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- January 26, 2026 | 7:00 PM
- January 29, 2026 | 12:00 AM
- The Art of Ferris BuellerTickets: $40.99February 1, 2026 | 5:30 PM159 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603, USA
Posts (70)
- 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, lighting—and makeup. Panchromatic film sees all colors and reproduces them closer to what we experience daily, albeit in shades of black, white, and gray. For differences between the two film types, look at Kodak's advertisements above ( Movie Makers , 1930). When panchromatic film became trendy in the late 1920s, makeup artist Max Factor —whose Chicago office sat at 444 W. Grand Avenue—was there to assist with the transition. According to Max Factor: The Man Who Changed the Faces of the World , Factor toiled for months to create a new type of makeup "that reflected the correct degree of light required by [panchromatic] film." Factor succeeded and was even awarded a certificate by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize his contribution to “Incandescent Illumination Research.” You can see in the 1929-1930 ads below from International Photographer that Max Factor's movie makeup is front and center. In some instances, his name and the words panchromatic make-up are as about as large as—or larger than!—the titles of the films being advertised. Also, International Photographer informs its readers, presumably cinematographers, that these films use Max Factor’s makeup exclusively. Thus, for these professionals to work on a film NOT using this makeup would arguably be a step down in status. By the 1930s, Max Factor’s panchromatic make-up—although reportedly " horrifying to look at " in daylight since it was designed for black-and-white movies and not everyday wear—became an industry standard.
- From Wizard Oil to The Wizard of Oz: How Chicago’s Grand Opera House and a "Miracle" Medicine Made Stage History
Decades before Hollywood’s The Wizard of Oz , Chicago’s Grand Opera House staged its own hit version—funded, in part, by a patent medicine called Wizard Oil. Promotional still for The Wizard of Oz (1939), IMDb. It's January 1872, barely 3 months after the Great Chicago Fire . Despite the frigid weather, rebuilding is in full force . Hotels, churches, offices, banks, museums, and theatres begin to rise skyward. Over at 546 N. Clark St. (now site of the Daley Center ), brothers John and Lysander Hamlin are doing their part to facilitate the city's rebuilding process. Using family wealth, the Hamlin brothers, ages 65 and 63, have just forked over $130,750 (about $3.4 million today) to purchase property on which they would build Chicago's Grand Opera House —a theatre that would soon become a cultural landmark. The following story of Chicago’s Grand Opera House reveals how the city’s resilience after the Great Fire and the Hamlin family's entrepreneurial vision shaped a stage history that would give the world its first musical version of The Wizard of Oz —decades before Hollywood and MGM made it famous. The family name, Hamlin, is centered near the roofline of the Grand Opera House, Chicago, IL. c. 1880 . Nine Lives of Chicago's Grand Opera House The Grand Opera House, which sat about 1,500 patrons , boasts a colorful history. The building served as a billiard hall, beer garden, and vaudeville house before settling into its status as a theatre in 1880. The transformation from billiard hall to beer garden must have been fascinating for regular patrons. They would've watched workers replace the 30+ billiards tables with an elegantly carpeted ladies' gallery and an additional room that mimicked "scenery of mountain and field, rivulets, bridges, cascades, an old mill or two, a 24-foot waterfall, miniature lake, and other rural work on an expensive scale" ( Chicago Tribune , July 18, 1875). A 24-foot waterfall and a miniature lake—indoors! Women enjoying drinks in an indoor beer garden, Wikimedia Commons . George M Cohan's Grand Opera House, Ovrtur . Equally interesting, in 1912, composer-playwright George M. Cohan —he of " Yankee Doodle Dandy " fame—would co-lease the theatre from the Hamlin brothers and rename it after himself. In this photo, it's appropriate, I suppose, that a " grand ol' flag " would hang beneath the theatre's new name: George M. Cohan’s Grand Opera House. Perhaps more confusing, later, the same building was known briefly as the Four Cohans, which you can see via the marquee in this photo . Here's a final piece of Chicago's Grand Opera House history: On June 16, 1902, a stage musical based on a brand new and very popular children's book premiered there. We're Off to See the Wizard (Oil) In 1902, while John Hamlin's sons Harry and Fred were managing the Grand Opera House, they were presented with a musical comedy for the stage. The production was based on L. Frank Baum 's book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz , published in Chicago only two years prior. According to an unnamed contemporary, the Hamlin family “knew little about musical comedy, but they thought anything with the name ‘Wizard’ in it should do well” ( Chicago Tribune , Apr 1, 1958). And they thought this for good reason. Poster advertising Hamlin's Wizard Oil. The Hamlins, we learned above, used their family wealth to purchase the Grand Opera House. All that money, if you can believe it, came from a patent medicine cure-all called Hamlin's Wizard Oil . Made of 50–70% alcohol and advertised heavily across the Midwest, Hamlin's Wizard Oil claimed to cure a variety of common ailments, including: rheumatism neuralgia headache toothache diphtheria sore throat sprains bruises menstrual cramps diarrhea Fun fact : you can still find Hamlin's Wizard Oil bottles, song books, advertising posters, and trading cards for sale on eBay . It’s no wonder the Hamlins believed a musical with “Wizard” in the title would be a hit—the name had already made them wealthy. The family's instincts were right: the play was a success. A Musical Oz in Chicago: Sufficiently Spicy The Wizard of Oz musical extravaganza was scheduled to open at Chicago's Grand Opera House on June 12, 1902. But the show was not ready. It was postponed two days. Then, it was postponed another two days. Surprisingly, rather than deterring audiences, the back-to-back delays stirred interest. When The Wizard of Oz musical finally opened on June 16, 1902, the house was packed. Reports describe a "huge well-dressed crowd" with people "standing in the aisle at rear and behind the last row of seats." Interior, Grand Opera House, " The Complete Architecture of Adler & Sullivan ." Even L. Frank Baum attended the show and, afterward, addressed the audience : "Kind friends, thank you for your enthusiasm. It is heart-warming. You have been generous enough to call for the author, but I do not need to remind you that he is only one of many whose efforts you are enjoying tonight. [...] All of us are happy you have enjoyed the show, and we hope you and your friends will be back for a second helping ." Indeed, people did return for "a second helping," as Baum put it. The show consistently sold out and even broke attendance records for the Hamlin-run theatre. By the time production closed in Chicago on September 20, 1902, 185,000 people had seen the show. Its box office receipts totaled $160,000 (about $5 million today). Helping matters, I imagine, ticket prices were affordable: they ranged from $0.25 to $1.50, or only $8 to $50 today. In addition to the sold-out Chicago crowds and impressive box office returns, the production's stage effects, set design, costumes, and marketing were touted in reviews and in conversation around the city. First, based on contemporary descriptions, the musical's Poppy scene must've been dazzling. A large gauze curtain, well-positioned lights, and magic lantern slides produced the illusion of rain, snow, and sunbeams as the main characters "fell asleep" onstage. A similar effect was used for the cyclone at the start of Act 1. Second, audiences and critics consistently applauded the performances and costumes of Fred Stone and David Montgomery , who played Scarecrow and Tin Woodman respectively. Scarecrow wore a blue shirt and blue pants, both stuffed with real straw. Each night, his face was painted with pink and black greasepaint to remove Stone's actual eyebrows and create Scarecrow's face stitches. David Montgomery as the Tin Man. Poster for Fred R. Hamlin's musical extravaganza, The Wizard of Oz . Wikimedia Commons. Montgomery's Tin Woodman wore an actual tin hat and a "biblike collar" around his head. Every night, his face was painted with white greasepaint, with streaks of black around his eyes, nose, and mouth, and a tinge of red across his lips. Onstage, Stone's "fluid movements and rubbery legs" delighted audiences while Montgomery's "broad grin and creaky movements" rendered his character "funny and endearing." Part of their appeal no doubt, Stone and Montgomery had significant onstage chemistry: they had worked together as a vaudeville team before co-starring in Chicago's The Wizard of Oz musical. Finally, in addition to the production's stage effects, set design, and costumes, the play's accompanying literature and vibrant posters clearly enticed Chicago theatre audiences and critics. Newspapers published teasers and short articles about the show. An 8-page promotional booklet including cast member photos and bios was also available. Moreover, this musical version of The Wizard of Oz was advertised as appealing to both children and parents—"sufficiently spicy and alluring to engross a sophisticated Chicago audience." Oz after Chicago... After its stint in Chicago, The Wizard of Oz musical extravaganza toured through the upper Midwest. Eventually, it moved to Broadway , where it ran for 300 performances at the Majestic Theatre . A touring company would soon follow. In the transition from Chicago to New York, most of the original cast remained, including David Montgomery and Fred Stone, who had, of course, been key to the show's success as the Tin Woodman and Scarecrow. To be fair, I've only skimmed the surface of this Chicago production of The Wizard of Oz . For those seeking more information about the musical production, you might read Part 1 of Mark Evan Swartz's book Oz before the Rainbow: L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz on Stage and Screen to 1939 . Fortunately, a great deal of primary and secondary sources about the play are available, many of which are referenced within.
