“Slimer” Says Hello!
OK folks, get ready for a trip back to the 1980’s, when characters like this “owned” the summer movie season of 1984:
Yes, these Ghosts and Goblins all appear in a single film franchise. Why am I telling you this?
Because the other day, as I walked through New York’s lower east side, I came upon this:
The Real “Ghostbusters” Firehouse!
Yep, all of those creatures are featured in “Ghostbusters”, and they filmed parts of the movie here, which is why it’s now an official “Ghostbusters” haunt – and a real fire station!
As the terrific Atlas Obscura noted:
The iconic Ghostbusters Firehouse in New York City is a real, fully operational fire station known as FDNY Hook & Ladder Company 8. Located in Manhattan’s historic Tribeca neighborhood, this 1903 Beaux-Arts building served as the exterior headquarters for the Ghostbusters team in the original 1984 classic, its sequels, and the 2016 reboot.
I happened upon it one day and shot this video:
As you can see, they have regular events there to celebrate the film and its sequels…you never know who might show up!
The great thing is: this location really was used in the original movie – and has stayed a part of the franchise ever since…let’s go back to 1984 when this film took America by storm:
In 1984, “Ghostbusters” was released and quickly became a phenomenon, helped by the signature line from the poster, and the music video by Ray Parker Jr., which begins at the fire house!
Check it out:
Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis play Scientists who get fired from Columbia University. So they did what ever fired person does: they invented nuclear-powered proton packs, rented an old firehouse, bought a decommissioned ambulance (the Ecto-1), and branded themselves as the Ghostbusters!
Here is the film’ trailer:
The massive popularity of the film led to a sequel, a remake, and even a remake with all female Ghostbusters!
The “Ghostbusters” franchise rebooted with a cast of hilarious new characters. Thirty years after the beloved original franchise took the world by storm, Director Paul Feig brought a fresh take to the supernatural comedy, joined by some of the funniest actors working – Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Chris Hemsworth.
Here’s that trailer:
I will be exploring more of New York’s fascinating movie locations…and one that is related to Led Zeppelin too!
I’ve got the New York story behind their “Physical Graffiti” album coming soon – as part of my “wildest album covers” series!
As for other great New York locations, perhaps nothing beats this:
Welcome To The Brooklyn Bridge!
It’s iconic for so many reasons: a bridge taht everyone said was a scientific impossibility! Today, you can do this:
Yep, you can walk over it, and see the Statue of Liberty in the distance as well! See more of the history of this architectural marvel here, as I made it part of my “Hitch Hiking” series:
All that walking is sure to make you hungry, and if you are in Brooklyn, you MUST stop here for a bite:
Head to Lilia to try these incredible Sheep’s Milk Cheese Agnolotti, Saffron, Dried Tomato, Honey Agnolotti!
It is like biting into a pillow of flavor: the cheesy goodness with saffron and honey – simply incredible!
See my review of the entire menu here – one of New York’s best!
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Leave a comment and let me know if you’ve met any Ghostbusters at FDNY Hook & Ladder Company 8! If you like this story, please share on social media – thanks!
Categories: Action Films, Comedy Movies, Cult Movies, Exotic Travel, Film Fight Club, Movies, New York, Pop Culture, Real Estate, Talent/Celebrities, True Hollywood Mystery
Finding the movie headquarters still operating as a real firehouse gives the stop more texture than a conventional film location. Anyone going for a photo should remember that emergency crews need the entrance clear, which feels like the right way to respect both halves of the building’s identity.
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Agree an d great point: respect the working staff there who may at nay moment go on a real emergency call!
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That was one of the best movies! Thanks for the clips! I’m glad the firehouse is preserved. Did you see the last Ghostbuster movie? It was very good. I loved the kid, and finding the Ghostbuster Ecto-1 ambulance, and more.
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I didn’t, but thanks to streaming services I can catch up on it now! Thanks for that!
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Highly recommended, John. Enjoy!
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I loved Ghostbusters when I was a girl. It’s great to know this fire station exists as a tribute to these films 👻
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I’m sure you would never run out of new things to see walking around New York and new blogs to share. I love walking across iconic bridges, not too near the edge though as I don’t like heights.
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The park is more than 840 acres: it has two creeks, two lakes, hiking trails, the great lawn, bike lanes, fountains and statues throughout, and it’s virtually all free! It’s the city’s park, and it’s kept up beautifully by the city and a dedicated team of volunteers…you’d love it!
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Cities owe so much to people who had the foresight and power I expect, to preserve tracts of land and turn them into something special.
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Absolutely.. Vancouver BC has that massive park as well which I love…it makes the quality of life so much better! Even Los Angeles has a massive park with Griffith Observatory in it, just east of Hollywood…and did you know that LA is the only city in the US with a mountain range running through it? #uselessknowedgeKing
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what a fun discovery! i’m so glad they’re using it in so many ways, including as a functioning fire station –
ps: This book is coming out on the 22nd, sounds like something you might like, being an insider. Hoping you’re going to read and give us a review –
Roll the Calls: A Memoir
by Ari Emanuel (Author) Format: Hardcover
One of Hollywood’s most accomplished, feared—and funny—dealmakers has some stuff he wants to get off his chest. A lifetime worth of stuff. And secrets. And stories. And it all makes for one hell of a ride, and one of the must-read books of the year.
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Yes, I saw a short writeup of this – he exemplifies the business I am in – for good AND bad…thanks for sharing that!
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Well, 1984 unfortunately was the year I managed to get divorced after a decades long marriage . . . so had my own ghosts to bust 😦 ! Remember the film being advertised – thanks to you am now catching up just a tad. OMG – Murray and Aykroyd look like teenagers 🙂 !
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HA! Yes they still do! Thanks for the note, always great to hear from you!
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The original was a terrific film….sequel not so much….I always liked the firehouse…..chuq
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As with most sequels they are money makers first, an artistic continuation of the story second..of course The Godfather II just one notable exception
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Such an enjoyable film, (I never bothered with the remake) and great to be able to walk past the real location. I am surprised it is still used by the FDNY though. Shared on Twitter.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete. not only used but celebrated! They do a lot of events there as well for fundraising…thanks for the note!
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