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Silver Linings Playbook movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Silver Linings Playbook filmed?

2012

City Locations

Philadelphia, PA, (USA)

Location Types

House, Cafe, Concert

Location Styles

Craftsman, Cape Cod, Federal Building, Gothic/Victorian, Luxury

About Silver Linings Playbook

David O. Russell's Silver Linings Playbook is an uplifting film with laughter and unforgettable performances. This film's sheer joy and exuberance garnered it the highest accolades in 2012. With its star-studded cast, it is an unforgettable cinematic experience that lingers in your memory.

The story unfolds around Patrizio "Pat" Solitano Jr. (Bradley Cooper), a man grappling with bipolar disorder. Upon his release from a psychiatric hospital, he seeks solace and familiarity in his parents' home. He then crosses paths with the intriguing and enigmatic Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence), a young widow navigating her grief. This chance encounter leads to an unusual pact: Tiffany offers to help Pat win back his wife, with the condition that he be her partner in a dance competition.

As they prepare for the competition, Pat, his die-hard Eagles fan father (Robert De Niro), and Tiffany explore the depths of their relationships and cope with their issues. The supporting cast, including Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Anupam Kher, John Ortiz, Shea Whigham, and Julia Stiles, deliver powerful performances that add layers to this poignant drama.

Silver Linings Playbook is more than a film; it's a testament to resilience, healing, and the transformative power of connection. Its excellence was globally recognized, with Jennifer Lawrence winning the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award all for Best Actress. In addition, the movie's cinematic appeal was further celebrated, with David O. Russell clinching the BAFTA Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. This ensemble of awards serves as a testament to this film's extraordinary storytelling, underscoring its resonance in the hearts of its viewers.

Silver Linings Playbook Locations

Silver Linings Playbook has a rich backdrop that significantly adds to the movie's charm. Primarily shot in and around Philadelphia within an intense schedule of thirty-three days, the film showcases several communities, such as Upper Darby, Ridley Park, and Lansdowne, just outside the city. Although not explicitly named in the movie, Ridley Park gets a subtle nod from a police officer sporting "RPPD" on his collar and is acknowledged in the credits.

The narrative unfolds over the latter half of the 2008 NFL football season, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles' journey to the NFC Championship Game. The film references several games, including victories over Seattle and San Francisco, losses to Washington Redskins and the New York Giants, and their triumphant game against Dallas, marking the regular season's end.

A key turning point in the film transpires at The Franklin Residences, a grand apartment complex located at 834 Chestnut Street in Center City, Philadelphia. Named after one of America's founding fathers, this historical location serves as the venue for the climactic dance competition determining Pat Jr.'s fate.

Upper Darby township, a suburban area just a half-hour drive from downtown Philadelphia, was the backdrop for pivotal scenes captured on film. An early jogging sequence was filmed at 300 South Madison Avenue, while a subsequent routine takes Pat to a school filmed at 14 North Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne.

Later, a memorable Halloween night date between Pat and Tiffany, which leads to a fight, was shot at Llanerch Diner, a budget-friendly eatery at 95 East Township Line Road in Upper Darby. Their first meeting occurs at Ronnie's house, in a scenic location at 1046 Villanova Avenue in the Swarthmore borough.

For fans of Silver Linings Playbook, a trip to these locations would surely be worthwhile, providing a tangible connection to the film and an opportunity to explore the vibrant surroundings of Philadelphia.

Pat returns to his parent's house scene in Silver Linings Playbook

238 S Madison Ave, Upper Darby, PA

Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) was released from a mental health facility after eight months of treatment. Afflicted with bipolar disorder, Pat returns to his parents' home only to discover that his wife, Nikki (Brea Bee), has moved away. His father, Pat Sr. (Robert De Niro), is unemployed and has resorted to bookmaking to raise funds for a restaurant venture.

This scene was filmed at a quintessential Delco home at 238 S Madison Ave, Upper Darby, PA. Serving as the Solitano family's abode, this location is the starting point for Pat's journey back into society after his stint at the mental institution. It is within these walls that some of the movie's most gripping scenes unfold – Pat frantically searching for his wedding video, Jennifer Lawrence's character making a convincing argument for pro-dancing, and the unfolding of the parlay.

Visitors who wish to see this iconic filming location should note that it is a privately owned residence. As such, fans are permitted to view the house from the exterior only. From Philadelphia, the road by car will take 30 minutes.

Pat and Tiffany's first meeting scene in Silver Linings Playbook

1046 Villanova Ave, Swarthmore, PA

At a dinner party hosted by Ronnie (John Ortiz) and Veronica (Julia Stiles), Pat (Bradley Cooper) meets Veronica's sister, Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence). Tiffany, a young widow recovering from sex addiction who has just lost her job, forms an unusual bond with Pat due to their shared neuroses. Pat sees in Tiffany a potential means of reconnecting with his ex-wife, Nikki (Brea Bee).

This pivotal scene was filmed at a private residence at 1046 Villanova Avenue in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania. The house is the setting for Ronnie and Veronica's home in the movie. It's worth noting that this location is private property, so film fans should respect the residents' privacy and refrain from disturbances.

You have two transportation options to reach this destination from downtown Philadelphia: by car or public transport. If you choose to drive, it's recommended to take I-95 S. Alternatively, you can take a train from William H. Gray III 30th Street Station to Morton. The house is just a 24-minute walk away from there. The house is conveniently located near Upper Darby, where other key scenes from Silver Linings Playbook were filmed, making it a significant spot on any fan tour of the film's locations.

