Syracuse in film and television
   HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

Syracuse, New York Syracuse ( ) is a City (New York), city in and the county seat of Onondaga County, New York, Onondaga County, New York, United States. It is the fifth-most populous city in the state of New York following New York City, Buffalo, New York, Buffa ...
has been portrayed in a range of literary, film and other fictional works.


Film

* '' Adult World'' (Feature film, 2014) - Starring Emma Roberts, Evan Peters, Cloris Leachman,
Shannon Woodward Shannon Woodward (born December 17, 1984) is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as Sabrina Collins on the FOX sitcom ''Raising Hope'' (2010–2014), Elsie Hughes on the HBO science-fiction thriller series ''Westworld'' (2016†...
, and John Cusack. Filmed entirely in Syracuse, including the SU campus, the Carrier Dome, the Gear Factory, Recess Coffee, Little Italy, Clinton Square, Phoebe’s restaurant and the upside down traffic light on Tipperary Hill. * ''
A Clouded Name ''A Clouded Name'' is a 1923 American silent drama film directed by Austin O. Huhn and starring Norma Shearer, Gladden James and Yvonne Logan.Jacobs & Braum p.69 Cast * Norma Shearer as Marjorie Dare * Gladden James as Jim Allen * Yvonne ...
'' (silent film, 1923) - Starring
Norma Shearer Edith Norma Shearer (August 11, 1902June 12, 1983) was a Canadian-American actress who was active on film from 1919 through 1942. Shearer often played spunky, sexually liberated ingénues. She appeared in adaptations of Noël Coward, Eugene O'N ...
. Scenes were filmed at the State Fair, the Calthrop mansion, and at the Liverpool's solar salt fields (which closed three years later). * ''
Banana Split A banana split is an American ice cream-based dessert consisting of a peeled banana cut in half lengthwise, and served with ice-cream and sauce between the two pieces. There are many variations, but the classic banana split is made with three sc ...
'' (feature film, 2018) - Starring Hannah Marks, Liana Liberato
Dylan Sprouse
an
Jessica Hecht
Scenes were filmed at Heid’s ice cream shop — yes, a banana split is served — along with the Palace Theater in Eastwood, a private residence on Sedgwick Drive in Syracuse, and the former A.V. Zogg Middle School in Liverpool, now known as Syracuse Studios. * '' Big Daddy'' (Feature film, 1999) - Several mentions;
Adam Sandler Adam Richard Sandler (born September 9, 1966) is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, producer and singer. He was a cast member on ''Saturday Night Live'' from 1990 to 1995, before going on to star in numerous Hollywood films, those of wh ...
's character is a Syracuse University alumnus (attended Syracuse University College of Law) and wears various Syracuse sweatshirts and T-shirts. * ''
Big Time Adolescence ''Big Time Adolescence'' is a 2019 American coming-of-age comedy film written and directed by Jason Orley, in his directorial debut. It stars Pete Davidson, Griffin Gluck, Emily Arlook, Colson Baker, Sydney Sweeney and Jon Cryer. The film had i ...
'' (Feature film, 2019) - Starrin
Griffin Gluck
Pete Davidson, Jon Cryer
Sydney Sweeney
and Machine Gun Kelly. The movie was shot in 2018 with scenes at the Palace Theater in Eastwood, Sylvan Beach Amusement Park, the Sound Garden record store in downtown Syracuse, and the former A.V. Zogg Middle School in Liverpool, now known as Syracuse Studios. * '' Born on the Fourth of July'' (Feature film, 1989) -
Tom Cruise Thomas Cruise Mapother IV (born July 3, 1962), known professionally as Tom Cruise, is an American actor and producer. One of the world's highest-paid actors, he has received various accolades, including an Honorary Palme d'Or and three Gol ...
's character attends a Vietnam War protest, which is held at Syracuse University. Tom Cruise was born in Syracuse and has appeared in several films referencing his hometown. This
Oliver Stone William Oliver Stone (born September 15, 1946) is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. Stone won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay as writer of '' Midnight Express'' (1978), and wrote the gangster film remake '' Sc ...
film also starred Syracuse native Frank Whaley and Stephen Baldwin, whose mother lives in Central New York. * ''
Crooked Arrows ''Crooked Arrows'' is a 2012 American sports drama film directed by Steve Rash, written by Brad Riddell and Todd Baird, and stars Brandon Routh. The story is centered on a Native American (Haudenosaunee) lacrosse team making its way through a prep ...
'' (feature film, 2012) - Starring Brandon Routh. The story of a Native American lacrosse team in a prep school league tournament, filmed in Central New York with appearances by local lacrosse players and coaches, including SU's John Desko and Gary Gait. * ''
