In Movies and on TV

Payphones Seen in Woody Allen’s “Manhattan”

the payphone project | , , ,

This is the most beautifully shot payphone scene in Woody Allen’s “Manhattan”.

"Manhattan" Phone Booth Scene, Woody Allen
“Manhattan” Phone Booth Scene, Woody Allen

A bit of Google Streetview sleuthing (because who is not too lazy to go out and find these things themselves?) reveals the exact filming location of this scene: Park Avenue and 68th Street, southwest corner. There is no payphone at that corner today. The USPS mailboxes, on the other hand, have doubled in population from 1 to 2.

This might not make for the most compelling comparison, because the types of lenses used are so completely different, but I am certain enough that Streetview today reflects that Park Avenue and 68th Street is the same spot as seen in the screenshot. The building at the right, with its stone front and top-rounded windows, makes for an easy resemblance. But the buildings on the left of the “Manhattan” screenshot fall off of where Streetview’s cameras are able to see, a block down at 67th Street:

Payphones and phone booths make a number of passing and not-so-passing appearances in “Manhattan”. Here are a few of the more interesting appearances:

This looks like Columbus Circle before it was overwhelmed by corporate.
This looks like Columbus Circle before it was overwhelmed by corporate.
I remember this row of payphones, right in the heart of Times Square. My photos of it are lost.
I remember this row of payphones, right in the heart of Times Square. My photos of it are lost.
I am not sure where this is but that might be Hunter College, upper east side, in the background.
I am not sure where this is but that might be Hunter College, upper east side, in the background.
I did these screengrabs years ago. and have not actually watched this movie since then. I assume this is an upper east side diner where Woody Allen ducks in to make a call.
I did these screengrabs years ago. and have not actually watched this movie since then. I assume this is an upper east side diner where Woody Allen ducks in to make a call.
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