The film was shot in the USA, in New York and Los Angeles. The choice of these cities is due not only to their unique atmosphere, but also to how each city reflects the key themes of the plot. New York, with its status as a financial capital, is ideal for a story about inheritance and the complexities of managing large sums of money. It embodies the ambitions and challenges faced by the main character, enhancing both comedic and dramatic moments. Los Angeles shows a lighter, more celebratory side of the hero's life. Filming in these two cities helps to show Brewster's internal struggle between responsibility and the desire to enjoy life.
Iconic city landmarks were used for filming. Among them in New York — the George Washington Bridge, a symbol connecting Manhattan to New Jersey, and the intersection of Park Avenue and East 40th Street, where the offices of Granville and Baxter are located. Other significant locations include the bank building at 26 Broadway, where scenes with Brewster's finances were shot, and the Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue. Scenes at Times Square and Battery Park added big-city flavor to the film. Grand Army Plaza near Central Park, the New York Supreme Court building on Centre Street, and 773 Madison Avenue highlighted the diversity of urban architecture.
Los Angeles and its locations emphasized the leisurely side of the protagonist's life. One of the key locations was the Torch Bar at 218 1/2 West Fifth Street, where bar fight scenes took place. Other notable filming locations in Los Angeles include L'Orangerie on North La Cienega Boulevard, as well as the Crystal Room at the Biltmore Hotel on South Grand Avenue. The locations chosen by the filmmakers not only enhanced the film's realism but also made it visually appealing to audiences, capturing the spirit of the 1980s.

Filming Locations:

Bridge

In the Movie

Scene where Montgomery Brewster and his best friend Spike Nolan arrive in New York. Brewster and Nolan get into trouble after a bar fight. The judge fines them, and a mysterious man offers to pay the fine if Brewster agrees to go with him to New York.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the George Washington Bridge. This impressive engineering structure, connecting Manhattan to Fort Lee, New Jersey across the Hudson River, was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1931. About 276,000 vehicles cross it daily. The choice of this bridge for the scene where the main characters arrive in New York is no coincidence. The George Washington Bridge symbolizes a transition from one life to another, which perfectly matches the film's plot, where the protagonist embarks on an adventure in the big city with the goal of spending $30 million.

Law Office

In the Movie

Scene where Brewster and Nolan arrive at the law office. Upon arriving in New York, the main characters head to the law office, where they are informed of the death of Brewster's great-uncle, Rupert Horn, whom he never knew or heard of. Brewster learns about the unusual conditions for receiving his inheritance: he can either take $1 million immediately or try to spend $30 million in 30 days to inherit $300 million. This news marks the beginning of his adventure in the big city, where he encounters many comical situations while trying to fulfill the will's conditions.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the skyscraper at 101 Park Avenue in Manhattan. This 50-story skyscraper is 192 meters tall. The building offers premium office spaces and attracts many large companies, including legal and financial institutions. The location is perfect for scenes with a law office. First, its location in New York's business district underscores the seriousness of the situation faced by the protagonist, Montgomery Brewster. The scene in such a prestigious place enhances the sense of significance of the inheritance he receives. Second, the architectural appeal of the building and its status make it an ideal backdrop for scenes involving legal matters and financial transactions.

Bank

In the Movie

Scene where Brewster goes to the bank to see the $30 million bequeathed to him. Montgomery Brewster faces an important choice. He is offered two options: take $1 million immediately or try to spend $30 million in 30 days to inherit $300 million. Brewster decides to take the risk and choose the second option, despite all the difficulties and restrictions associated with the will's conditions. He must spend the money so that at the end of the month he has no assets left.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the building known as the Standard Oil or Socony–Vacuum Building, located in Manhattan's Financial District. This 31-story building, 158.5 meters tall, was built in 1884-1885 and served as the headquarters of one of the largest US oil companies, Standard Oil. The building became an important symbol of business activity and financial power, and in 1995 it was designated a historic landmark. This location was perfect for the bank scenes. Its location in the heart of the financial district underscores the seriousness and significance of the events, and adds realism to the scenes.

George Washington Bridge

In the Movie

Scene where key moments of travel and transitions occur with a view of the Hudson River and the bridge towers; the scale of the crossing emphasizes how quickly decisions must be made and how public the character's actions become during the spending challenge.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the crossing over the Hudson River, connecting Manhattan (Washington Heights) to Fort Lee, New Jersey. It is one of the busiest automobile bridges in the world, with dramatic views of the river, notable tower architecture, and approaches linked to the Trans-Manhattan Expressway.

Plaza Hotel

In the Movie

Scene where moments unfold at a luxurious hotel with staff, cars, and onlookers at the entrance, supporting scenes where expensive public choices and noticeable spending attract attention and misunderstandings, while the character cannot explain his true purpose.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the southeast corner of Central Park, known for its grand interiors, Fifth Avenue facade, and status as a symbol of elite life in Manhattan. The entrance, driveway, and surrounding sidewalks create a plausible setting for notable arrivals and elite social encounters.

Times Square

In the Movie

Scene where energetic street moments occur among bright advertising screens and dense crowds, showing how quickly the character's expensive decisions attract attention and how difficult it is to act unnoticed in the most public place in the city.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the busiest commercial intersection in Midtown, bounded by Broadway and Seventh Avenue, surrounded by huge digital billboards, theaters, and continuous pedestrian traffic. The intense lighting and crowds make it an ideal location for scenes involving publicity and street chaos.