Exploring the Secrets of the Astral Apartments
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Exploring the Secrets of the Astral Apartments

A year ago, I heard that plans were in the works to remake Rosemary’s Baby, and my reaction was exactly what you’re thinking now: NO. The film is a masterpiece, and to remake it would be nothing short of cinematic blasphemy. In the days that followed, however, I found myself mulling over the central question:…

Searching for the Lost Pool at the Hotel St. George
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Searching for the Lost Pool at the Hotel St. George

A few months ago, I was researching Brooklyn’s Hotel St. George for my article on The Godfather’s shooting locations… …and found myself fascinated by its former indoor pool, now long gone: Once the largest hotel in the United States and occupying an entire city block of interconnected buildings in Brooklyn Heights, the 30-story Hotel St….

The 5 Locations Low-Budget Films Should Avoid In New York

The 5 Locations Low-Budget Films Should Avoid In New York

Every week, I receive numerous requests from no/low budget filmmakers in search of New York City locations for cheap. Some I can help with; most, I simply don’t know where to begin. While it’s certainly possible to make low-budget films in New York, it often requires a personal connection to secure those more difficult locations…

Scouting Long Island’s Decommissioned Nuclear Power Plant
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Scouting Long Island’s Decommissioned Nuclear Power Plant

Driving on Route-25a through East Shoreham, you’d never guess there was anything unusual about the gated road heading off toward the coast. But go down a ways… …and suddenly, it’ll appear through the trees… Long Island’s only nuclear power plant, closed and shuttered since it was decommissioned in 1994. Today, it sits completely empty, a…

In Memory of Egon Spengler

In Memory of Egon Spengler

As a child, Egon Spengler was my hero. It’s funny to think that in a decade populated by such brawny cartoon characters as the steroided-out He-Man gang, the all-powerful Transformers, and the bicep-flexing GI Joe’s, a skinny, awkward, glasses-wearing scientist could somehow stand out from the crowd. But Egon was my favorite. I wore out…

The Last Five Stand-Alone Diners in Manhattan
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The Last Five Stand-Alone Diners in Manhattan

Last week, I was walking around the Financial District when I found myself staring at the little diner on Pearl Street in amazement. How in the hell had this thing managed to survive into present day New York when you consider the towering skyscrapers surrounding it? New York has its share of diners, but it’s…

Why Can’t All Elevator Lighting Fixtures Look This Nice?

Why Can’t All Elevator Lighting Fixtures Look This Nice?

I had to scout an office space in the Chrysler Building the other day. As I was riding the elevator, I happened to glance up. You know you’re somewhere special when the architects cared this much about the elevator lighting fixtures: Such a great pattern (attention musicians: this would make an awesome album cover!): I…