(PHOTO: Back in 2011, you could find a Pepsi machine in the same spot Zoltar occupied in the movie Big.)
The blockbuster feature film Big, rated PG and starring Tom Hanks, will be shown on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at Playland Beach, just a few yards away from where some of the 1988 comedy’s scenes were shot during its production.
Visit the exact spot on the boardwalk where Josh Baskin locates the magical Zoltar machine that he, with the help of his friend Billy Kopecki, has searched for ever since Josh’s original Zoltar wish, “I wish I were big,” was granted. Be sure to snap your own Zoltar photo for your social media page – Playland’s Zoltar machine will be positioned at the beach entrance, selfie-ready.
Bring your own picnic or buy food and refreshments from the concession stand. All food and cooler guidelines for regular beach hours apply. Bring blankets and chairs for seating. Swimming is permitted until dark.
Tickets go on sale at the main beach booth when the beach opens at 7:30 p.m.; the movie begins at 8:15 p.m. The $5 fee (free for ages under 5) is for the movie only. Parking fees apply. Westchester County residency is not required.
Playland’s amusement park will be open. Regular admission pricing for the amusement park will apply; however, Thursday, Aug. 15 is a $20 night with all admission ride wristbands on sale for $20 for those arriving between 5 p.m. and closing.
I went to Rye Beach on a very overcast day when the movie ‘Big’ was being filmed there. All the cameras and movie gear were covered up. I walked on the board walk when the movie staff were all in their vans. When I walked along the board walk alone I tried to play with the hand game the main star played with on the screen. It wasn’t plugged in so I couldn’t get a response from it. It’s still a great memory I’ve got of the film. Ralph Pisani . rwpisani@gmail.com