Slideshow: Chicago Celebrates the Classic Film ‘Groundhog Day’

Submitted by PatrickMcD on February 12, 2024 - 10:24am

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The Murray brothers abide on Groundhog Day.

CHICAGO – It was a special February 2nd, 2024, in Chicago. Not only was it the quasi-midwinter holiday Groundhog Day, but cast members of the 1993 classic film “Groundhog Day” – including Bill Murray, his brother Brian Doyle Murray and others – made appearances on the famous Navy Pier to honor the late director of the film, Harold Ramis. From this year forward, February 2nd will be Harold Ramis Day in Chicago.

The beloved film tells the story of Phil (Bill Murray), a Pittsburgh weatherman who is assigned with Producer Rita (Andie MacDowell) and Cameraman Larry (Chris Elliott) to cover the Groundhog Day ceremony in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania (Brian Doyle Murray portrays city official Buster Green). When a snowstorm strands them in the small town, Phil wakes up to find out its February 2nd yet again. He is now stuck in a time loop, where everyday is February 2nd, and he relives the same day again and again. Directed by Harold Ramis, and shot in nearby Woodstock, Illinois, the film is acknowledged as an American classic.

Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com.

GROUNDHOG1: Bust of Harold Ramis on his Day, February 2nd, 2024.
GROUNDHOG2: Harry The Groundhog and Handler, on 2/2/24.
GROUNDHOG3: Bill Murray honors Harold Ramis.
GROUNDHOG4: Harold Ramis Ceremony included wife Erica Mann Ramis (seated).
GROUNDHOG5: Seated: Erica Mann Ramis and Brian Doyle Murray.
GROUNDHOG6: Brian Doyle Murray relives his role of Buster Green.
GROUNDHOG7: Bill Murray looks on as Brother Brian proclaims the day.
GROUNDHOG8: Harry the Groundhog is about to make his prediction.
GROUNDHOG9: Harry gets his close up.
GROUNDHOG10: The Murray brothers abide on Groundhog Day.
GROUNDHOG11: More or less of winter about to be Groundhog predicted.
GROUNDHOG12: The Groundhog Day results are in.
GROUNDHOG13: Bill Murray, happy to be going back to warm SoCal.

CLICK HERE for more Exclusive Portraits of Bill Murray by Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com.

”Groundhog Day” (1993) is available for digital download (see provider) and on DVD through Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Featuring Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky and Brian Doyle Murray. Screenplay by Harold Ramis and Danny Rubin. Directed by Harold Ramis. Rated “PG”