Was Eloise Filmed At The Plaza?

Was Eloise Filmed At The Plaza? Unveiling the Iconic Hotel Behind the Beloved Children’s Book

Growing up, many of us were captivated by the enchanting adventures of Eloise, the mischievous young girl who called the Plaza Hotel her home. The luxurious setting of her escapades has always held a special place in our hearts, but did the Plaza Hotel truly serve as the backdrop for Eloise’s cinematic journey?

The Inspiration Behind Eloise

The beloved children’s book series by Kay Thompson first introduced Eloise to the world in 1955. Inspired by her own daughter Romy’s fascination with the Plaza Hotel, Thompson’s witty and whimsical tales brought Eloise to life as a resident of the hotel’s prestigious penthouse suite. While the Plaza Hotel was the muse behind Eloise’s fictional abode, the actual filming location for the books’ adaptations is a different story.

The Plaza Hotel in Film

Despite numerous scenes featuring the Plaza Hotel’s iconic façade and interiors in the Eloise books, the hotel itself did not host the filming of any live-action adaptations. Instead, other locations were utilized to bring Eloise’s adventures to the screen.

• 1967 Animated Special: The original animated special, “Eloise,” was produced by Hanna-Barbera and aired on CBS. The animation was based on the illustrations from the books, and the Plaza Hotel was depicted in various shots throughout the special. However, the actual animation was not filmed at the hotel.

• 1980 Live-Action Film: The live-action film adaptation, “Eloise,” starred Julie Andrews as Nanny and Christopher Plummer as Simon, the hotel manager. The film was primarily shot at the now-defunct Hotel Ambassador in Los Angeles. The Plaza Hotel only appears briefly in the opening and closing scenes.

• 2003 Live-Action Film: The second live-action adaptation, “Eloise at the Plaza,” starred Sofia Vassilieva as Eloise and Julie Andrews as Nanny once again. This film was also filmed primarily at the Hotel Ambassador, with only a few scenes shot at the Plaza Hotel, including the exterior shots.

The Legacy of Eloise and the Plaza Hotel

Although the Plaza Hotel did not serve as the primary filming location for any of the Eloise adaptations, its association with the beloved character has remained strong. The hotel has even created a special Eloise suite, where children and adults alike can immerse themselves in the world of the mischievous little girl.

The Plaza Hotel’s grand décor and luxurious amenities have undoubtedly contributed to Eloise’s enduring charm. The hotel’s iconic Palm Court, the opulent Grand Ballroom, and the elegant suites have all played a role in shaping the character’s image.

The Emotional Impact of Filming Locations

The filming locations of beloved works of fiction can have a profound impact on our emotional connections to them. The choice of setting can influence our perception of the characters and the overall atmosphere of the story.

In the case of Eloise, the fact that the Plaza Hotel was not the actual filming location does not diminish her association with the hotel. The Plaza’s presence in the books and the adaptations has created an inseparable link between Eloise and the iconic hotel, making it an integral part of her story and the memories of generations of readers.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Where was the 1980 live-action Eloise film primarily filmed?

  • A: Hotel Ambassador in Los Angeles

• Q: Which film adaptation features the most scenes shot at the Plaza Hotel?

  • A: “Eloise at the Plaza” (2003)

• Q: Who wrote the Eloise children’s book series?

  • A: Kay Thompson

• Q: What year was the first animated Eloise special released?

  • A: 1967

• Q: What is the name of the special suite at the Plaza Hotel created in honor of Eloise?

  • A: Eloise Suite