Tudor City on Film: Behind the scenes of THE PEACEMAKER

Some candid photos of a set built in Tudor City for The Peacemaker, the 1997 thriller starring George Clooney and Nicole Kidman profiled earlier. Taken by an unknown photographer, the shots document the construction of a chapel for a key sequence in the flick.

Built in the 41st Street cul-de-sac between No. 25 and No. 5, the chapel thrills the locals. Never before (or since) has a set this elaborate been constructed in the neighborhood.

Above, the finished product in a view looking east, with No. 5 looming behind it. Its northern wall is unfinished given pre-determined camera angles.

Much effort is expended in its construction ‒ despite its short amount of actual screen time. No. 25 at upper left.

In addition to the chapel, a fence, sidewalk and landscaped lawn are also constructed.

The back of the set in a view looking west. Paging the Wizard of Oz.

How it appears in a freeze frame from the finished film. On the right, No. 5 gets the full-on F/X treatment, morphed into a grand cathedral. So why did the filmmakers go to such elaborate lengths to construct the chapel? 

The chapel was built to facilitate a stunt, a climactic explosion which propels our heroes ‒ or at least our heroes' stunt doubles ‒ out onto Tudor City Place. 

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Our unknown photojournalist also captured some candid shots of Nicole Kidman, George Clooney and various crew members on set.

Photographs from the collection of Mary Frances Shaughnessy. Thank you, MFS!