During the “Sleepless in Seattle” shoot, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan pose at a local hotel for a Polaroid taken by the film’s production designer, Jeffrey Townsend. A photo of the two facing each other was need so a silhouette could be created for a candy-box lid in a scene. (Courtesy Jeffrey Townsend)
Cover-story package published in Seattle Times online on July 12, 2025
and in Pacific NW Magazine of the printed Times on July 13, 2025
Bonus items from two beloved
made-in-Seattle films
And now for items that are unusual and rarely seen!
First up is “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993). Jeffrey Townsend, production designer, not only passed along the charming Polaroid displayed above but also kindly volunteered the following six set renderings (sketches to guide construction) for the Tom Hanks houseboat in the film. They are posted here with the permission of artist Roger C. Shank. Thanks so much, Jeffrey and Roger!
First floor of houseboat over table to kitchen, for “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993). (Roger C. Shank, courtesy Jeffrey Townsend)First floor of houseboat ready for Christmas, for “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993). (Roger C. Shank, courtesy Jeffrey Townsend)Second floor of houseboat with Noah (played by Ross Malinger) and his stuffed bear in hallway, for “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993). (Roger C. Shank, courtesy Jeffrey Townsend)Second floor of houseboat with Sam (played by Tom Hanks) in hallway, for “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993). (Roger C. Shank, courtesy Jeffrey Townsend)Exterior of houseboat, for “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993). (Roger C. Shank, courtesy Jeffrey Townsend)Living room of houseboat, for “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993). (Roger C. Shank, courtesy Jeffrey Townsend)
Next and last is “Cinderella Liberty” (1973). Here we present a variety of ads and text — including a story on Seattle’s skid road — from the 20th Century-Fox promotional pressbook for the film.
(Click here to get back to the intro page on Cinema with a Splash.)