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Step into Chicago's Movie History
In-depth analysis and cultural insights into Chicago’s 135+ year cinematic history, written by a film historian and former professor.


Boy Scouts, Chicago, and That Darn Film Projector
Technology, giving movie audiences trouble since 1920... "The Boy Scout leaders did not mess up your movie!" This was the cry heard...
Jul 2, 20201 min read


Max Factor's "Horrifying" Panchromatic Makeup
Discover why, in cinema's early days, Max Factor’s panchromatic movie make-up was considered "horrifying." Early movies used two types of film: orthochromatic and panchromatic . Orthochromatic film sees limited colors; it is blue- (or green-) sensitive and is unable to capture reds. For example, on the screen, blue skies look white, blonde hair appears washed-out, and red lips look black. To combat these issues, industry pioneers used lens filters, location choices, light
Jun 15, 20202 min read


Movies & Blue Law Protests in 1920s Chicago
In the United States, movies and religion have virtually always been at odds. One early point of contention between the motion picture industry and religious people, mostly Protestants, comes in the form of blue laws.
Jun 8, 20202 min read


The Short-Lived Chicago Film Career of Mary MacLane
In the one movie she made in Chicago, the openly bisexual author-actress "bares her very soul."
May 14, 20201 min read


Carl Laemmle, Movie Pioneer in Chicago
Discover three reasons Carl Laemmle is a pioneer in film and Chicago
May 11, 20201 min read


Chicago's Bozo the Clown in Hollywood
Before dominating children's television, Bozo the clown performed for Hollywood's kids.
May 4, 20201 min read
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