One day last week I took a very loooooooong walk (2 1/2 hours) because the weather had just started getting cooler. I don't know how many miles I walked, but I went from midtown Philadelphia to downtown, and then back again. Often when I go on walks, I don't even notice the distance because I so enjoy walking. And I try to walk in different areas of the city, just to switch things up and stay fresh.
That particular day when I got downtown, I walked over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from Philadelphia to Camden, NJ (1.5 miles each way). But while walking back to my apartment, I decided to take a different route and ended up on Lawrence Street in Old City. As I looked down the cobblestone street, I immediately saw the church that was used as a film location for two scenes in the movie, "The Sixth Sense", which was St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church.
Ten years ago I shared a post in which I highlighted some of the Philadelphia locations used in the film, and this church was one of them. However, I only shared the exterior of the church, not the interior, where the majority of both scenes were filmed.
So while I was there that day, I decided to peek inside the church and see if I could gain entrance to take some photographs. And as luck would have it, the doors were unlocked and NO ONE was inside. Therefore, I grabbed the opportunity to look around. And let me tell you, the interior was beyond beautiful!
Most of the time when you watch a film and see a location, it looks better in the film than in person. But not this time. I thought the church looked so much better seeing it "live" than on film. And I think that's because the two scenes in the movie were intentionally shot in low light for an effect. What surprised me was just how detailed and stunning the architecture was in a brighter light. I was reminded once again that in film, you only see what the camera shows you.
What added to the experience was that when I opened the door and walked inside the church, I could hear beautiful, mystical music quietly playing over the speakers, which intensified my memories of seeing the movie for the first time and recalling those two scenes.
I could almost see Malcolm (Bruce Willis) and Cole (Haley Joel Osment)...
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| Photo courtesy: Andrea David @filmtourismus |
Please enjoy a flashback to The Sixth Sense (one of my favorite drama/psychological thriller/supernatural/suspense movies).
*Sidenote: Both Bruce Willis and Toni Collette (who portrayed Lynn Sear in the movie) have been in several films that were shot in Philadelphia.
This is a photograph I took of the exterior of the church that was used at the start of the scene...
As I opened the door and walked inside, this was the view. Gorgeous, hu?
Same view from the film...
Similar views from the film...
Same view from the film (Cole walking around the balcony as he looks down and talks with Malcolm)...
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This final view was not in the film but had to share it because I thought the church ceiling was a work of art...
Hope you enjoyed this post. I have such a passionate interest and utter fascination with film locations in comparison.
And in case any of you are interested, I leave you with a scene from the film that was shot in this church...
Cole Sear: I see dead people.
Malcolm Crowe: In your dreams?
[Cole shakes his head no]
Malcolm Crowe: While you're awake?
[Cole nods]
Malcolm Crowe: Dead people like, in graves? In coffins?
Cole Sear: Walking around like regular people. They don't see each other. They only see what they want to see. They don't know they're dead.
Malcolm Crowe: How often do you see them?
Cole Sear: All the time. They're everywhere.
Have a faaaaaaabulous rest of your week, everyone! 💗
Never did I ever get the surprise of my life from the ending of this movie. Whoa! I was totally blown away. Were you? I saw it in a movie theater with a few friends and we were all shocked by the ending. Truly the best surprise conclusion of any film. And what I liked about The Sixth Sense is that it touched on so many genres.
ReplyDeleteRon, I love that you did this and were able to show us the exact place where these scenes were filmed. I bet it felt so cool being there. And I can't believe no one was in the church and that you were able to just walk in.
That ceiling in the church is gorgeous. It IS a work of art!
I'm curious, what other films did Toni Colette film in Philadelphia? I'll have to Google both hers and Willis's to see which ones. And speaking of Toni Colette, she's one of my favorite actresses with such a diverse resume of movies. She can do anything. Did you see her in "The Staircase" with Colin Firth?
REALLY enjoyed this post, Ron! Thank you. I'm going to forward it to two of my besties because I know they'll enjoy it too! xo
Ron, out of all M. Night Shyamalan films, The Sixth Sense is my favorite hands down! I liked a few of his other ones, but after The Sixth Sense, I felt like the most of the others didn't grab me. My other favorite is 'Unbreakable' which also stars Bruce Willis. When The Sixth Sense came out, I saw it twice. I also had the DVD, which I somehow lost in moving.
