Is that Harvard on the Silver Screen?

Harvard has become cinematic shorthand for the highest echelon of academic excellence. But most of the movies -- including 'The Social Network' -- that say they take place at Harvard don’t. Since 1970, Harvard has had a policy of not allowing film crews on its campus, and filmmakers have had to find clever strategies to depict the Ivy League school. Productions have evoked the Crimson’s campus using a variety of locations, according to author Paul Sherman and the Internet Movie Database. Here’s how movies have depicted Harvard over the years. Read related story.
By Sarah Thomas / Town Correspondent

Harvard has become cinematic shorthand for the highest echelon of academic excellence. But most of the movies -- including "The Social Network" -- that say they take place at Harvard don’t. Since 1970, Harvard has had a policy of not allowing film crews on its campus, and filmmakers have had to find clever strategies to depict the Ivy League school.

Productions have evoked the Crimson’s campus using a variety of locations, according to author Paul Sherman and the Internet Movie Database. Here’s how movies have depicted Harvard over the years. Read related story.