Pat and Tiffany go out for cereal and tea scene in Silver Linings Playbook

Llanerch Diner, 95 E Township Line Rd, Upper Darby, PA

Pat (Bradley Cooper) and Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) decided to meet at the diner. This meeting is set to the soothing tunes of "Goodnight Moon," creating a contrasting backdrop to the tension that soon arises. Tiffany appears annoyed when Pat orders cereal but then proposes a deal: she will deliver a letter to Nikki (Brea Bee) if Pat agrees to be her dance partner in an upcoming competition.

The Llanerch Diner, situated at 95 East Township Line Road, Upper Darby, PA, serves as the filming location for this iconic scene. The diner's recognizable facade is instantly identifiable in the film. Its use as a location lends a sense of authenticity to the setting in Upper Darby. Having been in operation for over 80 years, the Llanerch Diner continues to serve customers today with traditional diner fare and specialty Greek dishes like Moussaka.

To get to the Llanerch Diner from downtown Philadelphia, you can take I-76 W and US-1 S until you reach State Rd in Upper Darby. Another option is to use public transportation. You can take bus numbers 104, 112, 120, or 123 from Milbourne directly to the West Chester Pk & Township Line stop.

Pat runs after Tiffany in front of the theater scene in Silver Linings Playbook

Lansdowne Theater, 31 N Lansdowne Ave, Lansdowne, PA

There is a deeply emotional scene that takes place outside the Lansdowne Theater, following an uncomfortable encounter between Pat (Bradley Cooper) and Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) at the diner. Pat chases after Tiffany to make amends, leading to a conversation outside the historic theater. Tiffany feels hurt about opening up to Pat only to feel judged by him. The tension escalates when Pat hears his wedding song, Stevie Wonder's "My Cherie Amour," playing, triggering a panic attack. Tiffany tries to calm him down, further deepening their connection.

The Lansdowne Theater, located at 35 N. Lansdowne Avenue, is the backdrop for this impactful scene. The theater, one of the few remaining unaltered venues from the 1920s, offers a glimpse into what movie-going was like in America during that era. The 1920s was marked by significant cultural shifts, ending with the onset of The Great Depression in 1929. Amidst the harsh realities of the time, theaters often provided an escape, offering audiences a glimmer of hope and a respite from the country's dire condition.

To get to the Lansdowne Theater from downtown Philadelphia, simply follow Walnut St for approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take advantage of the public bus service. A visit to the Lansdowne Theater allows you to immerse yourself in a scene from the iconic movie "Silver Linings Playbook." It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of American cinema.

The fight after the game scene in Silver Linings Playbook

Lincoln Financial Field, One Lincoln Financial Field Way, Philadelphia, PA

Pat's father (Robert De Niro), who has staked nearly all his money on an Eagles game, considers Pat (Bradley Cooper) his "good-luck charm" and insists that he attend the match. Despite skipping dance practice with Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), Pat attends the game. Unfortunately, he gets embroiled in a fight and is arrested by the police. The Eagles lose the match, and Pat Sr. is livid.

This scene, set outside Lincoln Financial Field, captures the passionate energy and high emotions typically associated with football games, particularly in Philadelphia. The film accurately depicts how fans, even those with the best intentions, can get caught up in the excitement and intensity of a big game. Colloquially known as "The Linc," Lincoln Financial Field has probably witnessed more fights than Madison Square Garden.

The game depicted in the movie is based on a real-life match between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008. Die-hard fans of either team would be familiar with the outcome, providing context for the fight scene outside Lincoln Financial Field. The stadium serves as the home field for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Temple Owls football team.

To reach Lincoln Financial Field from downtown Philadelphia, take I-76 E and S Broad St until Pattison Ave. Alternatively, you can opt for bus #4, which provides direct transportation to Lincoln Field. The journey from the city center typically takes approximately 30 minutes. The stadium continues to host games and events and is open for visitors.

The dance competition scene in Silver Linings Playbook

The Franklin Residences, 834 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA

Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) is fearful that Pat (Bradley Cooper) might reunite with his ex-wife Nikki (Brea Bee) and leave her. In her distress, she heads to a bar and has two vodkas. A worried Pat finds her and successfully persuades her to join him on the dance floor to perform their rehearsed routine. As they dance, the Philadelphia Eagles win their game, and at the end of their performance, they attain precisely the score of 5 they were aiming for.

This heartfelt scene takes place in the grand ballroom of the Ben Franklin House, located at 834 Chestnut Street. The hotel, colloquially known as "Ben," has seen a rich history of events and gatherings. Despite closing in the 1970s, the building was later renovated into condos and apartments, while the ballroom was preserved for special occasions like weddings, bar mitzvahs, and birthdays. The ballroom interior still displays the ornate design from its refurbishment in the 1980s. The venue's past includes a controversial incident where the Brooklyn Dodgers were denied accommodation due to the race of one of their players.

To get to the Ben Franklin House from downtown Philadelphia, head on Market St, turn right onto S 8th St, and onto Sansom St. The destination will be on your right. You can reserve this historical ballroom for an unforgettable evening, reliving the magic of Pat and Tiffany's dance.

Conclusion

Silver Linings Playbook, a unique comedy directed by David O. Russell, is a film that leaves a lasting impression. Shot primarily in Philadelphia and its neighboring communities of Lansdowne, Upper Darby, and Ridley Park, the film captures the essence of these places beautifully, adding another layer of authenticity to the narrative.

Silver Linings Playbook is more than worth watching. It's a film that skillfully balances humor and heart, providing an entertaining and enlightening cinema experience. It showcases stellar performances, a gripping script, and a beautiful exploration of Philadelphia's surroundings. It's a film that leaves you with a satisfied smile, a sense of connection, and a reminder of the magic that cinema can create.