United Nations

I have traveled to New York City many times on business, but have not often had time to visit the important movie landmarks from my favorite films. Around a decade ago, I made a pilgrimage to the United Nations building, as I always wanted to see the interior. The curved roof of the lobby entrance is very iconic.

One of my favorite films is Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest. I had always wanted to see the lobby of the building because it is clear from the movie that they used a matte painting.

However, upon entering the building, you can tell the matte artist did a remarkable job of recreating the lobby in his work.

One tidbit of trivia I have found fascinating about North by Northwest is that Hitchcock never received permission to film at the United Nations. The outside shot of Cary Grant walking up the stairs to the building was filmed from a camera hidden in a parked truck across the street!