ReplyDeleteThose comparison photos are excellent! How long did it take you to find matches to your photos, and vice versa? This post instantly reminded me of the scenes that took place in the church. Which is stunning by the way. Damn, you're right, we didn't get to see just how beautiful that church was through the movie. Like you said, I believe was the lighting.
God, and I love that photo holding up the movie image against the actual place. It's a perfect match.
I am so glad you were able to get inside the church and look around. I wish I had been there with you because I would have enjoyed seeing it LIVE.
Well done, Ron. And thanks for sharing the clip. You make me want to watch the movie again. I may do that this weekend!
Ron, you're not going to believe this but I have never seen The Sixth Sense. When it first came out it looked scary and I don't like scary movies, so I never went. My brother told me it was fantastic and that I would probably like it because it wasn't so much scary as it was suspensful. But I still didn't see it. Everyone I ever known said that it was one of their favorites because it totally threw you with the twist at the end. No one has ever told me the ending, just in case I do decide to see it.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I love these pictures and how they compare to each other. Gorgeous church indeed! I'm not a religious person, but I do enjoy visiting different churches, chapels, cathedrals, etc. whenever I'm traveling. I especially love the ones in Europe because they are so old.
Bruce Willis looks so handsome in that clip. I feel so sad about his illness and what he's going through. Although he seems surrounded my the love of his family and friends. He was such a great actor. I wish him well!
Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteOMG, meeeeeeeeee too! I was TOTALLY blown away by the twist at the end. And I never saw it coming! I never saw it in a theater. I saw it after it came out on VHS. Yes, you read that right...VHS!!! LOL! And I loved the filmed so much that I bought a copy at Blockbuster video. I had it for years, but then tossed it when I got rid of my VHS player. Now if I ever want to watch it, I just stream it online. You're correct, the film is so many different genres.
It did feel cool. And I was kind of apprehensive to go inside at first. But then I thought if I don't go in now, I may never get the chance to do it again. So, I just walked in. I was shocked that no one else was there.
I love Toni Colette too! She was also in the movie, 'In Her Shoes" with Cameron Diaz. They shot half that film here in Philly, and the other half in Delray Beach, Florida. I used to have that move on DVD. Good film!
And yes, I did see "The Staircase" (last year) and really enjoyed it. Both she AND Colin Firth were freaking brilliant. I also saw the documentary about that story. I don't think he did it either.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Denise! Hope you're having a FAB week so far!
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Helloooooooooo, Daniel!
ReplyDelete"...out of all M. Night Shyamalan films, The Sixth Sense is my favorite hands down!"
I'm right there with you, buddy! I feel the same way. "The Sixth Sense" was his absolute best. The storyline was just genius. And the ending was positively brilliant. I liked "Unbreakable" too. My other favorite was "The Village" which was filmed out in the Amish country here in PA.
Thank you. It took me about five days to put the photos together. When I took photos at the church, I just randomly took photos because I didn't remember the exact camera angles in the film. I got lucky because when I Google searched photos of movie, I found quite a bit from those two scenes. So I just piece my photos with the ones from the film.
"God, and I love that photo holding up the movie image against the actual place. It's a perfect match."
I know, isn't that photo A-MAZING? I don't know how the hell the photographer did that. It's like an optical illusion.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your love of this film. If you ever come to Philly for a visit, I'll take you there (and other locations from the film).
Have a great rest of your week, Daniel!
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Morning, Abby!
ReplyDeleteYour brother is right, the movie is not scary but more suspenseful and a psychological thriller. It also touches on the supernatural.
I love scary movies, but not gory, slasher-type films. I like more psychological thrillers with twists and turns. And "The Sixth Sense" is just that. It's such a great film with a brilliant storyline that keeps you guessing.
"I'm not a religious person, but I do enjoy visiting different churches, chapels, cathedrals, etc. whenever I'm traveling. I especially love the ones in Europe because they are so old."
Yes to all of that! I feel the same as you do. I was raised Catholic and went to a Catholic school. However, as I got older, I found my own way of understanding God. But I do so enjoy visiting different churches because I find them all so peaceful and beautiful in their own way.
