June 8: Ghostbusters (1984)

Milestone Years

• 40th Anniversary: June 8, 2024
• 45th Anniversary: June 8, 2029
• 50th Anniversary: June 8, 2034

Inspiration Behind the Movie

Dan Aykroyd’s fascination with the paranormal, influenced by his family’s history of spiritualism, inspired the concept of Ghostbusters. His great-grandfather was a noted psychic investigator, and his father authored a book on ghosts. Aykroyd’s original script was a darker, futuristic tale featuring multiple Ghostbuster teams battling supernatural threats across dimensions. After John Belushi’s untimely death, Aykroyd reworked the script with Harold Ramis, leading to the comedic classic we know today.

You Might Not Know

• Slimer was inspired by John Belushi’s character in Animal House, serving as a tribute to the late actor.
• The film’s original title was “Ghost Smashers” before settling on “Ghostbusters.”
• A promotional hotline featured a recorded message from the Ghostbusters, receiving thousands of calls per hour.
• Much of the film’s dialogue was improvised, showcasing the comedic talents of the cast.
• The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man costume required multiple suits, some of which caught fire during filming.

Food Ideas

• Stay Puft Marshmallow treats: Create marshmallow desserts shaped like the iconic character.
• Slimer green punch: A lime-flavored drink with green food coloring and gummy worms.
• Proton Pack nachos: Layered nachos resembling the Ghostbusters’ equipment.
• Ghost-shaped cookies: Sugar cookies decorated to look like friendly ghosts.
• New York-style pizza: A nod to the film’s setting, serve classic thin-crust pizza slices.

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a Ghostbusters movie marathon, including sequels and reboots.
• Organize a costume party where guests dress as their favorite characters.
• Set up a DIY photo booth with props like proton packs and ghost traps.
• Play the Ghostbusters theme song and have a dance-off.
• Visit filming locations in New York City for a themed tour.

Filming Locations

• New York Public Library: The opening scene’s exterior was shot here, while interior scenes were filmed at the Los Angeles Central Library.
• Columbia University: Served as the backdrop for the Ghostbusters’ academic beginnings.
• Hook & Ladder Company 8: The real-life firehouse in Tribeca used for exterior shots of the Ghostbusters’ headquarters.
• Fire Station No. 23, Los Angeles: Interior scenes of the headquarters were filmed here.
• 55 Central Park West: The apartment building known as “Spook Central” in the film.