Freak Talks About Sex ''Freak Talks About Sex'', released for home video as ''Blowin' Smoke'' (its working title was ''Syracuse Muse''), is a 1999 film starring Steve Zahn and Josh Hamilton (actor), Josh Hamilton. The movie was shot in Auburn, New York, Auburn and Syra ...
'' (also known as ''Blowin' Smoke'') (Feature film, 1999) - Starring Steve Zahn. Filmed in Syracuse; life in Syracuse is part of the plot. * '' God Bless America (film)'' (2011) - Written and directed by Syracuse-born native Bobcat Goldthwait, who shot part of this dark satire featuring
Joel Murray Joel Murray (born April 17, 1963) is an American comedy actor. He is well known for his roles in the television series ''Mad Men'', ''Grand'', '' Love & War'', ''Dharma & Greg'', '' Still Standing'', and '' Shameless''. He has also appeared in f ...
( Bill Murray's brother) in Clinton Square, downtown Syracuse. * ''
Holly Slept Over ''Holly Slept Over'' is a 2020 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Joshua Friedlander, in his directorial debut. It stars Josh Lawson, Nathalie Emmanuel, Britt Lower, Erinn Hayes, and Ron Livingston. The film was released on video- ...
'' (Feature film, 2017) - Starring Nathalie Emmanuel, Ron Livingston, Josh Lawson, and
Britt Lower Brittney Leigh Lower () is an American actress known for her roles as Liz in ''Man Seeking Woman'', Tanya Solibakke in ''Unforgettable (U.S. TV series), Unforgettable'' and Helly R in ''Severance (TV series), Severance''. Early life Lower was b ...
. Filmed entirely in Syracuse suburbs. First release from Liverpool-based American High. * ''
Lady in White ''Lady in White'' is a 1988 American supernatural mystery film directed, produced, written and scored by Frank LaLoggia, and starring Lukas Haas, Len Cariou, Alex Rocco and Katherine Helmond. The plot follows a schoolboy in 1962 upstate New ...
'' (Feature film, 1988) - Starring
Lukas Haas Lukas Daniel Haas (born April 16, 1976) is an American actor and musician. His acting career has spanned four decades, during which he has appeared in more than 50 feature films and a number of television shows and stage productions. Early life ...
,
Len Cariou Leonard Joseph Cariou (; born September 30, 1939) is a Canadian actor and Theatre director, stage director, best known for his portrayal of Sweeney Todd in the original cast of ''Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'', for which he wo ...
,
Alex Rocco Alex Rocco (born Alessandro Federico Petricone Jr.; February 29, 1936 – July 18, 2015) was an American actor. Known for his distinctive, gravelly voice, he was often cast as villains, including Moe Greene in ''The Godfather'' (1972) and his Pr ...
, and Katherine Helmond. Opening sequence filmed in Syracuse Hancock International Airport; much of the rest of the movie was filmed in the villages of Lyons, Newark, and Phelps, approximately 50 miles west of Syracuse. * ''
Looks That Kill "Looks That Kill" is a song by American heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. It was released as a single in January 1984. The song is considered one of their best. Background The track was written by bassist Nikki Sixx and spent 10 weeks on the ' ...
'' (Feature film, 2018) - Starring
Brandon Flynn Brandon Paul Flynn (born October 11, 1993) is an American actor, known for his role as Justin Foley in the Netflix series ''13 Reasons Why'' (2017–2020), as well as appearing as himself in the short film ''Home Movies'', and Mike the Intern in ...
,
Julia Goldani Telles Julia Goldani Telles (born March 18, 1995) is an American actress and ballet dancer. She is known for playing Sasha Torres on the short-lived ABC Family series ''Bunheads'', Iris in the third season of '' The Girlfriend Experience'' and for he ...
, and Ki Hong Lee. Filmed throughout Syracuse and Liverpool in 2018. * ''Sid is Dead'' (Feature film, 2019) - Starring
Joey Bragg Joey Franklin Bragg (born July 20, 1996) is an American actor and comedian. Career Bragg is known for his role as Freddie Raines in ''Call Your Mother'' and previous role as Joey Rooney in the Disney Channel sitcom ''Liv and Maddie'', which ai ...
,
Jack Griffo Jack Davis Griffo (born December 11, 1996) is an American actor. He starred as Max Thunderman on the Nickelodeon series ''The Thundermans'' (2013–2018). Griffo also had starring roles in the network's original movies '' Jinxed'' and '' Splitti ...
,
Tyler Alvarez Tyler Sage Alvarez (born October 25, 1997) is an American actor, known for his roles as Diego Rueda in Nickelodeon's teen sitcom ''Every Witch Way'' and Peter Maldonado in Netflix's mockumentary series ''American Vandal''. Early life Alvarez was ...
,
Genevieve Hannelius Genevieve Knight Hannelius (born December 22, 1998) is an American actress, singer, and YouTube personality who made her acting debut starring as Courtney Patterson on the ABC series ''Surviving Suburbia'' (2009). She had recurring roles on the ...
, and Mary Stuart Masterson. Filmed in Syracuse suburbs and the American High film hub in Liverpool, New York. * ''
