An early scene in Stardust Memories from the PBS documentary about Woody Allen. Still image by Paul Goldfinger.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor, Blogfinger.net
“Stardust Memories” (1980) was Woody Allen’s 10th film in which he acted and directed. It came after his biggest hit, “Manhattan” (1979), a gorgeous film which had won four Academy Awards.
“Stardust Memories” is about a famous filmmaker who comes to a seashore retreat to celebrate his work. The movie is a serious effort that examines themes such as life, death, relationships and religion. It was shot in black and white by Gordon Willis, the famed cinematographer who also filmed “The Godfather.”
Woody says that “Stardust Memories” is one of his favorite movies, but it bombed at the box office. The film was discussed during part I of the Woody Allen Documentary on PBS Sunday night.
Woody as Sandy Bates in Stardust Memories
The Great Auditorium exterior was used to represent the Stardust Hotel. Some other exteriors in OG and Asbury were also used, but other locations and studio venues participated. I think the Casino was used as a train station. Evidently, the electrified cross was taken down since it needed repairs, and Woody paid for a new one after filming.
In the documentary, they showed some scenes from the film, and I managed to grab a few still shots from the TV including two showing the GA.
Some of the peculiar characters in the film. The Stardust Hotel in the background. Paul Goldfinger still image.
So while we are on the subject of movies where local towns are used as locations, Stardust is a favorite of mine, and the above article explains it all. It was last posted on Blogfinger in November, 2011.
MUSIC: From the Stardust Memories soundtrack. Louis Armstrong (recorded 1931) plays “Stardust.” The movie title is derived from the Stardust recording sessions (1931) where Louis, in an alternate take, said “Oh, memories” three times in succession.
Woody liked the latter version of the song for the movie title, but the version below was chosen for the soundtrack. (Do you care? Some aficionados actually do.) PG
Queen Elizabeth loved Hoagy Carmichael’s version of “Stardust.”
Kevin. Of course you are correct, but it seems to me that such private tax-exempt properties, given over for the public use (as with the Boardwalk as a public thoroughfare) should obey all the provisions expected of public spaces such as separation of church and state. –PG
I remember when they were shooting the movie. They also shot at the fishing pier and on Ocean Pathway. While panning the Pathway , if I remember he said the line, “This town is really dead.”
It has always been one of my favorite movies of Woody Allen.