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One-Shot Wednesday

On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. 

Groundhog Day

In this low-angle shot from Groundhog Day (1994), Bill Murray’s character, Phil, is about to jump from the roof of the Woodstock Opera House in Woodstock, IL.


Groundhog Day follows a weatherman (Murray) who finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over until he learns to reevaluate his priorities. In this segment of the film, Phil has grow so depressed with his situation that he tries to end his life multiple times.


In constructing the plot of Groundhog Day, screenwriter Danny Rubin used Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ ideas on the stages of death and dying: 


  1. denial

  2. anger

  3. bargaining

  4. depression

  5. acceptance 


This scene, highlighted in today's screenshot, is perhaps the movie’s most morbid:


“Perhaps the movie’s riskiest, funniest and certainly blackest section involves Murray’s spectacular, even grotesque, attempts to deal with the overwhelming despair of being stuck forever in the exact same place.” — LA Times, Feb. 12, 1993


Located about an hour from Chicago, Woodstock, IL, serves as the filming location for the fictional town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Its picturesque charm and historic square enhance the film's sense of nostalgia—and reinforce its theme of self-discovery and redemption.


Every year, the town celebrates the movie for which it is famous.

Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday!

Think you’re a Chicago screen buff?

On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title!

​​You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling.

Psst: you're on screenshot:

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