Barely 17 yet, Frank is a skilled forger who has passed as a doctor, lawyer and pilot. FBI agent Carl becomes obsessed with tracking down the con man, who only revels in the pursuit.
Hôtel de ville de Québec, 2, Rue des Jardins, Vieux-Québec, Vieux-Québec–Cap-Blanc–Colline-Parlementaire, La Cité-Limoilou, Québec, Agglomération de Québec, Capitale-Nationale, Québec, G1R 4S9, Canada
Waldorf Astoria New York, 301, Park Avenue, Midtown East, Manhattan Community Board 5, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10022, United States of America
Pasadena Civic Center District, East Union Street, Old Pasadena, Pasadena Council District 3, Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California, 91129, United States of America
University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, 1537, University Boulevard, North Hills Subdivision, Morrilton, Conway County, Arkansas, 72110, United States of America
Scene: (university)
41, Dock Street, City of Yonkers, Westchester County, New York, 10701, United States of America
410 Park Avenue, 410, Park Avenue, Midtown East, Manhattan Community Board 5, Manhattan, New York County, City of New York, New York, 10022, United States of America
Pasadena Civic Center District, East Union Street, Old Pasadena, Pasadena Council District 3, Pasadena, Los Angeles County, California, 91129, United States of America
Hôtel de ville de Québec, 2, Rue des Jardins, Vieux-Québec, Vieux-Québec–Cap-Blanc–Colline-Parlementaire, La Cité-Limoilou, Québec, Agglomération de Québec, Capitale-Nationale, Québec, G1R 4S9, Canada
California
Florida
Steven Spielberg’s breezy con-man caper follows teenage forger Frank Abagnale around the world – and pulled its own sleight of hand behind the camera, using Quebec’s old-world streets to play 1960s France and Los Angeles landmarks to stand in for the jet-age glamour of Miami and New York.
Where was Catch Me If You Can filmed?
Catch Me If You Can was filmed in Los Angeles, Quebec (as France), Montreal and Colorado – blending real cities into Abagnale’s globe-trotting story.
Every Catch Me If You Can location, explained
1
Quebec as France
The film’s “France,” including Montrichard, was shot in the old-world streets of Quebec City and Montreal, whose European architecture needed no faking.
2
Los Angeles as Miami and New York
The jet-set American scenes used Los Angeles landmarks – the Ambassador Hotel stood in for a Miami hotel, with other LA spots doubling for New York.
3
The airports and the chase
Southern California locations, including Ontario, doubled for the era’s glamorous airports as Frank poses as a Pan Am pilot.
4
Colorado – the reckoning
The federal-prison scenes used the correctional complex at Florence, Colorado.
Planning a visit
Quebec City‘s walled old town is a genuinely European corner of North America and the film’s most atmospheric location – an easy way to stand in Frank’s “France” without crossing the Atlantic.
Catch Me If You Can Fun Facts
1
Quebec played France The film’s French scenes were shot in Quebec City and Montreal, whose old streets pass easily for Europe.
2
Spielberg shot it fast Spielberg made the film quickly and economically, between larger projects, keeping its light, nimble energy.
3
The real Abagnale advised Frank Abagnale, whose story it tells, consulted on the film – though he later admitted embellishing parts of his own legend.
4
That title sequence is a homage The stylish animated opening credits evoke 1960s design and the era’s cinema.
5
Hanks' accent was a choice Tom Hanks gave FBI agent Hanratty a distinctive Boston accent to set him apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the France scenes filmed?
In Quebec City and Montreal, Canada, whose old-world streets stood in for 1960s France.
Is Catch Me If You Can a true story?
It’s based on Frank Abagnale’s account of his life as a young con man, though some details are disputed.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Quebec City’s old town is a popular, walkable destination.
