February Countdown: #3 – “Mannequin” Brings Romance to Life!

Our February countdown of the top five romantic movies of the 1980s continues! At #5, we looked at “Pretty in Pink,” a heartfelt love story filled with teen angst and class struggles. Then, at #4, we dived into “Splash,” a magical tale of romance between a man and a mermaid. Now, at #3, we have “Mannequin” (1987), a lighthearted romantic fantasy that proves love can truly bring magic to life!

Bringing Love to Life in “Mannequin”

Directed by Michael Gottlieb, Mannequin tells the story of Jonathan Switcher (Andrew McCarthy), a struggling artist who finds himself working in a Philadelphia department store. One day, he discovers that one of the mannequins, Emmy (Kim Cattrall), is actually a cursed ancient Egyptian princess who comes to life—but only when they’re alone!

Their budding romance, mixed with outrageous hijinks and a touch of magic, creates a charming and quirky film that became a cult favorite. Jonathan and Emmy’s relationship is a perfect blend of humor, romance, and fantasy, making Mannequin stand out among 80s romantic comedies.

A Connection to “Pretty in Pink”

Fans of Pretty in Pink will immediately recognize Andrew McCarthy, who played the wealthy and sensitive Blane in the John Hughes classic. In Mannequin, McCarthy showcases his comedic side, proving he could lead a romantic comedy with both charm and humor. His chemistry with Kim Cattrall, who would later become famous for Sex and the City, makes their unlikely love story feel genuine and endearing.

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• Kim Cattrall had to pose perfectly still for long periods. To make her transitions between mannequin and human seamless, Cattrall had to train herself to stay motionless for long takes.
• The film was inspired by “Pygmalion” and “One Touch of Venus.” The idea of an artist falling in love with his creation has been a recurring theme in literature and film.
• Meshach Taylor stole the show. As Hollywood Montrose, Jonathan’s eccentric and hilarious coworker, Meshach Taylor brought much-needed comic relief and became one of the most beloved side characters of the decade.
• The iconic song “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” became a huge hit. Performed by Starship, the song was nominated for an Academy Award and became an anthem of 80s romance.

Why “Mannequin” Still Captivates Audiences

Like Pretty in Pink and Splash, Mannequin is about finding love in the most unexpected places and overcoming the odds. Whether it’s breaking down social barriers (Pretty in Pink), defying the impossible (Splash), or believing in magic (Mannequin), these films capture the whimsical, heartfelt spirit of 80s romance.

With its blend of comedy, fantasy, and romance, Mannequin remains a charming and nostalgic favorite. Stay tuned as we reveal #2 in our countdown next week!