Herpolsheimer’s was one of two Grand Rapids department stores that inspired the “The Polar Express.” Though Herpolsheimer’s isn’t mentioned in the book, it’s named in the 2004 film.
Is herpolsheimer’s real?
The store is based on a real life department store of the same name that was once in Grand Rapids, Michigan , the hometown of Chris Van Allsburg. There were two stores in Grand Rapids, both of which opened in the 1800s, as well as one in Wyoming, Michigan, which opened in 1974 after being acquired from Wurzburg’s.
What actual Michigan department store is visited during the Polar Express?
The book is set partially in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the author’s home town, and was inspired in part by Van Allsburg’s memories of visiting the Herpolsheimer’s and Wurzburg’s department stores as a child.
What did Billy get in the Polar Express?
They read the mailing information on it and find out that it is for Billy, so Billy gets on the conveyor belt and grabs it with Hero Boy and Hero Girl following. They all find themselves going down a big slide and ending up on top of a big pile of presents.
What is the purpose of the hobo in Polar Express?
| Hobo | Appeared in The Film |
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What’s the story behind the Polar Express?
The Polar Express tells the story of a young boy who is questioning whether or not he believes in Santa Claus . Then, on Christmas Eve, a magical train – the Polar Express – appears outside his home and whisks him away to the North Pole to restore his belief in Santa and all that he embodies.
What does the boy whisper to Santa in the Polar Express?
Hero Boy sits on Santa’s lap in his sleigh and Santa asks him what he wants. Hero Boy whispers into his ear that he wants one of the bells from the sleigh . After which, Santa holds up the bell and declares it the First Gift of Christmas before handing it to Hero Boy, who puts it in his right pocket.
What year is the Polar Express set in?
Plot. On the night of Christmas Eve in the late-1950s , a boy witnesses a train called the Polar Express that is about to embark to the North Pole.
Why is Polar Express so creepy?
The reason for this, apparently, is due to a phenomenon called Uncanny Valley – which is when non-human objects which look akin to human beings prompt feelings of eeriness and disgust, due to their similarities, and yet their simultaneous differences.
Why did Billy never get presents from Santa?
Billy lives close to Hero Boy at 11344 Edbrooke Avenue in Grand Rapids, Michigan. ... Billy does not have much faith in Christmas because his parents lack the money to buy him presents , which is why he is resistant to part with his gift, as it is his first and he does not want to lose it.
Is the mom in The Polar Express pregnant?
According to The Polar Express: The Movie: Trip to the North Pole, Hero Boy’s mother is pregnant during the events of the story . Hero Boy’s parents do not appear in the video game. This makes Hero Boy’s father the only character played by Tom Hanks to not appear in the game nor be played by Jim Hanks.
Why is Tom Hanks everyone in the Polar Express?
In addition to the lead boy, Tom Hanks played the character’s dad, the conductor, the hobo, and Santa Claus in The Polar Express, bringing his total character count up to five. Because the movie was made using motion capture, Hanks had to act out each part on a soundstage as well as speak the lines .
Does the Polar Express have a deeper meaning?
From the nameless characters to the mysterious ghost on the roof, there are many messages hidden in this children’s film that distinguish it from all the holiday films that came before it. The Polar Express explores more than Christmas spirit but also taps into the power of belief.
What’s with the ghost in Polar Express?
His ghost now rides the top of the train to the North Pole, and turns to snow when he reaches his death site . The Conductor, however, is another important part of my theory. He is determined to make sure that this train reaches the North Pole. The conductor also looks like an adult version of Hero Boy.
How much did Tom Hanks get paid for Polar Express?
When Hanks and Zemeckis took “Polar Express” to Universal Pictures, where there was a deal with Castle Rock Entertainment, the film’s producers, the studio was unenthusiastic about making a movie for which the two men would get not only $40 million in salary but 35% of the first-dollar gross — 20% to Hanks , 15% to ...
Is the conductor in Polar Express the little boy?
The Conductor is the unnamed conductor of the Polar Express . He is determined to get to the North Pole on time and usually finds Hero Boy at the heart of every problem. He was both portrayed in motion capture and voiced by Tom Hanks who also voiced Woody from the Toy Story franchise.
