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A fresh look at ’50 First Dates’: Unveiling the original ending
Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler‘s beloved romantic comedy, 50 First Dates, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, Barrymore shared a surprising revelation on her daytime talk show about the film’s original ending, which was quite different from the one audiences know and love.
The original ending: A bittersweet farewell
Reflecting on the film’s early days, Barrymore revealed, “Something that always sticks in my mind is the original ending of 50 First Kisses, as it was called at the time. It was a drama set in Seattle. The original ending was her saying, ‘You should go and live your life, because this is no life here.’ And he goes away, as he does, and he comes back and he walks into the restaurant and he just sits down and says, ‘Hi, I’m Henry.’ And the film ends.”
This ending, more somber and open-ended, contrasts sharply with the heartwarming conclusion that made it to theaters. Barrymore’s co-host, Ross Matthews, expressed his gratitude for the change, saying, “Honestly, can I just tell you: thank you. Thank you for changing it.”
The theatrical ending: A love that endures
50 First Dates tells the story of marine veterinarian Henry (Sandler) and art teacher Lucy (Barrymore), who suffers from anterograde amnesia. Lucy’s memory resets every day, so she never remembers falling in love with Henry. The film’s theatrical cut ends on a hopeful note, with the couple and their daughter on a boat in Alaska, where Henry is pursuing his work.
For those who want to revisit the magic, you can watch the trailer for 50 First Dates.
An alternate vision: The mural ending
In 2019, director Peter Segal discussed another potential ending for the movie. This version featured Henry making a grand gesture to help Lucy remember their life together. “It was a mural that she painted that, unlike the mural in her father’s garage, which they painted over each day so she had a blank canvas to work on, this one Henry left up so that when she woke up in the morning she could see a pictorial timeline of her last day to reintroduce her,” Segal explained.
This ending would have shown Lucy waking up, looking at the mural, and gradually remembering her life with Henry. “By the time she finished panning with her eyes from left to right, she would come to rest on Henry, and unlike earlier in the movie when she woke up in bed with him and he was a stranger again and she screamed and had a reaction, it was a way of reintroducing her to her life again,” Segal added.
The final decision: A family united
Ultimately, the filmmakers decided to focus on Henry’s dream of studying walruses in their natural habitat. Segal shared, “The idea came up, well, what if Lucy, her father, and their child were all there with him, and that just seemed really exciting and very emotional to me. The hardest thing in movies is to come up with a strong beginning and a strong end, and if you have that, you’ve got a shot, and I think to this day, it’s the best ending to any movie that I’ve done.”
Segal’s collaboration with Sandler extended beyond 50 First Dates, including films like Anger Management (2003) and The Longest Yard (2005). These partnerships have cemented their place in the hearts of comedy fans.
Personal reflections: The impact of ’50 First Dates’
As a cinema enthusiast, 50 First Dates holds a special place in my heart. The film’s exploration of love and memory is both touching and thought-provoking. The decision to end on a hopeful note, with Henry and Lucy together, resonates deeply with audiences who cherish the idea of enduring love.
For those who haven’t seen the film in a while, I highly recommend revisiting it. The chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore is undeniable, and the film’s blend of humor and heart makes it a timeless classic.
A deeper dive: The legacy of ’50 First Dates’
50 First Dates continues to be a beloved film, not just for its romantic storyline but also for its unique take on memory and relationships. The film’s exploration of anterograde amnesia offers a poignant reminder of the fragility of memory and the power of love to transcend even the most challenging circumstances.
For fans of romantic comedies, 50 First Dates is a must-watch. Its blend of humor, heart, and unforgettable performances makes it a standout in the genre. And for those who want to delve deeper into the film’s themes, the original and alternate endings provide fascinating insights into the creative process behind this beloved classic.
In celebrating the 20th anniversary of 50 First Dates, we are reminded of the enduring power of love and the importance of cherishing every moment. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the film for the first time, 50 First Dates offers a heartwarming and unforgettable cinematic experience.