Me as well. I'm following his Instagram account and keeping up with updates that his wife gives online about his illness and how he's doing. It is sad, you're right. But as said, he seems surrounded by so much care and love.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Abby! And if you ever get the chance to see this film, do. Because I think you would really enjoy it. You can find it online and stream it.
Have a superb rest of your week!
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For just randomly taking pictures from what you may or may not have remembered, you did so well piecing them together, Ron! That photo is an optical illusion. The photograph identically matches then and now!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I know, I'm totally baffled (and in awe) by how she did that?!?
ReplyDelete"I have such a passionate interest and utter fascination with film locations in comparison." --- I do too, Ron! Back when I was living in NY, I used to love going into the city and scouting out film locations. Did you ever see the series, Angels in America? The film was shot all over the city. The angel used in the film was the angel at the top of the Bethesda fountain in Central Park. My friend and I went in to the city one weekend just so we could see that location. We even sat down by the fountain where Meryl Streep sat in one of the scenes! It was so exciting. Lol!
ReplyDeleteWhenever I rewatched The Sixth Sense, I try to forget that I know the ending because I want to feel as surprised as I was the fist time I saw it. That ending totally threw me. I had no idea.
Wonderful comparison photos, Ron! That church is stunning. What a gorgeous ceiling! The entire cast was superb, but wasn't Haley Joel Osment amazing in his role? For being so young, he expressed so many different (and deep) emotions. I was so impressed by his portrayal of Cole.
" I walked over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from Philadelphia to Camden, NJ (1.5 miles each way)." --- Wow! You really do love to walk!
Thanks for sharing, Ron. Glad you took a different way home and rediscovered this church and peeked inside! xox
"I have such a passionate interest and utter fascination with film locations in comparison." --- Me too, Ron! Back when I was living in Long Island, NY, I used to love going into the city, have lunch, and scout out film locations. Did you ever see the series, "Angels in America"? The film was shot all over the city. The angel used in the film was the angel at the top of the Bethesda fountain in Central Park. My friend and I went in to the city one weekend just so we could see that location. We even sat down by the fountain where Meryl Streep sat in one of the scenes! It was so exciting. Lol!
ReplyDeleteWhenever I rewatch "The Sixth Sense", I pretend that I don't know the ending because I want to feel as surprised as I was the first time I saw it. That ending totally threw me.
Wonderful comparison photos, Ron! That church is stunning. What a gorgeous ceiling! The entire cast was superb, but wasn't Haley Joel Osment amazing in his role? For being so young, he expressed so many different (and deep) emotions. I was so impressed by his portrayal of Cole.
" I walked over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from Philadelphia to Camden, NJ (1.5 miles each way)." --- Wow! You really do love to walk!
Thanks for sharing, Ron. Glad you took a different way home and rediscovered this church and peeked inside! xox
Hey there, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteOMG, yes, of course I saw I saw the HBO series "Angels in America"!!! It was fabulous! I also saw the stage version TWICE. Fabulous as well! Your comment made me laugh because I too did the same thing at the Bethesda Terrace Fountain many years ago, I kid you not! And did you that so many other films were also shot there. That location is infamous for movies. Bethesda Terrace is my favorite section of Central Park. I love it especially during autumn and winter because it's beauty is magnified during those two seasons.
"I pretend that I don't know the ending because I want to feel as surprised as I was the first time I saw it. That ending totally threw me."
HA! Me too! But there is nothing like seeing it for the first time and having that ending shock the hell out of you, right?
I agree, Haley Joel Osment portrayal of Cole was so impressive. For being so young, he gave the character so many levels of deep emotion. I wonder what he's doing currently and if he's still acting? I have to Google him to see.
I know, I'm such a big-time walker. Yesterday I also walked a lot. Walking over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge is so enjoyable that you don't even release you're walking three miles.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Elaine! Happy Wednesday!
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Well, you can guess I’ve not seen the movie, nor will I ever. LOL, I’m just not a movie gal. And especially not if it’s spooky, but I sure did like seeing the side by side comparisons. And you’re right; the film did not show off the beauty of the church whatsoever. Your photos are just lovely!
