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Groundhog Day

Und täglich grüßt das Murmeltier
Retrospective 2023
Source: Park Circus © 1993 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
On February 2nd, TV weatherman Phil Conners once again finds himself in the twee backwater of Punxsutawney covering the thrill of Groundhog Day. After his report is done and dusted, the crew around attractive producer Rita Hanson tries to leave town, but a blizzard strikes, trapping them in the town. The next morning, Phil realises he is trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again … The transformation of the misanthropic meteorologist into an altruistic beam of sunshine, who wins the support of the small-town population, not to mention Rita’s affections, provides a vehicle for droll one-liners and outrageously absurd moments of comedy. But the concept of a single day repeating over and over also provides for the depiction of a cynical utopia, where even repeated suicide attempts have no consequences. In this cinematic construct of “being and time”, Phil need have no fear of death, and the ageing process will never catch up with him. But he gradually begins to climb the learning curve, a forced coming of age that allows him to hone in on his true self – basically, an endearing guy.
by Harold Ramis
with Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brian Doyle-Murray, Marita Geraghty, Angela Paton, Rick Ducommun, Rick Overton, Robin Duke USA 1993 English 101’ Colour Rating R6

For the 2023 Retrospective, internationally renowned directors, actors, and screenwriters were asked to select their personal coming-of-age favourites.
Nora Fingscheidt on her selection

With

  • Bill Murray
  • Andie MacDowell
  • Chris Elliott
  • Stephen Tobolowsky
  • Brian Doyle-Murray
  • Marita Geraghty
  • Angela Paton
  • Rick Ducommun
  • Rick Overton
  • Robin Duke

Crew

Director Harold Ramis
Screenplay Danny Rubin, Harold Ramis story by Danny Rubin
Cinematography John Bailey
Editing Pembroke J. Herring
Music George Fenton
Sound George H. Anderson
Production Design David Nichols
Art Director Peter Lansdown
Costumes Jennifer Butler
Make-Up Dorothy Pearl
Producers Trevor Albert, Harold Ramis
Executive Producer C. O. Erickson
Associate Producer Whitney White

Produced by

Columbia Pictures

Additional information

DCP: Park Circus, Glasgow