Groundhog Day (movie) facts for kids

Groundhog Day is a 1993 American fantasy comedy movie. It was directed and co-written by Harold Ramis. It stars Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott. The movie was also co-written by Danny Rubin. It tells the story of a weatherman from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He gets stuck in a time loop after reporting on Groundhog Day. This experience makes him start to think differently about his life.

The movie was released on February 12, 1993. It received many good reviews from critics. It earned over $70 million at the box office.

What is Groundhog Day About?

The main character in the movie is Phil Connors, played by Bill Murray. He is a grumpy TV weatherman. Phil travels to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to cover the annual Groundhog Day event. This is where a groundhog named Punxsutawney Phil predicts if spring will come early.

The Time Loop Begins

After the Groundhog Day ceremony, Phil wakes up the next morning. He finds that it is still February 2, Groundhog Day! He is stuck reliving the same day over and over again. No matter what he does, the day always resets.

Phil's Journey

At first, Phil uses the time loop for his own fun. He does things without worrying about consequences. But soon, he gets tired of it. He tries to escape the loop in many ways. He also tries to win the heart of his producer, Rita Hanson, played by Andie MacDowell. As he keeps reliving the day, Phil starts to change. He learns new skills and helps people in the town. He becomes a kinder and more caring person.

Who Made the Movie?

The movie was directed by Harold Ramis. He also helped write the script. Danny Rubin was the other writer. The film's main actors are Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, and Chris Elliott. Chris Elliott plays Larry, the cameraman who works with Phil.

Where Was it Filmed?

Even though the movie is set in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, most of it was filmed in Woodstock, Illinois. The town of Woodstock has many historic buildings. These buildings helped create the perfect small-town feel for the movie. Today, you can even find a plaque in Woodstock. It marks the spot where Bill Murray's character steps in a pothole in the film.

Images for kids

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  A private home used for exteriors of the Cherry Street Inn, the fictional location in which Phil awakens every morning in the film.

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  The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice served as Danny Rubin's initial inspiration for the script.

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  Director and writer Harold Ramis in 2009

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  Chris Elliott (pictured in 2011) portrays Larry the cameraman

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  The real Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania (2012)

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  Tip Top Bistro, established at the site of the fictional Tip Top Cafe in Woodstock

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  The premiere of Groundhog Day took place on February 4, 1993, at the Fox Theater, Westwood Village in Westwood, Los Angeles.

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  Author Richard A. Lupoff threatened legal action against the filmmakers, alleging that they had copied his own time loop-based story "12:01 PM."

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  A floor-positioned plaque in Woodstock, Illinois commemorating the pothole Bill Murray's character steps in during Groundhog Day

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  Andie MacDowell with a groundhog on Groundhog Day 2008

See also

In Spanish: Groundhog Day para niños