Can’t Buy Me Love, released in theaters on August 14, 1987, tells the story of Ronald Miller (Patrick Dempsey), a nerdy high school student who is desperate to shed his social invisibility. His opportunity comes in the form of a business proposition with popular cheerleader Cindy Mancini (Amanda Peterson).
When Cindy accidentally ruins her mother’s expensive outfit, Ronald offers to pay for it on one condition: she must pretend to be his girlfriend for a month in order to make him popular at their high school. The deal works, and Ronald is instantly elevated to a new level of popularity, abandoning his old friends, including Kenneth Wurman (Courtney Gains).
As Ronald’s social status rises, he becomes more arrogant and self-centered, alienating both his former friends and Cindy. The film explores the shallow nature of popularity and the true value of friendship.
Tina Caspary as Barbara and Darcy DeMoss as Patty shine in their roles as Cindy’s best friends and fellow cheerleaders.
Cort McCown, Gerardo Mejia, Eric Bruskotter star as the jocks that take Ronald in to their circle of friends.
Seth Green stands out in a memorable early role, playing Ronald’s younger brother Chuckie Miller. Green would go on to star in hits films including Can’t Hardly Wait and The Italian Job and the popular HBO series Entourage.
Dennis Dugan also stars as Ronald’s father.
Ami Dolenz as Fran and Devin DeVasquez as Iris also appear in the film.
The movie culminates in a poignant and humorous climax where Ronald gets an opportunity to redeem himself to his friends and the rest of the school.
The film was originally titled Boy Rents Girl but was changed when rights to The Beatles song Can’t Buy Me Love were obtained.
Entertainment Weekly put Can’t Buy Me Love at 41 on the list of the 50 Best High School Movies in 2006.
The film was remade in 2003 as Love Don’t Cost a Thing starring Nick Cannon, Christina Milian, Kenan Thompson, Steve Harvey and Kai Penn.
Patrick Dempsey and Amanda Peterson in Can’t Buy Me Love (Photo/Touchstone Pictures)
Reception for Can’t Buy Me Love
Can’t Buy Me Love grossed $4.8 million on its opening weekend, finishing third at the box office behind Stakeout ($5.8 million) and The Living Daylights ($5 million).
The film would gross $31.6 million in its theatrical run.
Lasting Legacy
Can’t Buy Me Love is a beloved teen movie from the 1980s. Its legacy is tied to its enduring message about staying true to yourself. It’s a quintessential “nerd-to-popular” story, but it stands out for its heartfelt and sincere execution.
The film solidified Dempsey’s status as a young star and remains a cherished piece of ’80s pop culture and he would go on to star as as Dr. Derek Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy.
Peterson would go on to achieve teen idol status as a result of the film being the sleeper hit of the summer, but her final appearance on-screen was a supporting role in the 1994 fantasy film, WindRunner.
In 1994, Peterson retired from the entertainment industry and returned to her hometown of Greeley, CO. She died on July 3, 2015, from Acute Morphine Toxicity three days short of her 44th birthday.
