expressive central character. For many viewers, Blane became one of the roles most closely connected with McCarthy’s youthful image.
The affection audiences developed for his character concealed a very different experience behind the camera. McCarthy later disclosed that he was drinking heavily during this period. In a 2004 interview with ABC’s 20/20, he recalled that viewers interpreted his performance in Pretty in Pink as sensitive and gentle while he was frequently suffering from hangovers during production. His account illustrates the considerable gap that can exist between what
