THE repetition-themed 1993 romantic comedy is back on the big screen at the Strand this month and indeed on Groundhog Day itself.
Punxsutawney in Pennsylvania is the site of the largest celebration of this German-American tradition where the early arrival of spring is predicted by whether a groundhog – nicknamed Punxsutawney Phil – decides to emerge from its burrow.
In the Harold Ramis-directed movie, Bill Murray plays a cynical TV weatherman, Phil Connors, who's reluctantly assigned to cover Punxsutawney's Groundhog Day ceremony.
Intent on making a speedy return to the big city after filming his half-hearted report, the mardy meteorologist finds himself snowed-in – and awakens the next morning to discover he must re-live the previous day all over again.
Hilarity ensues as the unashamedly selfish Connors remains stuck in a seemingly endless loop which resets at midnight regardless of what happens beforehand (including his own death).
Taking advantage of his situation, this wily weatherman begins to bemuse, abuse and generally manipulate those around him – including kindly TV producer, Rita (Andie MacDowell), with whom he's become smitten.
However, it's only once Connors is forced to start thinking of how he can use his endless day to improve himself and help others that he finally has a shot at wooing the initially repulsed object of his affection.
Groundhog Day's unique, time-bending, romantic comedy is Bill Murray at his best and – appropriately, given its subject matter – the film remains endlessly rewatchable even after all these years.
:: Tickets £4 via Strandartscentre.com