ReplyDeleteIn comparing the photos, do you think they removed the stop sign in front of the church for the movie? It’s so fun to look for the differences!
How sad is it about Bruce Willis’ dementia? It’s been nice to see Demi support him. I hope you’re having a nice week, Ron. I’m sending rain your way. XO
That's okay, I've known many people who are not into scary movies.
ReplyDelete" but I sure did like seeing the side by side comparisons. And you’re right; the film did not show off the beauty of the church whatsoever. Your photos are just lovely!"
Thank you...:) I was totally in awe by how different the church looked in the movie compared to how it looked seeing it in person. Normally when you see a location live versus the movie, the space looks smaller. However, the church looked so much BIGGER in person. And much more ornate.
"do you think they removed the stop sign in front of the church for the movie? It’s so fun to look for the differences!"
Do you know what? You have a very perceptive eye because I never even noticed that! Perhaps the city put the sign up later because people were not stopping, causing accidents?!
Yes, it is sad about his dementia. I just recently watched a show where his wife shared in more detail about his condition. And yes, I found it so touching how Demi stepped up with her support and love. It seems as though Bruce is surrounded by love and that makes me happy.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. We too have had a ton of rain (since last week). Today is the first day it's not raining. Tomorrow I'm taking the train out to the burbs, just to get out of the city for the day. Can't wait.
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I love that you went for a long walk. This is what I like about living in big cities: there's so much to see that you probably don't realize how far you've walked! I'm glad the weather is cooling down for you. It's still hot and humid here. I'm looking forward to cooler weather and long walks.
ReplyDeleteBecause The Sixth Sense is one of my favorite movies, I appreciated the inside look at the church. I saw your other comment about the Cameron Diaz film In Her Shoes. I read Jennifer Weiner's book first. Jennifer is from Philadelphia and has set the majority of her books there. Toni Collette is also one of my favorite actresses.
I saw your comment about The Staircase as well. I have yet to see the series. I know we talked about the documentary in my comments section. Maybe Mike and I will begin this week.
As usual, a wonderful post. Have a fantastic rest of the week, dear friend. 😘❤️
Hellooooooo there, Kari!
ReplyDelete" This is what I like about living in big cities: there's so much to see that you probably don't realize how far you've walked! I'm glad the weather is cooling down for you. It's still hot and humid here. I'm looking forward to cooler weather and long walks."
Me too! And when I lived in NYC, I walked even more because it is such massive city. I'm surprised you still have heat and humidity in your area. It's not fall weather here, however, it's a quite a bit cooler. We had so much rain last week, but today (and the rest of the week) will be sunny.
" I saw your other comment about the Cameron Diaz film In Her Shoes. I read Jennifer Weiner's book first. Jennifer is from Philadelphia and has set the majority of her books there. Toni Collette is also one of my favorite actresses."
OMG, you're like the ONLY person (besides me) who ever heard of the movie, In Her Shoes, let alone seen it. I don't know why so many people don't know that movie because it was so good. They shot half of the film here in Philly. In fact, I watched them a few times. And you're right, Jennifer Weiner is from Philly. I read that online while Googling about her books. Don't ya' just love Toni Colette?
"I know we talked about the documentary in my comments section. Maybe Mike and I will begin this week."
I've seen both the documentary and the biopic with Toni and Colin and it was truly fantastic! If you do watch it, be sure to email me and tell me what you think - was he guilty or not guilty? - I'm curious to see what you think.
Always a delight to read your comments. Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a vunderbar rest of the week!
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Do you know, Ron, I've never seen this film? I imagine, from glancing at the scene you included, I'd be frightened to the point of not sleeping at night, if I had!
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, what a gorgeous old church! I'm fascinated by the balcony (do people actually sit up there along the sides, or is it just for show?) And what a wonderful ceiling! I'm glad you included it. And that magnificent altar with its statues and angels!
I love to walk, and having Monkey is such a good "excuse" for doing it. I, too, try to mix up our regular route -- not as much for me, but for him. I want him to satisfy his curiosity by catching new smells and seeing new people. (And hopefully, learning not to do zoomies on the leash!)
