come out of that. Garry is an actor, and an actor’s director, and he directs without going into elaborate set ups and discussions, and thinking a scene through so much you lose the point. The director is not there to give acting lessons – you either have it or you don’t, and Garry knows that."
Platinum recording artist Mandy Moore makes her feature film debut as the beautiful Lana, a popular cheerleader and the girlfriend of the equally beautiful and popular Josh. Her very existence adds to the teenage angst suffered by Mia. "I think she’s definitely the kind of character everyone has run across in school," says Moore of Lana. "I’m still in high school myself, and I know these people exist because I went to school with them. They like to discriminate against other kids, and try to find fault with them because actually they’re insecure themselves. It makes them feel better to pick on others somehow. I’m sure every teenager, in some form or other, has had to deal with that element in school." When Mia first hears from her grandmother, Queen Clarisse, that she is a princess, she is at first incredulous – and then furious. She is furious at her mother for having kept her in the dark her entire life, and she is furious at the newfound relative who is insistent on tutoring Mia in the art of being a princess. Mia initially resists, but reluctantly agrees to give her grandmother a chance. During a series of comical lessons on etiquette, posture and royal protocol, Mia finds herself becoming more assured. As she and Clarisse spend more time together, Mia not only discovers surprising things about Clarisse, but she begins to recognize her own strengths and unique qualities. "In fact, I think that Clarisse and the young princess are very much alike," notes Julie Andrews. "I think that’s what makes them antagonistic toward each other at first. They’re both feisty, and they fight each other at first, but they both have a sense of humor, and they eventually bond, growing to love and respect each other enormously by the end of the film."
Andrews, who created the role of Eliza Doolittle opposite Rex Harrison in Lerner and Loewe’s "My Fair Lady" on Broadway, appreciates the irony of switching roles in "The Princess Diaries." "In a way, I’m sort of the Henry Higgins of the piece, teaching Mia to walk, talk, dress and behave like a princess," says Andrews. "And I do, eventually, help her recognize her responsibilities to her country." Andrews’ character, Clarisse, is also very protective of the young princess. She assigns Genovian head of security Joseph (HECTOR ELIZONDO) to accompany Mia wherever she goes. "He’s tough, nobody messes with Joseph, and he watches over Mia," notes Marshall of Elizondo’s character. "I think everybody would like someone around them who could protect them from all the things that happen to you in high school." Joseph is also pressed into service when Clarisse insists that Mia learn formal dancing. Under Clarisse’s stern eye, an awkward Mia learns to gracefully glide across the floor, following Joseph’s lead. After Mia leaves, Joseph beckons Clarisse to join him in a dance. During shooting of this scene, everyone on set stopped in their tracks and watched as Julie Andrews and Hector Elizondo danced to a beautiful piece of music composed for the scene by music supervisor Sidney James.
"The Princess Diaries" shot on numerous locations in California. In Sierra Madre, the Alverno High School served as Grove High, Mia’s San Francisco private school. The move to San Francisco for two weeks of filming in various locations around the city, including The Musee Mecanique, a collection of vintage mechanical amusements located near San Francisco’s historic Cliff House restaurant, which served as the backdrop for scenes between Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews. The city’s Russian Hill was the site for a scene involving Mia’s beloved ’66 Mustang, a cable car and a very steep hill. San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown portrayed himself in a scene at the Genovian Embassy, where he was interviewed upon his arrival at the Genovian Ball. "Mayor Brown did a terrific acting job," recalls Garry Marshall. "He even managed to avoid being upstaged by a man juggling pears and a beautiful woman in a low-cut evening gown!" When word leaks out of Mia’s royal lineage, the ensuing media frenzy startles Mia and her family – as does the sudden attention by the unlikeliest of her classmates. The object of her secret crush, Josh Bryant (ERIK VON DETTEN) suddenly seems enamored of her, and he asks Mia to be his date at the Baker Beach party. A stretch of Malibu’s Zuma Beach was transformed into San Francisco’s Baker Beach for the party where Mandy Moore – as the spurned Lana – performs a song with her friends Anna (BETH ANNE GARRISON) and Fontana (BIANCA LOPEZ). Josh takes Mia sailing on his boat and the crowd dances into the evening. When the party ends in a paparazzi nightmare of helicopters and flashbulbs, the young princess’ dream date turns sour. The former Doheny Mansion, now St. Mary’s College near downtown Los Angeles, served as the Genovian consulate, the site for several key scenes in the film, including Mia’s first meeting with her grandmother, Queen Clarisse; Mia’s dance lessons; her makeover by a pompous stylist Paolo; and the climactic Genovian Ball. "The Doheny Mansion is a masterpiece," notes production designer Mayne Berke. "The mansion was built over the period of 1896 and 1903, and the atrium was added in 1917. Comfort Tiffany himself designed the atrium’s beautiful dome, where the ballroom scenes were shot. It’s a really wonderful space." The Mansion contains the late Mrs. Doheny’s antique furniture, paintings, silverware and china, which remained with the home when she left the building and its contents to the church. Now a branch of Mt. St. Mary’s College, the building houses the college’s executive offices and residence facilities, which remained open while production was shooting there.
