The film «Who's That Girl?» (1987) was filmed in the USA, in New York City. According to the plot, the main character Nikki Finn (Madonna) is released from prison after four years of imprisonment for a crime she did not commit. She meets lawyer Loudon Trott (Griffin Dunne), who is supposed to help her get home, but instead they go together to find the real culprits. Their adventures unfold against the backdrop of various iconic locations in New York and California, which adds authenticity and dynamism to the film.

The filming took place in such famous New York locations as Fifth Avenue, Times Square, Central Park, and Wall Street. These places emphasize the dynamism and hustle of the city, creating the atmosphere of a big city in which the events of the film unfold. For example, scenes before visiting Cartier were filmed on Fifth Avenue and West 57th Street, and scenes after returning the car from the thieves — on Wall Street. These locations were chosen for their recognizability and significance, allowing viewers to better immerse themselves in the atmosphere of New York. In California, filming took place in places such as Pasadena and the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. For example, scenes at Simon Worthington's mansion were filmed at 1050 Arden Road and 880 La Loma Rd. in Pasadena, and scenes in Montgomery Bell's greenhouse — at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. These locations were chosen for their picturesqueness and diversity, which adds visual appeal to the film and helps create a believable and captivating story.
 

Filming Locations:

Jewelry Store in Trump Tower

In the Movie

Scene where "Nikki Finn (Madonna) and Loudon Trott (Griffin Dunne) come to a jewelry store on Fifth Avenue. They discuss how they beat up two criminals who were actually guilty of Nikki's case, and then move on to what Loudon needs. Together they enter the store, where everyone knows Loudon, and Nikki starts looking at the jewelry. Suddenly, the key to the safe containing proof of her innocence is taken from her. Nikki becomes furious and tries to get the key back. Meanwhile, the criminals steal her car. Nikki and Loudon run out of the building and discover their car is missing. They quickly take a taxi and go in search of the key. This scene heightens the tension and dynamics of their adventure and shows how Nikki and Loudon face new obstacles on the way to their goal."

In Reality

The scene was filmed in front of Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue. During the filming of this scene, Donald Trump even came down from his penthouse to take a photo with Madonna, which attracted media attention. Trump Tower is an iconic New York building that adds extra recognizability and realism to the scene. Filming at this location emphasizes the dynamism and hustle of the city, which matches the mood of the film and helps viewers better immerse themselves in the atmosphere of New York.

Wendy Worthington's Apartment

In the Movie

Scene where Nikki Finn (Madonna) and Loudon Trott (Griffin Dunne) arrive at the apartment of his fiancée Wendy Worthington (Haviland Morris), where her bachelorette party is taking place. Nikki pretends to be Loudon's cousin from Atlanta to gain access to the party. She starts behaving eccentrically, evaluating Wendy's appearance and making various remarks, which irritates Wendy. Nikki goes to look at the gifts, and Wendy expresses her displeasure to Loudon, saying he never mentioned a cousin from Atlanta. Loudon ignores her and at the same time makes a phone call, in which he reports that his Mexican mountain lion has been stolen. Nikki, meanwhile, feels completely at ease and starts unwrapping Wendy's gifts with the bachelorette party guests. Suddenly, they notice in the window the car that stole their lion and run out after it.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in a house between 94th Street & 5th Avenue in Manhattan. This area, known as Carnegie Hill, is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and is famous for its elegant townhouses and proximity to Central Park. The house where the scene was filmed is a five-story neo-Federal style townhouse that has been carefully restored and updated. Its classic brick facade and elegant French doors create an atmosphere of luxury and sophistication, which is perfect for the scene taking place in the apartment of Loudon's wealthy fiancée, Wendy.

Street Where Criminals Blackmail Loudon and Nikki with Hostages

In the Movie

Scene where the criminals have taken Wendy and her friends hostage at the bachelorette party and demand that Nikki come down and give them the key to the safe. When Nikki comes out, one of the criminals threatens her with a gun. At that moment, a lion jumps off the balcony, which becomes an unexpected twist that scatters the criminals and allows Nikki to escape. She laughs and runs down the street with the lion, adding a comedic element to the tense situation. This is one of the most memorable and comedic scenes in the film, combining elements of comedy and action, highlighting Nikki's character as a brave and resourceful woman. Such an unexpected twist adds an element of surrealism and makes the scene especially memorable for viewers.

In Reality

The scene was filmed on West 105th Street, on the block between Riverside Drive and West End Avenue. This area, known as the Upper West Side, is perfect for filming this scene due to its elegant and diverse architecture. The streets, surrounded by beautiful houses and trees, create a visually appealing backdrop for the comedic situation with the lion. This location also reflects the spirit of 1980s New York, adding authenticity to the film. The scene with the unexpected appearance of the lion against the backdrop of such historic buildings enhances the comedic effect and makes the moment especially memorable. The location helps create a contrast between the seriousness of the hostage situation and the comedic resolution, making the scene more vivid and interesting for viewers. This creates a unique visual context that enhances the overall perception of the film and makes it more engaging for the audience.