Revealing mistake: When Phil drives the truck off the cliff, you can see right through the grill of the truck (meaning there is no radiator or engine), and the transmission is also missing, as you can see when the truck is falling upside down. Without an engine or transmission it would be hard to drive off a cliff.
Groundhog Day (1993)
Ending / spoiler
Directed by: Harold Ramis
Starring: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Stephen Tobolowsky, Chris Elliott
Exhausted after endlessly spending the same day over and over in debauchery, seduction, and eventual ineffective suicide attempts, Phil changes. Every day he befriends an elderly dying homeless man, catches a boy falling from a tree, performs a lifesaving Heimlich Maneuver, encourages a soon-to-be-married couple having cold feet, etc. During his busy day, he learns to play the piano and ice sculpt, and falls in love with Rita. One day, Rita, dazzled by the change in Phil, "buys" him for the evening in the fund-raising bachelor auction. That evening she sees the change in Phil and learns of his love for her; they eventually fall asleep in Phil's bed without "doing anything." He has finally lived the day perfectly; he wakes up on the day after Groundhog Day with Rita in his arms.
Guy Holladay
More mistakes in Groundhog DayMore quotes from Groundhog Day
Trivia: The two men heard on the radio every time Groundhog Day repeats itself are director Harold Ramis and Bill Murray's brother Brian Doyle-Murray.
Question: Phil is unable to leave Punxsutawney after his broadcast because of the blizzard. Has there ever been any explanation as to why he doesn't try to leave Punxsutawney as soon as he wakes up? I'm sure the time loop would have still been in effect, but unless I'm mistaken, the movie never addresses whether or not Phil ever tried to leave town before the roads were closed.
Chosen answer: As you stated, it's never addressed as to whether or not he attempted to leave town. Phil lived through many more days than is shown in the film, so it's possible he left at some point, though there's little reason for him to do so because he wouldn't get far, and, when he wakes up the next morning, he'll be right back in the town.
raywest ★