Directed by: Harold Ramis
Starring: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Stephen Tobolowsky, Chris Elliott
Factual error: Phil departs from the office right after the 5pm news. Punxsutawney is over 90 minutes' drive from Pittsburgh. The sunset in Punxsutawney in early February is about 5.30pm, so by the time they get there it should be completely dark. But it's bright daylight, without even a hint of twilight. (00:05:45)
Factual error: The train in the joyride scene is a Burlington Northern locomotive, which would never be found in Pennsylvania.
Revealing mistake: When Phil drives the truck off the cliff, you can see right through the grill of the truck (meaning there is no radiator or engine), and the transmission is also missing, as you can see when the truck is falling upside down. Without an engine or transmission it would be hard to drive off a cliff.
Trivia: The two men heard on the radio every time Groundhog Day repeats itself are director Harold Ramis and Bill Murray's brother Brian Doyle-Murray.
Question: Phil is unable to leave Punxsutawney after his broadcast because of the blizzard. Has there ever been any explanation as to why he doesn't try to leave Punxsutawney as soon as he wakes up? I'm sure the time loop would have still been in effect, but unless I'm mistaken, the movie never addresses whether or not Phil ever tried to leave town before the roads were closed.
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Chosen answer: As you stated, it's never addressed as to whether or not he attempted to leave town. Phil lived through many more days than is shown in the film, so it's possible he left at some point, though there's little reason for him to do so because he wouldn't get far, and, when he wakes up the next morning, he'll be right back in the town.
raywest ★