Original artwork, not a still
Symmetrical book stacking. Just like the Philadelphia mass turbulence of 1947.
— Ghostbusters · 1984
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Ray says it with the joy of a man whose hobby has finally turned up evidence. The Philadelphia mass turbulence is an invented case file, dropped in so casually that it makes the Ghostbusters' world feel researched and lived in, and it is a fan favourite for that reason. It is the quote to reach for when something tidy looks suspiciously supernatural, or when a nerd cites an obscure precedent.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for GhostbustersShow the scene
Early in Ghostbusters (1984), Ray Stantz and Egon Spengler go down into the stacks of the New York Public Library to investigate a sighting of a ghost that sent a librarian running. Peter Venkman tags along, sure the whole thing is nonsense. They find a towering stack of books, and Egon's P.K.E. meter says it is hot. Ray names the phenomenon, symmetrical book stacking, and ties it to the Philadelphia mass turbulence of 1947. Peter deadpans that no human would stack books like that. Ray then tells them to listen and asks if they smell something.
Sources (3)
- Ghostbusters Wiki: Symmetrical StackingHistory, Ghostbusters (1984)Reference checked
- Ghostbusters Wiki: Philadelphia Mass Turbulence of 1947History and TriviaReference checked
- Ghostbusters Wiki: Ghostbusters (Chapter 03) Get Her!PlotReference checked
Context reviewed
