The iconic 1955 romantic comedy was directed by Billy Wilder based on the play of the same name by George Axelrod. The main roles were played by Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell. The film is set in New York, but most scenes were shot in a studio in Hollywood. One of the most famous scenes in the film — and, without exaggeration, one of the iconic moments of 20th-century pop culture — is the scene where Monroe's character stands on a subway ventilation grate, and a gust of air from a passing train lifts her white pleated dress. This episode was originally filmed on the night of September 15, 1954, at the corner of 52nd Street and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. The filming attracted a crowd of five thousand onlookers who whistled and applauded every time Monroe flubbed her lines. Also present on set was her then-husband, baseball player Joe DiMaggio, who found the scene too revealing and became very irritated. Due to the noise and lack of crowd control, director Billy Wilder later decided to reshoot the scene at the 20th Century Fox studio. It took about forty takes before he got the desired result.

Filming Locations:

Train Station

In the Movie

The scene where Richard Sherman, a typical middle-aged New Yorker, sees off his wife Helen and young son Ricky at the train station. The family is leaving for the summer in Ogunquit, Maine, to escape the exhausting heat and stuffiness of Manhattan.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Pennsylvania Station, located at the intersection of 7th Avenue and 31st Street in Manhattan — one of the largest and busiest transportation hubs in New York. At the time of filming, the original station building still retained its monumentality: colonnades, high ceilings, and spacious halls created a majestic atmosphere. Pennsylvania Station serves as the main railway terminal for trains along the Northeast Corridor and symbolizes the point of departure and return for millions of New Yorkers.

Richard Sherman's Apartment

In the Movie

The scene where returning home from the office, still holding the kayak paddle that his son Ricky accidentally forgot, Richard Sherman unexpectedly encounters the new neighbor. She is a charming commercial actress and former model who has rented the apartment upstairs for the summer. Their first meeting happens almost by chance but immediately stirs excitement and interest in Richard.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at 164 East 61st Street, at the intersection with Lexington Avenue in Manhattan — in the prestigious Upper East Side neighborhood. This corner of New York is known for its classic architecture, elegant brownstone and red brick residential buildings, green trees along the streets, and a cozy atmosphere amidst the urban bustle. The location highlights typical middle-class life in the 1950s: neat townhouses, well-maintained facades, and a sense of stability.

Street Grate

In the Movie

The scene where on one summer evening, Richard invites his charming neighbor to the movies — they go to see "Creature from the Black Lagoon," enjoying the cool air conditioning, a rare luxury in sweltering New York. After the show, the couple strolls leisurely through the night city, chatting and laughing. At one point, while walking down the street, she suddenly stops over a subway ventilation grate — a powerful gust of air rises from below, playing with her white pleated dress. The skirt flies up, revealing her legs, and she smiles and tries to hold down the hem.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on Lexington Avenue, but since Marilyn Monroe was already very famous, the filming attracted a large number of onlookers. At the moment of filming, when the dress flew up, the crowd of more than five thousand people began to whistle. Therefore, the director decided to reshoot the scene in the studio, but there it only worked on the 42nd take.

Publishing Office

In the Movie

The scene where Richard, still holding the paddle forgotten by his son, hurries through morning Manhattan to his office at the publishing house. He awkwardly weaves through pedestrians and street vendors, standing out with his strange accessory among business suits and briefcases. The streets hum with the noise of cars and conversations, the city already bustling with life.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on East 57th Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue in Manhattan — in the heart of a prestigious and bustling business district of New York. This stretch of street is known for its elegant Art Deco buildings, luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and solid offices. The architecture reflects a mix of old New York chic and modern business rhythm.