Enjoy the cooler weather, my friend! xx
Hey there, Debbie!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny because this movie is most definitely a suspense thriller. However, it is layered with so many other feelings and emotions. In fact, the ending is so touching. There's also a scene with Toni Colette and Haley Joel Osment that is so touching, I wept. I think people who don't like scary movies would find this move not-so-scary.
"Nevertheless, what a gorgeous old church! I'm fascinated by the balcony (do people actually sit up there along the sides, or is it just for show?) And what a wonderful ceiling! I'm glad you included it. And that magnificent altar with its statues and angels!"
I KNEW you would love the church, being that you and I were brought up Catholic! Isn't it gorgeous? I was so overcome with just how beautiful the inside looked compared to how it looked in the movie. And I couldn't stop staring at that ceiling. Yes, the alter/statues and angels immediately caught my eye. And I love how the sunlight comes in from the glass ceiling over the alter. I didn't actually go up to the balcony, so I don't know whether people sit up there. They probably do during times when the church has a service with a lot of people - like perhaps Christmas and Easter?
"I, too, try to mix up our regular route -- not as much for me, but for him. I want him to satisfy his curiosity by catching new smells and seeing new people."
My feelings exactly! Isn't walking GREAT? Both my body and mind feel so much more alive after a nice long walk!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fabulous rest of your week! And yes, I am soooooo enjoying this cooler weather. And it's about time.
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Ron, I admire the way you just go with the flow of your day and go where it leads you - like taking a different route back to your apartment. Because if you hadn't, you would have not rediscovered that church. And what a beautiful church it is! After I read this post, I read the one you posted 10 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. You really nailed those comparsion locations. I love the one by Cole's school.
ReplyDeleteThe Sixth Sense was his finest. And what I really loved about it was that it was similar to Hitchcock's suspense thrillers. It was a "classy" thriller.
Well done on your comparison photos. You're right, the brighter light really brought out the hidden beauty of the church. Love that pipe organ.
Thank you for sharing your adventure, Ron! xo
Ron, that's right, I totally forgot about the movie, In Her Shoes. But I also didn't know that was filmed in Philly. I really enjoyed that film. I saw the biopic, but not the documentary. Got to look for that!
ReplyDeleteDenise here is the link to the doc.....The Staircase.
ReplyDeleteMorning, Candice!
ReplyDeleteThroughout my life (in retrospect) I noticed so many times when I flowed to where I "felt" myself being guided, I ended up having a surprise. And one that I wouldn't have had , had I not followed the flow. So glad I followed it that day because like you said, I would have never rediscovered that church.
Glad you enjoyed that post. I can't believe it was TEN years ago?!?! The location of Cole's school is not to far from where I live.
I love how you expressed this...
"And what I really loved about it was that it was similar to Hitchcock's suspense thrillers. It was a "classy" thriller."
YES!!!!!! That film IS very much like a Hitchcock film!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your perspective. Appreciate that! Enjoy the rest of your week, my friend!
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Ron, this film is my all time favorite suspense thriller with a surprise ending that shocked the hell out of me. I never saw it coming! I most definitely remember the scenes filmed in this church. One of them was at the beginning of the film, the other was towards the end.
ReplyDeleteBeing such a big fan of this film, your comparison pics are fascinating to me. And you're right about saying that in film, you only see what the camera shows you. I had no idea that this church was as grand as it is. That ceiling is killer!
It must have felt so cool to be standing where Bruce Willis stood while making this film.
Thanks for sharing, dude. Muchly enjoyed!
"Malcolm Crowe: How often do you see them?
Cole Sear: All the time. They're everywhere."
Hiya, Matt!
ReplyDeleteYes it did. It felt VERY cool to be standing there! Yup, one was at the beginning of the film and the other was at the end, just before the big "surprise" ending happened.
Isn't that ceiling fantastic? It felt like I was looking up at Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel in Rome!!!
I was in awe by how GRAND this church was because it appeared so much smaller in the film.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt! Have a great week!
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Ron, Just wanted to stop by again and wish you a very Happy Birthday! Hope this is the start of a wonderful, exciting, fulfilling year for you! Please know you're thought of with fondness. Oh, and Monkey sends licks and furry hugs, too!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you, Debbie! 🙏You're a sweetheart! And please know that you too (and Monkey) are thought of with fondness as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks again for stopping by, my friend! 😘❤️