Slap Shot ''Slap Shot'' is a 1977 American sports film directed by George Roy Hill, written by Nancy Dowd and starring Paul Newman and Michael Ontkean. It depicts a minor league ice hockey team that resorts to violent play to gain popularity in a declin ...
'' (Feature film, 1977) - Starring
Paul Newman Paul Leonard Newman (January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008) was an American actor, film director, race car driver, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, three ...
and
Michael Ontkean Michael Leonard Ontkean (born 24 January 1946) is a retired Canadian actor. Born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Ontkean relocated to the United States to attend the University of New Hampshire on a hockey scholarship before pursuing ...
. One of the hockey teams is the (fictional) Syracuse Bulldogs, and parts of the movie were filmed at the Onondaga County War Memorial in downtown Syracuse. * ''
Snow Day A weather cancellation or delay is closure, cancellation, or delay of an institution, operation, or event as a result of inclement weather. Certain institutions, such as schools, are likely to close when bad weather, such as snow, flooding, air p ...
'' (Feature film, 2000) - Starring
Chevy Chase Cornelius Crane "Chevy" Chase (; born October 8, 1943) is an American comedian, actor and writer. He became a key cast member in the first season of ''Saturday Night Live'', where his recurring ''Weekend Update'' segment became a staple of the ...
,
Chris Elliott Christopher Nash Elliott (born May 31, 1960) is an American actor, comedian and writer. He appeared in comedic sketches on '' Late Night with David Letterman'' (1982–1988), created and starred in the comedy series '' Get a Life'' (1990–1992) ...
, Mark Webber,
Schuyler Fisk Schuyler Elizabeth Fisk (pronounced ) is an American actress and singer-songwriter. Early life Fisk was born in Los Angeles, California, to actress Sissy Spacek and production designer Jack Fisk. She has a younger sister named Madison. Fisk b ...
, Jean Smart,
Iggy Pop James Newell Osterberg Jr. (born April 21, 1947), known professionally as Iggy Pop, is an American singer, musician, songwriter and actor. Called the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Godfather of Punk", he was the vocalist and lyricist of ...
, Pam Grier, John Schneider, Josh Peck, Emmanuelle Chriqui,
David Paetkau David Paetkau is a Canadian actor who has played Evan Lewis in ''Final Destination 2'' (2003), the customs officer in ''LAX'' (2004), Beck McKaye in '' Whistler'' (2006–2008), Ira Glatt in '' Goon'' (2011), and Sam Braddock in the CTV/CBS tel ...
, and Rozonda Thomas ('Chili' from TLC). Syracuse is portrayed as a small village with high snowfall. Filmed in
Edmonton Edmonton ( ) is the capital city of the Canadian province of Alberta. Edmonton is situated on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, which is surrounded by Alberta's central region. The city ancho ...
and
Calgary Calgary ( ) is the largest city in the western Canadian province of Alberta and the largest metro area of the three Prairie Provinces. As of 2021, the city proper had a population of 1,306,784 and a metropolitan population of 1,481,806, makin ...
. * '' The Commuter'' (Feature film, 2018) - In the opening sequence, Michael MacCauley's (
Liam Neeson William John Neeson (born 7 June 1952) is an actor from Northern Ireland. He has received several accolades, including nominations for an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, and two Tony Awards. In 2020, he was placed 7th on ''The I ...
) teenage son is trying to meet Syracuse University's early-admissions deadline. On the commute back from work that day, he informs a train regular (
Vera Farmiga Vera Ann Farmiga ( ; born August 6, 1973) is an American actress who is best known for portraying paranormal investigator Lorraine Warren in the Conjuring Universe films '' The Conjuring'' (2013), '' The Conjuring 2'' (2016), '' Annabelle Co ...
) his son is indeed going to Syracuse. Vera Farmiga is an alumna of Syracuse University. * '' The Express: The Ernie Davis Story'' (Feature film, 2008) - Starring Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid,
Charles S. Dutton Charles Stanley Dutton (born January 30, 1951) is an American actor and director. He is best known for his roles in the television series ''Roc (TV series), Roc'' (1991–1994) and the television film ''The Piano Lesson (film), The Piano Lesson'' ...
and (briefly) Chadwick Boseman. The movie is about Ernie Davis, a Syracuse University football player, who is the first African-American to win the Heisman trophy. Parts of the movie were filmed in Syracuse and the world premiere took place at the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse. * '' The Purge'' - 2013 - Syracuse appears in Purge Feed (during the 2017 Purge) in the film's introduction.


