Columbia Motion Pictures

In 1899, Columbia University's Athletic Field played backdrop to an early cinematic experiment entitled "Pole Vaulting at Columbia University." The AMB Picture Catalogue of 1902 registers the finely photographed documentary, labeling the effect of the reverse motion of the film, depicting intrepid Lions propelling backwards over the bar then grabbing the pole, as "ludicrous."

In the century following this celluloid landmark, numerous filmmakers have made use of the classically grandiose Low Library, the dusty stacks of Butler, and many other familiar locations to lend a stately air to their projects. Perhaps most famously, Barbra Streisand and Jeff Bridges showed us what love on the rocks looks like from inside the ivory tower in Streisand's directorial effort, 1996's The Mirror Has Two Faces. I can't honestly say that I remember anything from my viewing of this film while aboard a plane, but I know the entire campus figures prominently in the scenery. Jeff Bridges returns to Columbia in K-Pax with Kevin Spacey.

In 1984's Ghostbusters, parapsychology professor Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) performs mysterious experiments deep in the bowels of Butler library. Unsurprisingly, Dr. Venkman is perhaps the most well-known member of our Nobel-winning science faculty, despite his artificiality. Ghostbusters II saw Venkman, Stantz, Spengler, and Zeddemore up to their usual supernatural tricks back in Columbia's cozy confines.

William Huet originated the role of nutty professor from Columbia in Altered States, which also marked his film debut. This special-effects vehicle also starred a young Drew Barrymore

Speaking of Nobel winners, Adam Sandler's 1996 satanic comedy Little Nicky, which Leonard Maltin hailed as "occasionally funny," was filmed in the blocks surrounding Columbia, especially on 112th St. The façade of Watt Hall garnered some face time in Down to You, the Freddie Prinze, Jr., and Julia Stiles, CC '04, glorified WB program from 2000, a film about which Mr. Maltin is unsurprisingly mum. Conveniently for Stiles, Columbia wasn't simply a film location; it was also her newly chosen college.

Woody Allen's Hannah and Her Sisters was filmed at Columbia, the only such filmed nominated for an Academy Award. Michael Caine, Dianne Wiest, and Allen himself all took home statuettes in 1987.

The University will soon be featured in the inimitable Sam Raimi's Spiderman. While Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker will be struggling with the great responsibility that comes with his great power, Columbia students will be struggling to spot themselves in the establishing shots of the steps.