Other scenes set in the Genovian Consulate, including a Genovian state dinner where Mia’s social shortcomings become all too apparent, were shot on Disney’s Stage 2, where Julie Andrews had filmed "Mary Poppins." "The street where the Banks family lived was on this stage," recalls Andrews. "I remember the street set very well, although the Disney lot has changed so much in the years since we made ‘Mary Poppins’ – the whole layout of the lot is very different today." The L.A. Rock Gym, a rock climbing facility located in Hawthorne became Rocks Around The Clock, where Mia works part time after school. This location served as the backdrop for a mid-air heart- to- heart between Mia and her mother, as well as the site of a scene where Mia first senses a growing attraction to Michael. Anne Hathaway took rock- climbing lessons for these scenes, and found it exciting. "I really enjoyed the challenge of trying something new, and it’s a lot of fun," says Hathaway of the sport. "I’ve always been into sports, and I really feel athletics are a great way to stay fit and feel good about yourself." Director Garry Marshall shares his young star’s love of sports: "I love sports, so I put sports in all of my pictures," says Marshall. "In ‘The Princess Diaries,’ we have girls and boys playing soccer, baseball, golf, sailing and cheerleading ... and Mandy Moore is one of the cheerleaders!" During a break in filming, Marshall received an impromptu baton-twirling lesson from Moore and her fellow cheerleaders, played by Beth Anne Garrison and Bianca Lopez. Athletics aren’t the only game in town, however. Lilly’s brother Michael (ROBERT SCHWARTZMAN) performs in a rock band called Fly Paper, when he’s not helping out at Doc Motor’s garage, and the quirky Jeremiah (PATRICK FLUEGER) performs magic tricks for his favorite audience, Lilly (HEATHER MATARAZZO) who wishes he would just disappear. Robert Schwartzman was initially quite nervous before his audition for Garry Marshall, but calmed down as they talked about the role. "At first I got really freaked out at the audition, but I felt comfortable after talking with Garry," says Schwartzman. "We talked about who I am and my hobbies ... I play music and that’s what they were looking for, a musician, for the role of Michael." Schwartzman is lead singer / songwriter and plays keyboards and guitar for the L.A. band Rooney. His character, Michael, has a passion for music ... and for Mia. "I think Michael cares for Mia because she’s not perfect," says Schwartzman. "She makes mistakes, like embarrassing herself in debate class, but shows up again the next day. And he loves her for that." Patrick Flueger, a resident of Red Wing, Minnesota, had only high school plays and local theatre to his credit when he found himself with a role in "The Princess Diaries." His cousin and some friends, who were Minneapolis casting directors, sent a tape of his to Garry Marshall. "Garry liked the tape they sent, so they flew me out for a screen test, and I met him," recalls Flueger. "He’s a legend, so I was kind of awestruck. I don’t think I’ve ever been that nervous!" "My character, Jeremiah, is into computers and magic tricks, and he has an earring and nuclear-red hair," says Flueger of his character. "He likes Lilly – he looks at her and sees someone who could probably kick his butt – and he finds that attractive!"