Television

* The Detour is a 2016-2019 TBS comedy about a family from Syracuse. The show begins in Syracuse, and one episode of Season 4 is set there, but most of the show takes place in other locations. * New Girl is a 2011-2018 Fox sitcom in which three male leads went to Syracuse University. Some flashbacks take place in Syracuse. *
Ordinary Joe ''Ordinary Joe'' is an American drama television series that ran from September 20, 2021 to January 24, 2022 on NBC. The series, produced by 20th Television and Universal Television, is co-developed and co-executive produced by Garrett Lerner a ...
is a 2021-2022 NBC drama about a music major from Syracuse University who’s at a crossroads on his graduation day at SU in 2011. * The '' Quantum Leap'' episode "Catch a Falling Star" was set in Syracuse. * The short-lived 1993 CBS sitcom ''
The Trouble with Larry ''The Trouble with Larry'' is an American sitcom television series that aired from August 25, 1993 to September 8, 1993 on CBS. It starred Bronson Pinchot as Larry Burton, a man returning home to Syracuse after being presumed dead for many year ...
'', which starred
Bronson Pinchot Bronson Alcott Pinchot (; born May 20, 1959) is an American actor. He is best known for playing Balki Bartokomous on the ABC sitcom '' Perfect Strangers'' (1986–93). He also performed in films, such as ''Risky Business'' (1983), ''Beverly Hill ...
and Courteney Cox, was set in Syracuse. The show was cancelled after three episodes. * In ''
Unforgettable Unforgettable may refer to: Film * ''Unforgettable'' (1996 film), a thriller starring Ray Liotta * ''Unforgettable'' (2014 film), a Bollywood film * ''Unforgettable'' (2016 film), a South Korean film * ''Unforgettable'' (2017 film), an America ...
'', Two of the main characters (played by
Poppy Montgomery Poppy Montgomery (born Poppy Petal Emma Elizabeth Deveraux Donahue; June 19,1972) is an Australian-born actress. She played FBI agent Samantha Spade on the CBS mystery drama ''Without a Trace'' from 2002 to 2009 and played Detective Carrie Well ...
and Dylan Walsh)IMDb
/ref> used to work for the Syracuse Police Department and flashbacks often take place in Syracuse.


Literature

* Most '' Freddy the Pig'' books take place on farm a few miles outside of Syracuse. * '' Speak'' by Laurie Halse Anderson is a novel set in Syracuse. *'' I’ll take you there'' by
Joyce Carol Oates Joyce Carol Oates (born June 16, 1938) is an American writer. Oates published her first book in 1963, and has since published 58 novels, a number of plays and novellas, and many volumes of short stories, poetry, and non-fiction. Her novels '' Bla ...
is set at Syracuse University. * ''Wayward'' by Dana Spiotta is set in and features the city of Syracuse.


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Syracuse, New York In Fiction Culture of Syracuse, New York New York (state) in fiction
Fiction Fiction is any creative work, chiefly any narrative work, portraying individuals, events, or places that are imaginary, or in ways that are imaginary. Fictional portrayals are thus inconsistent with history, fact, or plausibility. In a traditi ...