Video Flashback: Cruel Summer Edition

The year is 1983, and English female pop group Bananarama has released their video for "Cruel Summer," which has a New York City backdrop. Fire escapes, rooftop dance parties, this video has it all! And by all, we mean it has a small fraction of what this city has to offer. But that said, as you melt into the nostalgia, can you identify any of the areas in the video?

A few facts:

The track was originally released in July 1983
Bananarama traveled to New York to make the supporting video, which cost about $15,000
And yes, they channel The Dukes of Hazzard at one point, with the cop chasing them

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on July 6, 2010 5:41 PM

Comments [rss]

Qraymond

1) Is this an American Apparel ad?

2) Is that Fred Thompson and a Hot Cop chasing them?

airtech1

This was the song for all the Daniel Laruso wannabes in their BMX bikes going to school in sunny SoCal. We were off the chain that way. not.

ANGRYGOD11

Never saw the video, but remembered the song used in the original Karate Kid.

RIP Pat Morita.

redhookreject

gas station is still there...

and the 'chase' scene is on Furman st

http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&q=11231&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Brooklyn,+Kings,+New+York+11231&gl=us&ei=jaozTNjgAsLflgfpnsG-Cw&ved=0CBQQ8gEwAA&ll=40.702578,-73.994375&spn=0.000533,0.001072&t=h&z=20&layer=c&cbll=40.702793,-73.994163&panoid=u4t_m0D67sEb3lSAR5nxaw&cbp=12,248.1,,0,6.98

Shinobi Shaw

I can't believe it still there!

TheKlaus

I was 6 when this came out. And I remember seeing it with my babysitter because, at the time, I couldn't help but comment how awkward those ladies looked. Babysitter agreed.

Great story.

You're welcome.

Shinobi Shaw

I was only 1 when this video came out, but its still a classic!

Elwood Blues

Ech. I had just graduated High School. And Bananarama was not on my playlist.

SonofTheSniper

Yawn.... just now getting around to this vid?

Also not sure if you *really* don't recognize this location or you're just prodding the trolls (ahem)...

It's DUMBO, and possibly the same rooftop as where they shot the current SNL opening.

dr zippy

Get thee to a cooling center!

Oh Almighty Walrus King

I'm pretty sure she recognizes it seeing as how she and the rest of the Gothamist...ers work in Dumbo. But spot on yawning skills, really!

JacqueMehoff

I downloaded this early this year, it's amazing how much gas was, it really hasn't gone up that much. I think it's been said that this video has every borough except SI.