Philadelphia salutes its favourite son

City’s mayor believes Rocky films helped put US city on the world map

PHILADELPHIA:

It is a classic slice of pop history: Sylvester Stallone — also known as Rocky — jogging up the steps of the art museum in Philadelphia. For four decades the boxing saga, whose latest chapter Creed hit US screens earlier this week, helped put the city of Philadelphia on the international map.

One of the biggest draws for tourists since the release of the first film is the 72 Rocky Steps. “The Rocky movie series has been an incredible part of the history and the legacy of the city of Philadelphia,” Mayor Michael Nutter told AFP. “I mean this has been going on for 30 years now. It’s a part of us and we are a part of it.”

At the foot of the famed steps towers a 10-foot bronze statue of Rocky, commissioned by the franchise’s star and creator Stallone for the third instalment in the Rocky series which he bequeathed to the city after completion of the film.

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According to several tourists, even after so many years the statue remains one of the most talked-about landmarks in the city. To better cater to the fans of the film series, specialised Rocky-themed maps have been designed which guide tourists across some of the famous locations depicted in the movie such as the Italian market, Esposito’s butcher shop and Penn’s landing waterfront.

Such has been the film’s impact that Nutter himself stated that it helped the city gain recognition globally. “For that, we’re very proud and very grateful.”

With Creed expected to release over the Thanksgiving holiday, Philadelphia’s mayor threw his weight behind the movie, expecting it to be a box office success.

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While the saga’s seventh instalment will see fan-favourite Rocky Balboa (Stallone) return to the silver screen, it would mark a change from the previous flicks with the former boxer now coming out of retirement to mentor the son of a late friend and boxing rival. “I loved Rocky I, because that was the first [film]. The second has a tremendous message and is very uplifting. But now of all the Rocky movies, Creed is the best,” Nutter said.

While there are fans of the franchise —  there are also a few detractors of the Rocky series, with many fans believing that the movie which spanned five sequels and a Broadway musical ran its course a long time ago.

“Some people like it, some people don’t,” said Jordan Morinich, an employee at Esposito’s. “All the shops used to have a picture of him inside. We never had one. I don’t think it changes anything for the business.”

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The Rocky statue which was once located outside the famous steps was moved after locals complained that it seemed appropriate outside a museum.

Despite this, the series continues to receive a lot of love in Pennsylvania’s largest city.

“When it first came out, it restored the city’s pride,” said Vince Giaccobi, a native of Philadelphia. “In the 70s and 80s, the city wasn’t where it needed to be,” he said, referring to its reputation as a blue-collar, struggling town.

These days, it is a city on the move, something of a boom town. Largely neglected for decades, its revitalised downtown now and bristles with new restaurants, bars and construction projects.

Poverty remains a concern, with a city-wide level among the 10 highest in the country. But economic growth is solid. “It’s changed a lot. Now it’s more culturally oriented. I think it’s for the better,” Giacobbi said. 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 29^th, 2015.

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