In the pantheon of great New York films, "Ghostbusters" stands out, for a few reasons. One? It's different from the grittier greats like "Serpico" and "Dog Day Afternoon," meaning it stands out from the Big Apple pack. And two? The exteriors could not be more New-York-y if a set designer had stuck "I Love NY" stickers all over the place. The local feel is there.
But... Los Angeles? Yeah, that's in this most New-York-ian of films, too. Like, a lot. It's not a little known fact, in any way, but to call "Ghostbusters" a Los Angeles movie is definitely stirring the proverbial pot.
You can take a tour, though, and weigh it in your own mind. The Ghost Hunters of Urban Los Angeles -- yep, GHOULA is their spirited short handle -- will head out on Saturday, April 26 for a trio of tours, over a single day, that takes the local spots where Dr. Peter Venkman, Ray, Winston, and Egon fought phantoms.
And one famous phantom in particular. Yep, downtown LA's own Millennium Biltmore is where Slimer holds creepy court in the film, so the tour will take a look at the haunting side of the hotel.
Oh yes: Real ghost stories shall be discussed during the day, in addition to the scenes filmed in Southern California. Wait, did one of the most celebrated ghost movies of all time shoot among actual wraiths and other-worldlies? Do tell, GHOULA.
Seats are limited, very, and, again, it's a one-day-only thing. And, you're correct, mega "Ghostbusters" maven -- it is the 30th anniversary of the film this year, a film that deftly melded the comedy and scare genres with the sweetest, and most impish, of touches. Flicks made today still feel its funny influence, no?
Tickets to the Ghost-Buster Ghost-Bus-Tour are $35 each.
