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And the Oscar for supporting actor goes to … Brooklyn Heights.
Fabled for its gorgeous apartments, scenic streets and killer views of Manhattan, America’s first suburb has been a backlot so often that some of Hollywood’s great moments — think Cher kicking a can down Cranberry Street in “Moonstruck,” some of the period street scenes in Martin Scorsese’s “The Age of Innocence,” or Jack Nicholson entering 57 Montague St. in “Prizzi’s Honor.”
It’s also fodder for a great lecture next Wednesday by writer Peter Hedges (“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?” “About a Boy”) to kick off the Brooklyn Heights Association’s 100th anniversary commemoration.
Hedges will show off a montage of legendary Brooklyn Heights scenes, but also talk about why his colleagues in the film biz keep hitting up his old stomping grounds.
“For one thing, the architecture is exquisite,” said the current Cobble Hill resident. “And because of the proximity to the city, you often see the bridge and the Twin Towers, sadly, in the background.
“And in some areas of the Heights, it feels that time has slowed down,” added the director of “Pieces of April.”
Originally, the Brooklyn Heights Association had thought of screening one definitive “Heights” film, with Hedges hosting. But like so many things, the idea morphed into a compilation, forcing Hedges to distill the greatest moments from roughly 20 popular films.
He said the time in the editing suite was well worth it.
“It’s really amazing seeing the old subway signage, the boats docked at the piers under the Promenade that are not there anymore, or Jack Nicholson walking into a building on Montague Street,” he said.
“It took a long time, but it ends up being like an awards show montage — an awards show to the Heights.”
“Hollywood in the Heights” with Peter Hedges at St. Francis College [180 Remsen St. between Court and Clinton streets, (718) 858-9193], Wednesday, Jan. 20, 7 pm. For info, visit www.thebha.org.
©2010 Community Newspaper Group
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