A new "Philadelphia' story opens today

When Jonathan Demme's film Philadelphia opens tonight nationwide, Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington won't be the only stars familiar to students. The University's own Furness Fine Arts Library plays a cameo role in the movie, which was filmed in the city last year. "There's been a lot of media hype," said Engineering and Wharton sophomore Steve Lin. "We've been hearing about it since last December when they shot [the movie] at Furness." Philadelphia, which was shown as a sneak preview on campus last month at International House, was met with an overwhelmingly positive response. "I saw it at the sneak preview and I was very impressed," Wharton freshman Ari Gendason said. "It seemed like most of the audience was touched by the storyline." "You should have heard the entire crowd scream when they showed Furness," added Engineering freshman Kelly Kim. "[Tom Hanks] even wears a Penn cap," she said. In addition to Hanks' worn-in navy and red Penn cap and the scenes shot in Furness, one man identifies himself as a "Penn law student." Shouts of joy rang out of the preview audience, comprised of mostly students, at this recognition. Other students were not so lucky, and did not see the preview in December. Yet, many say they are eager to see the show's official opening tonight. "I can't wait to see it because Penn's in it. Plus, I think I have a couple of friends that are extras," said College sophomore Joe Savage. "I'm excited about it because I'm from Philadelphia," said College freshman Josh Villari. Demme's new movie is not only a source of excitement, but also a source of controversy. It focuses on the serious issues of AIDS and homophobia. "Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks will probably make a fantastic team in presenting an issue that has been ignored and neglected," said College sophomore Sanjay Udoshi. "It's time to shock American society into some tolerance." Gendason, who saw the preview, added, "I think that it was a very valiant effort by the director, and everyone involved, to approach a subject matter that's never been approached by Hollywood before." The film tells the story of an attorney who is fired by his law firm because he has AIDS. "I want to see it because the story line is really important, and Penn being in it is just an added bonus," said College freshman Sarah Morse. Another student, College freshman Carrie Miller echoed Morse's statements. "Everyone's really proud to have Penn in the spotlight," added College freshman Carrie Miller. "I can't wait to see it." Philadelphia opens today at the United Artists Theaters 3 on campus and in center city at Sam's Place and Riverview Plaza.