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Film historian Kelli, Ph.D., presenting a Chicago movie history talk to an engaged audience

Chicago Movie History Talks 

See what’s included, view past events, check pricing, and explore clients we’ve worked with.

Chicago Movie Tours' talks—whether virtual or in person—blend unique visuals, historical media, and expert insight to engage audiences, spark curiosity, and invite discussion.

What's Included

Learn what you get when you book a talk with Chicago Movie Tours.

Ph.D. Expertise

Commentary by Kelli, Ph.D., film historian, and guide

Curated Clips

Key scenes that highlight Chicago onscreen

Newspapers

Vintage clippings that add local context

Original HD Video 

Crisp, unique location footage tailored to your talk

Screenshots

Still images that connect film to location

Movie Fan Mags

Old-school fan mags with Hollywood flair

Archival Photos

Historic images that enrich the narrative

Interactive Maps

Custom visuals that trace film sites and history

Animated Slides

Dynamic visuals that guide the experience

2026 Pricing

Talks are available virtually or in person, and they run about 60 minutes, with unlimited time allotted afterward for Q&A.

Virtual Talks

$300 per talk

Bring Chicago’s film history to your audience—anywhere! 

In-Person Talks

$400 per talk

Locations over 25 mi. from La Grange, IL, are quoted separately. View map.

Logos of libraries and organizations that have hosted Chicago Movie Tours' talks

HOP ON BOARD!

Join the thousands of Chicagoans who have rediscovered their city with Chicago Movie Tours.

Reviews of Talks

Virtual Attendee

Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District

average rating is 5 out of 5
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She's a great speaker—very organized in her delivery with many fascinating tidbits of information you don't get from online sources.
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Remote Participant

Winnetka-Northfield Public Library District

average rating is 5 out of 5
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Great program on Marx Brothers and Bob Newhart—so many interesting things about these comedians. Nice to keep presentations on Zoom so I don't have to drive to the library.
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Todd

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average rating is 5 out of 5
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Kelli's virtual tour While You Were Sleeping in Chicago: Virtual Holiday Stroll is an enchanting visit to the lovely village of La Grange, Illinois. I've taken every one of her five annual visits to this quaint town which comes alive with spirit and joy as well as fantastic lights and decorations every Christmas season. You'll visit the wonderful home where Sandra Bullock's character is welcomed into a family's gift opening party; see the iconic, 100-year-old La Grange Theater with its refurbished marquis; a magnificent Episcopal Church on the National Registry of Historic Places; several Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes built near the end of the 19th Century; and finally get a glimpse of the elevated train station in downtown Chicago with its architecturally innovative canopies which mimic the waves of nearby Lake Michigan. Throughout this visually stunning tour, Kelli manages to sprinkle in fascinating tidbits about the actors and filming of one of Hollywood's enduring romantic comedies. I can't wait to see what new wrinkles Kelli adds to the sixth annual tour next Christmastime!
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Michelle

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average rating is 5 out of 5
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Very interesting Facebook presentation of "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" with details and tidbits of how the film was made, the characters and its sentiments during the holiday.
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Michael

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average rating is 5 out of 5
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Kelli did a great job. Enjoyed the Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and the Trappings of Home virtual tour.
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Peter

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average rating is 5 out of 5
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Excellent tour on Planes, Trains and Automobiles!
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