It helps that in The Prince of Tides, adapted from Pat Conroy’s popular 1986 novel, the protagonist—Nick Nolte’s ornery, South Carolina–born Tom Wingo—arrives in New York determined to hate it. But as he falls in love with his sister’s psychiatrist, Dr. Susan Lowenstein (Barbra Streisand, who also directs), so too does he fall for her loud, unfriendly city. In no time, we see Wingo playing football in the park, strolling past the Corner Bookstore on 93rd and Madison, bidding a fond farewell in bustling Grand Central Station, and slow-dancing in the Rainbow Room.
Crooklyn (1994)
Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection
Another Spike Lee joint, Crooklyn was a deeply personal and bittersweet project for the director, inspired by his own Brooklyn childhood (and co-written by his sister, Joie, and brother Cinqué). Set in the early 1970s, the film follows Troy (Zelda Harris), a young girl growing up in colorful do-or-die Bed-Stuy with her parents (Alfre Woodard and Delroy Lindo) and four brothers.
Vanya on 42nd Street (1994)
Photo: Sony Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection