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Chicago Movie Tours & Talks Reviews and Testimonials

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5-Star Movie Experiences Led by a Film Historian

Experience Chicago’s 135-year cinematic legacy through the eyes of a film historian. From the historic grounds of the Midway Plaisance to iconic filming locations throughout the Loop, our Ph.D.-led walking tours and presentations combine scholarly insight with engaging storytelling rarely found in traditional sightseeing tours.

 

Below, explore verified reviews from libraries, cultural institutions, Chicago locals, tourists, and movie lovers who have joined Chicago Movie Tours & Talks for immersive experiences exploring the city’s deep connections to film history, architecture, public art, and popular culture.

Reviews of Walking Tours

average rating is 5 out of 5

Lesser-known area of Chicago tour

Kelli was so knowledgeable of the area and so friendly to be with and to ask her questions. This is a good tour of an area that's not well known. Will definitely take more in the future!

Lara Parker

1893 World’s Fair & Filming Locations: Chicago Midway Walking Tour

Reviewed on Google

June 3, 2025

1893 World's Columbian Exposition, pre-cinema in Chicago, Flatliners, Fountain of Time

average rating is 5 out of 5

Appreciated the size and energy of our group

Kelli managed to tie 3 unique Chicago themes together in a very well researched and presented 75-minute tour. You may have never been on this select part of the U of C campus, but now you'll find yourself drawn to the outsized and outstanding Lorado Taft offerings. Kelli managed to include as many visual aids as one could handle while walking. I also appreciated the size and energy of our group.

Irene

1893 World’s Fair & Filming Locations: Chicago Midway Walking Tour

Verified • chicagomovietours.com

September 30, 2024

University of Chicago, Lorado Taft, early cinema in Chicago, walking tour of the Midway

average rating is 5 out of 5

What a gem of a find!

What a gem of a find our tour was! A friend of mine and I did the Dark Hollywood tour today, as it sounded intriguing and something different to do. I had so much fun! Learned a ton about Chicago, Hollywood, The Wizard of Oz and other films, and even some broader history that I never knew, and I found it all fascinating. Also loved the incredible photos that the tour guide brought pertaining to all the relevant history. Tour guide was lovely and welcoming of all my questions. I look forward to taking another Movie Tour at the old Joliet prison in September!

Michelle

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Reviewed on Google

July 7, 2024

public art, silent film, classic hollywood, gangster movies

Reviews of Film History Talks

average rating is 5 out of 5

I love the movie tie-ins

I lived in Chicago over 15 years, but had never heard the story of the circus train tragedy, and the memorial in Woodlawn Cemetery. I always enjoy Kelli’s presentations because the history is unusual and interesting, and I love the movie tie-ins. I hope to someday catch one of her in-person tours when I’m up in Chicago.

Liz M

Cinematic Canines and Circus Stars in Chicagoland Cemeteries

Verified • chicagomovietours.com

October 25, 2022

HD location footage, dogs in movies, virtual programs

average rating is 5 out of 5

In upstate NY, but I still attend Kelli's virtual tours

Kelli is SO knowledgeable, so interesting and her virtual tours are educational and loads of fun. I first became acquainted with Chicago Movie Tours when I lived in Chicago. Since moving to Upstate NY, I still attend as many of her virtual tours that I can. I hope Kelli and CMT continue for a long time to come!

Jayne Soulman

Chicago Murals and Movie Stars

Verified • chicagomovietours.com

September 27, 2022

Chicago murals, Robin Williams and Chicago, Dolly Parton and Straight Talk in Chicago

average rating is 5 out of 5

Enjoyed the info and beautiful pet cemetery

Loved your tour on movie dogs; it was wonderful and lots of fun!! Enjoyed all the good info and the beautiful pet cemetery... Thank you!!

Patti

Cinematic Canines and Circus Stars in Chicagoland Cemeteries

Verified • chicagomovietours.com

September 21, 2022

dogs in movies, Showman's Rest and Chicago, HD location footage, Lumiere brothers, film talk

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