The film was shot in New York and tells the story of two low-paid insurance company employees, Richard and Larry, who discover massive fraud in their company. When they report it to their boss Bernie Lomax, he invites them to his luxurious beach house for the weekend, but secretly plans to have them killed to cover up the crime. Everything goes awry when Bernie himself dies before the hitman can get to the guys. Instead of calling the police and ruining the weekend, Richard and Larry decide to pretend Bernie is still alive, propping him up in sunglasses and taking him to parties. The result is a black comedy full of physical humor, absurd situations, and unexpected charm, given that the plot revolves around a corpse. The film became a cult classic comedy of the late 1980s and even got a sequel in 1993.

Filming Locations:

Larry's Apartment

In the Movie

Scene where the facade of Larry's apartment at the corner of Henry Street and Jefferson Street is shown, emphasizing that he lives in a more working-class area of the city compared to Richard. The surrounding neighborhood helps highlight the contrast between the two friends and their upcoming weekend at a luxurious beach house.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in a building in the Two Bridges / Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan at the intersection of Henry Street and Jefferson Street. The atmosphere here is quite different from the Upper West Side: small tenement buildings and a grittier urban feel. Interestingly, a fake fire hydrant on a stand was placed on this corner for filming.

Richard's Apartment

In the Movie

Scene where Richard appears in his apartment at the beginning of the film, highlighting his modest lifestyle as a young working professional in Manhattan. The building facade at the corner of West 84th and Riverside Drive is used as his home, tying the character to the recognizable Upper West Side neighborhood.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at a residential building on the Upper West Side of Manhattan at the corner of West 84th Street and Riverside Drive. This stretch of Riverside is lined with classic pre-war buildings and is close to Riverside Park. The area has long been valued for its tree-lined streets and characteristic brownstones.

Gapstow Bridge, Central Park

In the Movie

Scene where the characters stroll through Central Park, passing over the distinctive stone arch of Gapstow Bridge. The scene uses the picturesque park as a classic New York backdrop while Richard and Larry go about their daily business before the fateful weekend invitation.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at one of the most photographed bridges in Central Park, located at the southeastern end of the Pond near 59th Street and Fifth Avenue. Built in 1896 from Manhattan schist, the stone arch offers iconic views of the Midtown Manhattan skyline reflected in the water below. It has appeared in dozens of films and TV shows over the decades.