Blow Out (1981), directed by Brian De Palma and starring John Travolta, was filmed primarily in Philadelphia. The city’s atmosphere is integral to the film’s tone and visual style.
In the film, Travolta plays Jack Terry, a sound technician who inadvertently records evidence of a political assassination while capturing sounds for a low-budget slasher film.
Philadelphia's locations—its bridges, streets, and iconic landmarks—serve as the backdrop for key scenes, such as the climactic chase through the streets and the fireworks at Penn's Landing. The gritty, urban setting adds to the film's noir feel, reflecting the tension and paranoia central to the plot.
Here’s a list of notable landmarks, streets, and locations in Philadelphia that were featured in the film:
30th Street Station
This iconic railway station appears in several scenes. It serves as one of the major backdrops for moments of transition in the film, adding to the tense atmosphere.
Penn's Landing
The waterfront area is used for the explosive, climactic fireworks scene where Jack Terry (John Travolta) races to save Sally (Nancy Allen). The fireworks over the Delaware River create an intense backdrop for the final moments.
Benjamin Franklin Bridge
This suspension bridge over the Delaware River is featured prominently. It becomes the site of a major accident that sets off the conspiracy plot in the film.
Walnut Street Bridge
Another bridge that appears in the movie, known for connecting West Philadelphia to Center City, adding to the gritty, urban scenes of the city.
Market Street
Philadelphia’s major east-west thoroughfare, Market Street, is shown in various scenes as Jack moves through the city investigating the crime.
City Hall
Philadelphia's historic City Hall makes several appearances, its towering, elaborate architecture used to reflect the urban sprawl and atmosphere of power and intrigue.
Chestnut Street
This street, part of the city's bustling commercial district, is seen in a number of exterior shots throughout the movie, providing a sense of Philadelphia's busy city life.
Liberty Place (The area where it now stands)
While the Liberty Place skyscrapers were built after the movie’s release, the area in Center City where these buildings stand was used for urban street scenes in the film.
Independence Hall
The historic site where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed is briefly seen, anchoring the film in Philadelphia’s rich historical context.
Sansom Street (Film Lab)
Several key scenes involving the film production subplot were shot in this area, adding to the gritty, behind-the-scenes world of Jack’s sound engineering work.
Philadelphia’s Suburban Streets (Montgomery County)
Some of the quieter, suburban areas of Philadelphia and its surroundings were used for exterior shots, contrasting with the urban sprawl.
The Old Reading Railroad Building
This historic site also makes an appearance, contributing to the film’s use of industrial and transport-related locations.
The Dirty Trick Pub (now Moriarty's Pub on Walnut Street)
This bar is featured in a key scene where Jack meets up with another character, capturing the city's nightlife atmosphere.
These locations reflect the film’s moody, urban vibe, with Philadelphia’s streets and landmarks playing a crucial role in the tension and atmosphere of the film.
Check out the scenes for the movie and what they look like today
You can watch Blow Out (1981), directed by Brian De Palma, for free on multiple platforms, including Plex, Pluto TV, and VIX. These streaming services offer the movie at no cost, though you may need to sign up for an account or watch ads during the film.
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