It’s not for nothing that Pittsburgh has been dubbed ‘Hollywood East’. The city has long been a favourite filming location for movie directors, appearing in everything from ‘80s movies such as Flashdance to superhero movies like Batman blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises, so don’t be surprised if clients report experiencing some déjà vu on their visit. Other sites of interest for movie fans include Carnegie Science Center whose Robot Hall of Fame features movie giants such as C-3PO of Star Wars fame and Hal from Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Steer clients looking to discover more towards themed tours such as Walk the Burgh’s two-hour Hollywood East Tour, focused on Downtown. Here are just some of the many movies the city has starred in or inspired.
Night of the Living Dead (1968) – Horror fans should beat a path to Evans City, Pennsylvania whose graveyard starred in the opening sequence of legendary zombie flick Night of the Living Dead. The movie’s legendary director George A Romero studied cinematography in Pittsburgh at what is now Carnegie Mellon University.
Flashdance (1983) – Pittsburgh served as a gritty backdrop to this classic ‘80s movie. Key locations include Smithfield Street Bridge, which the main character Alex pedals across; Duquesne Incline, which she rides to visit Hanna; and Carnegie Music Hall, in Oakland district, which served as the fictional Pittsburgh Conservatory of Dance and Repertory.
Groundhog Day (1993) – This classic ‘90s movie starring Bill Murray features an early aerial shot of Pittsburgh. Better still, although the movie wasn’t actually filmed there, keen clients can take a detour to visit the small Pennsylvania town of Punxsutawney where each February 2nd people really do gather to watch resident groundhog Punxsutawney Phil emerge to give his weather predictions at Gobbler’s Knob.
Wonder Boys (2000) – Michael Douglas may be the lead actor but Pittsburgh’s educational establishments such as Carnegie Mellon University, Shady Side Academy and Chatham College are the real stars. Other key locations include the red-brick home of Douglas’s character, Tripp, found at 359 South Atlantic Avenue, in Friendship district. Pittsburgh’s bridges, airport and skyline also feature prominently.
Adventureland (2009) – Key locations include the 16th Street Bridge, where the character James enjoys his first kiss with Em; Jodi B’s Restaurant at 2600 Ardmore Boulevard, in the eastern district of Forest Hills, which stands in for the movie’s Velvet Touch restaurant; and the nearby Kennywood theme park.
Warrior (2011) – Another gritty drama, this siblings fight flick featuring the British actor Tom Hardy showcases a wide range of Pittsburgh settings and backdrops. Key locations include Petersen Events Center; North Hills High School, used for the classroom scenes; and Don’s Diner, over on 1729 Eckert Street.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012) – The Mellon Institute on Fifth Avenue, part of Carnegie Mellon University, doubles for Gotham City Hall in this Christopher Nolan blockbuster. Other key locations include Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, where the movie’s Gotham Rogues are based.
Jack Reacher (2012) – Actor Tom Cruise's epic action movie makes excellent use of its numerous Pittsburgh backdrops, not least in its central car chase scene. Keep your eyes peeled for glimpses of some of the city’s iconic bridges; neighbourhoods such as Downtown and North Shore; and thoroughfares such as Smallman Street where our boy makes short work of his bar fight.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) – This much-loved, light-hearted drama, shot on location in Pittsburgh, showcases everywhere from Schenley High School (now apartments) and the lobby of the Fairmont Pittsburgh to The Corner, in Polish Hill. Other central spots include Rachel’s home at 1035 Murray Hill Avenue, its leafy Squirrel Hill location in stark contrast to Earl’s digs at 6 Wood Street, in nearby Braddock.