Take a trip to Philadelphia and you might see Ben Franklin's spectacles get stolen. You might also see a mannequin come to life. Or, like little Haley Joel Osment, you might say, "I see dead people." All of these things are possible in Philadelphia because so many major movies have been filmed there. Visit the locations and you'll be able to picture your favorite scenes happening right before your eyes. Here is a quick guide to help you find the places where all the hottest Philly films were shot.
Philadelphia Museum of Art (Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. at 26th St.)
The "Rocky Steps" are the centerpiece of one of the most iconic movie moments in history: Sylvester Stallone's triumphant run in the film Rocky. The steps are easy to find, especially because you'll find other Rocky imitators just about any time of day. Be sure and have a friend ready with a video camera, and your relatives can laugh at you for years to come. If Rocky's not to your taste, you can also buck convention by recreating Toni Collette's scene in In Her Shoes, running up the steps with four dogs in tow. That scene was shot in this same location. Tip: when you get to the top, don't be so busy posing that you miss the spectacular view.
The Striped Bass Restaurant (1500 Walnut St.)
If the ambiance at this acclaimed seafood restaurant looks familiar, it's because this is the restaurant where Bruce Willis and his wife share an unusual anniversary dinner in The Sixth Sense. If you've seen the movie, you know why this scene is special. The restaurant itself is pretty special too. While you're here you can have some of the best seafood in town in a romantic, dimly lit space with soaring 28-foot ceilings. Some say the only time the place was ever well-lit was when they filmed the movie! Ask the maitre d' for the Sixth Sense table, and share some movie dialogue over a great meal.
Independence Hall (Chestnut St., between Fifth and Sixth St.)
While all the other tourists are checking out the Liberty Bell across the street, you can see the location where one of the most exciting scenes in National Treasure was shot. The hands on the clock tower gave Nicolas Cage an important clue, and you might also remember that he found Ben Franklin's spectacles behind a brick. Don't try to actually pry away any bricks, or a security guard will surely escort you out. Afterward, see some of the other National Treasure locales, including Washington Square, City Cemetery and Reading Terminal Market.
City Hall (Center Square, intersection of Market and Broad St.)
City Hall has been featured in tons of flicks, from Philadelphia to Twelve Monkeys, but its most exciting use may have been in Blow Out. The early 80s John Travolta thriller features one of the most heart-pounding climaxes, even by today's standards. You can visit the City Hall courtyard and see where Travolta's car careened through the Square, later crashing through the plate glass windows of Wanamaker's Department Store.
Macy's (1300 Market St.)
The store where Travolta's car rammed through the glass is now a Macy's, but between the filming of Blow Out and the present day, it was a Lord & Taylor. Under that name, the store was the setting for one of the oddest romantic comedies ever made: Mannequin. Andrew McCarthy played the lead with Kim Cattrall as a window mannequin who comes to life and steals his heart. The store is a fun place to take snapshots, but falling in love with the mannequins is strictly forbidden!
30th Street Station (Market St., between 29th and 30th St.)
This historical landmark is the hub of Philadelphia's transportation system, and it has perhaps never been depicted in film as spectacularly as it was in Witness. The opening scenes of the Harrison Ford movie, where an Amish boy sees a murder in a bathroom, all take place here. The movie captures well the huge size and unique architecture of the station, but seeing it in person is still something you must do. Parts of Blow Out were filmed here too, so you can include it in your Blow Out mini-tour if you like.
Philadelphia Academy of Music (1420 Locust St.)
The Age of Innocence used several lush-looking locations to evoke the 19th century. Most of them were in New York City, but one of the standouts was actually in Philly. In an early scene, Daniel Day-Lewis first notices a beautiful Michelle Pfeiffer at a performance of Faust. Though the meeting takes place in a building called the New York Academy of Music, the scene was really filmed at the Philadelphia Academy of Music. When you see it, you'll know why. The opulent red and gilt interior is based on the famous La Scala Opera House in Milan, and it's breathtaking. You will be whisked away to the era of the period movie immediately. Take smelling salts.
If you're not already exhausted, you should know that there are even more movie locales in Philadelphia. Just a few of the other movies with scenes filmed here include Beloved, Trading Places, Unbreakable and Clean and Sober. If you want to be sure and not miss a thing, take one of the many guided Philadelphia movie tours. Hey, if you can't actually meet the stars, you can at least walk in their footsteps. And in Philadelphia, you'll find their footsteps all over town.
in Pennsylvania
