Detective Films: Rich Boys, Poor Girls

Description: This iconic film tells the story of Vivian Ward, a spirited prostitute, who is hired by Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman, to be his escort for several business functions. Their relationship evolves from a business arrangement into something much deeper, with a detective subplot involving Edward's business dealings.

Fact: The film was originally conceived as a dark drama, but was transformed into a romantic comedy. Julia Roberts was paid $300,000 for her role, which was a significant leap from her previous earnings.

Description: Sabrina Fairchild, the daughter of the Larrabee family's chauffeur, returns from Paris transformed and catches the eye of both Larrabee brothers. A detective-like plot unfolds as she navigates her feelings for the rich playboy David and his more serious brother Linus, who tries to manipulate the situation.

Fact: This is a remake of the 1954 film of the same name, with significant changes to the plot. Harrison Ford, who played Linus, was initially reluctant to take on the role due to its romantic nature.

Description: Mary Fiore, a wedding planner, falls for a doctor, Steve Edison, who is engaged to her client. Their romance unfolds with a detective-like twist as Mary tries to navigate her feelings and professional ethics.

Fact: Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey had to learn to dance for the film, which included a memorable scene where they dance together in a park.

Description: Marisa Ventura, a single mother working as a maid in a fancy New York hotel, is mistaken for a wealthy guest by Senator Christopher Marshall. Their romance blossoms amidst a backdrop of political intrigue and class differences, with Marisa's true identity becoming a detective-like mystery to unravel.

Fact: Jennifer Lopez was pregnant during the filming, and her pregnancy was cleverly hidden by wardrobe choices. The film was inspired by a real-life story of a hotel maid who was mistaken for a guest.

Description: Paige Morgan, a pre-med student, falls for Eddie, who turns out to be the Crown Prince of Denmark. Their romance is tested by royal obligations and a detective-like quest to understand each other's worlds, highlighting the class divide.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life romance between Prince Joachim of Denmark and his first wife, Alexandra, Countess of Frederiksborg.

Description: Two women, one from Los Angeles and one from England, swap homes for the holidays. Amanda, a wealthy movie trailer editor, falls for Graham, a charming English journalist, while Iris, a poor journalist, meets Miles, a rich screenwriter. Their stories unfold with detective-like twists as they explore new relationships.

Fact: The film was shot in both Los Angeles and England, with the English cottage being a real location that was extensively renovated for the movie.

Description: While not strictly a romance, this film features a dynamic between a poor aspiring journalist, Andy Sachs, and her wealthy, demanding boss, Miranda Priestly. The detective-like element comes from Andy's quest to understand and navigate the high-fashion world.

Fact: Meryl Streep's performance as Miranda Priestly was inspired by Vogue editor Anna Wintour, although Streep denied it was a direct portrayal.

Description: Margaret Tate, a high-powered book editor, convinces her assistant Andrew Paxton to pretend to be her fiancé to avoid deportation. Their fake engagement turns into a real romance, with a detective-like investigation into their true feelings and backgrounds.

Fact: Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds had great chemistry on set, leading to rumors of a real-life romance, although they remained just friends.

Description: A wealthy businessman hires a maid who turns out to be his long-lost love. Their rekindled romance is complicated by his current engagement and a detective subplot involving her mysterious past.

Fact: This made-for-TV movie was part of a series of romantic comedies produced for television in the early '90s.

Description: Sam Montgomery, a high school student, communicates with her mysterious online crush, who turns out to be the school's most popular guy, Austin Ames. Their relationship unfolds like a modern-day Cinderella tale with a detective twist to find each other in real life.

Fact: The film uses the classic Cinderella story as a framework but adds contemporary elements like text messaging and internet dating.