Although "The Princess
Diaries" is part fantasy, the filmmakers took care to ground the film
and its characters in reality. "We tried to cast real kids
in this picture," says Garry Marshall. "I had nine kids under
the age of 18 in this film – talented, great minds. If you look closely
at a lot of high school pictures, there’s a guy around 45 years old with
a beard, playing a high school kid! In ‘The Princess Diaries,’ we try
to be honest and bring you kids who are kids – and funny kids at
that." Production designer Mayne Berke created the look for the film, incorporating distinct atmospheres for the cozy, bohemian home where Mia lives with her mother, and the oppulant, forbidding Genovian Consulate, where Mia initially feels very out of place. "Working with Garry, we found a converted firehouse for Mia’s home. We decided on a firehouse in the Mission District of San Francisco, and then created the interior on stage at Disney," recalls Berke. "We wanted the firehouse to have a tower, a wonderful metaphor, as all princesses need a tower. And I think all kids growing up need a place to go and be alone with their thoughts, away from everything." With a lot of attention to detail, the converted firehouse became the home where Mia and her mother have lived for years. The work of several California artists, which represent Helen’s creations over the years, can be seen throughout the Mission/Craftsman inspired interior. Berke and his team collaborated with Anne Hathaway and Caroline Goodall to help bring real background to their characters through the set dressing in their home. "Both Anne and Caroline were very cooperative in providing us with actual photographs of them from different periods of their lives," says Berke. "It’s those subtle things, like an old photograph attached to the refrigerator that bring authenticity to the space, and helps the actor to feel more real in the environment." The firehouse set featured an actual fireman’s ladder, which Mia’s mother Helen uses to hang her large canvasses, along with a firepole. "Sometimes Mia uses the firepole when she’s late for school," says Garry Marshall. "So, when we shot the scene, everybody thought it looked like fun, so I and half the crew went sliding down the firepole, and we couldn’t shoot, because everybody was busy wanting to be a fireman. I don’t slide very well from high places ..." The elegant, intimidating world of Queen Clarisse Renaldi is quite a contrast to Mia’s cozy home, and is reflected not only in the furnishings of the environment, but in the clothing worn by Julie Andrews as Clarisse. Costume designer Gary Jones, whose designs for the film range from choosing the look for Mia’s plaid school uniform to a series of elegant ball gowns, has worked with Garry Marshall before, and was thrilled to join "The Princess Diaries" creative team.
"I initially accepted the film because of Garry Marshall, and then I realized that it was a costume designer’s dream come true,’ recalls Jones. "There’s a princess and a royal ball – it’s a costume piece. And as for Julie Andrews, she’s a dream, and she makes anything I’ve done on this film 300 times better." Jones worked closely with Andrews on the designs for Clarisse’s everyday wear as well as for the state dinner and elegant formal ball featured in the story. "We made many clothes for her which paid homage to some of the classic designers – there’s a Chanel-like suit, several Bill Blass inspired items, and queen Clarisse’s ball gown is like Dior," says Jones. "The dress Clarisse wears to the state dinner is a bit of an homage to the gown she wore to the ball as Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" on Broadway. It’s made of silk gauze and beads, which was handmade in China and arrived in the nick of time to complete the dress." Jones also collaborated with Anne Hathaway on Mia’s changing look throughout the film. "We decided that Mia was shy about her body, and because of that, she would wear layers, long sleeves, and be more covered than the other students," notes Jones. "The first chance she gets to really shine is at the state dinner at the Genovian Consulate – and although she blows it with a variety of social blunders – she looks breathtaking." The dress was inspired by one Jones had seen on the young princess of Sweden, and was made from a four-ply periwinkle blue silk crepe, with a standing collar, "a bow to the Renaissance and Romeo and Juliet," says Jones.
No royal tale would be complete without lavish jewels, and Jones worked with Harry Winston for the loan of several unique pieces – which were accompanied at all times by a security person situated just off-stage to keep an eye on the precious gems. "We had a lot of wattage going on for the ball," recalls Jones. "We accessorized Julie Andrews’ peach taffeta ballgown with an extraordinary diamond and platinum necklace which was almost 100 carats of diamonds, set in four rows, along with classic cluster earrings, which were about three carats each." For the state dinner, Andrews wore an 18-carat pear-shaped platinum and diamond ring, which was so striking, it became part of the scene. "We all got such a kick out of that ring that it joined the cast, "laughs Jones. "The ring got its own shot, with its own light!" "My point of view of this story is that Mia is a princess, and has always been a princess, she just doesn’t realize it yet," notes production designer Mayne Berke. "She just has a self-esteem problem, but she has all the qualities of a princess." Producer Whitney Houston echoes his sentiments. "Nobody really knows that they’re a princess until somebody touches their lives and says it," says Houston. "And that doesn’t mean they have to come from royalty – it means how you feel inside about yourself ... it’s how you treat yourself and love yourself that really matters."
Director Garry Marshall, whose films invariably contain the theme of recognizing and embracing one’s own unique qualities and gifts, hopes the story will resonate with audiences of all ages. "We have a great cast and a terrific story, with a lot of laughs," says Marshall. "I hope that when people see this film, they have a wonderful time, and that they also come away with better self-esteem. My wish is that it inspires kids and teenagers to realize they have a chance to make a difference in the world, and to believe in themselves." |
Sue Kruse attends the premiere of the movie, and meets Julie Andrews
Adrienne Krock tells you all about the Princess Tea Parties at the El Capitan
The official movie site is quite extensive, and offers a lot to do and see. To make reservations for the The Princess Diaries and Disney Princess Tea, call 1-800-DISNEY6 (I-800-347-6396.) For group sales, call 818-845-3110. You may also order tickets online (and even print them at home) via the elcapitantickets.com website. The soundtrack album is now available via Amazon, click on the graphic below to purchase it
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