1. The Firehouse - Ghostbusters (1984)
In the film: The ruined Lower Manhattan derelict that the start-up Busters make their home. Egon worries about the metal fatigue, substandard wiring and neighborhood "like a demilitarized zone." Ray, not so much ("You gotta try this pole!")
The Google view: In reality, the Tribeca firehouse at 14 North Moore Street is still operational, and home to 8 Hook And Ladder. It also made an appearance in Hitch - obviously it's got a pull on those shambolic hero types.
2. The Palantine Rally - Taxi Driver (1976)
In the film: His simmering rage having finally boiled over ("Here is a man who would not take it anymore..."), this is where Travis fluffs his big moment, ducking out of the assassination he's planned and fleeing the packed political rally in shame.
The Google view: Columbus Circus, located on the southwest edge of Central Park. It's quite the star location, having also appeared in Ghostbusters, I Am Legend and Die Hard With A Vengeance.
Next: Blue Velvet, Die Hard
Comments
BenCh
May 21st 2009, 16:10
nice feature
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SCQ47
May 22nd 2009, 3:49
Thanks for the feature. My only question is why you went with the liquor store instead of the bowling alley from Big Lebowski. I'll be visiting most of these spots next week.
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avoidz
May 24th 2009, 9:00
The E.T. house makes a brief appearance in the Charlie's Angels movie. Drew Barrymore's character rolls down a hill naked and drops into the backyard, to the surprise of two boys. (An E.T. poster can be seen above the television they are playing a game on.)
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leeloo77
May 27th 2009, 17:30
Its not Simple Minds playing in the scene you brought up for 'Donnie Darko' it is Tears for Fears.
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torsloke
May 27th 2009, 18:55
@SCQ47 - it's because the dear departed Hollywood Star Lanes was torn down and is now an elementary or middle school. Hollywood Star Lanes also appears in the eminently less watchable Family Man. I used to bowl in a league there during the filming of both movies. It was the best bowling alley, only made better by its connection to the Dude. It is sorely missed. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=5201+Santa+Monica+Blvd+Los+Angeles,+CA+90038&sll=34.092313,-118.303442&sspn=0.008565,0.019312&gl=us&ie=UTF8&ll=34.090803,-118.303227&spn=0.008565,0.019312&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A&layer=c&cbll=34.090806,-118.303341&panoid=J1ohxfaq4z5TCFzefSZY6w&cbp=12,45.9,,0,4
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mattrix33
Jun 9th 2009, 21:25
Cool feature. I live in Bristol and didn`t even know that the Grovsner Hotel had even been in a film
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dalebiskit
Oct 12th 2009, 14:56
I made a pilgrimage to the manhattan spot but couldn't get very close to recreating the shot so I assumed that they'd built over it. I hate it when I'm right.
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sforsythe
Dec 23rd 2009, 5:39
During the short time I was living in Manhattan, I went to find the spot as the Queensboro bridge was only a few blocks away. The bench is in fact still there, and it's an awesome sight to see. Just follow 58th street ALL the way to the east until it ends, and you will find it. The google maps shot was taken from FDR drive. A road that runs beneath where the bench is.
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