- Chicago and Bungalow Movies
Silent film titles suggest Hollywood took note of the bungalow explosion in America An Auto-Bungalow Fracas (1913) The bungalow — a low house, with a wide front porch, having either no upper floor or upper rooms set in the roof — exploded in America around the turn of the 20th century. And Hollywood took note. Look at the titles of these silent films—two of which were made by Chicago’s American Picture Company: The Bungalow Craze (1911) Bounding Bertie’s Bungalow (1913) An Auto-Bungalow Fracas (1913) Ambrose’s Bungled Bungalow (1920) Bungalow Troubles (1920) Bungalow Love (1920) Bungalow Boobs (1924) For Sale, a Bungalow (1927) Like 75-80% of films made during the silent era, most of these works have been lost to history. But as you can learn below, the bungalow is still very much alive in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs! More on Chicago bungalows
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- FAQs | Chicago Movie Tours
Browse Chicago Movie Tours' FAQs for answers to common questions about public and private walking tours, movie talks, and more. FAQs Get answers to common questions about tours, talks, bookings, and more. Public Tour FAQs Private Tour FAQs Talks FAQs FAQs: Public Tours How do I book a public walking tour? Book quickly by browsing a list of walking tours (https://www.chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours#walking-tours-intro)or our tour calendar.(http://chicagomovietours.com/calendar) How long are your walking tours? Our walking tours last between 1.5–2 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore iconic Chicago film locations and hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. How much walking is involved? Walking tours cover half a mile to 1.5 miles at a leisurely pace, with plenty of stops for photos and storytelling. Look for specific mileage under each tour description.(https://chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours#walking-tours-list) How many guests are on your walking tours? Most of Chicago Movie Tours' public (http://chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours)and private (https://www.chicagomovietours.com/private-tours)walking tours are capped at approximately 8 guests. Kelli (http://chicagomovietours.com/meet-kelli)keeps groups small to ensure everyone can easily see the multimedia content she shares on a large iPad. Smaller groups also encourage participation and create a sense of community during the tour! If you have a larger group, Kelli is happy to split it into smaller ones to accommodate your needs. Exception: Provided the property and staffing are available, our tour Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison (https://www.chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours/chicago-and-movies-in-old-joliet-prison)may accommodate up to 25 people or more. What movies do your walking tours feature? Walking tours cover a range of films and TV series (https://chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours#movies-featured-on-tours)shot in Chicago, including The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, The Untouchables, and many more. You will also explore lesser-known movies and cinematic connections to the city. For specifics, look for the "Movies/TV Highlighted" section under individual tour descriptions.(https://www.chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours#walking-tours-list) Are your walking tours family friendly? All walking tours are designed to be enjoyable for all ages. However, some content may be more suitable for older children and adults. For example, our Wizard of Oz walking tour (https://www.chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours/dark-hollywood-and-the-wizard-of-oz-in-chicago)explores the children's story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but some content may not be appropriate for guests under age 13. Is there a minimum number of participants required for the tour to run? Yes, most of our public walking tours require a minimum of 4 participants. If the minimum isn’t met, we’ll notify you in advance to reschedule or offer a refund. Get more specifics on our low attendance policy in Tour Terms and Conditions.(https://www.chicagomovietours.com/terms-and-conditions) Do you offer private walking tours? Absolutely! Kelli offers private versions of all walking tours,(https://www.chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours) provided properties and dates are available. She also offers bespoke tours that allow you to customize the schedule and even focus on specific movies or locations. Please contact Kelli (mailto:kelli@chicagomovietours.com)at least 2 weeks prior to your preferred tour date for a bespoke tour. Read more about Private Tours.(https://www.chicagomovietours.com/private-tours) Do you offer any virtual tours? Yes, Kelli offers virtual tours, many free. Learn more about them here.(https://chicagomovietours.com/upcoming-talks#virtual-tours-and-talks-list) What happens if it rains or snows? Walking tours run rain, shine—or snow (it is Chicago after all)! In the case of extreme weather, Kelli will contact you to discuss rescheduling or other options. Are your tours wheelchair accessible? Kelli strives to make tours as accessible as possible. However, some locations we visit are in or around historic buildings that may not have fully accessible pathways. Please contact Kelli in advance (mailto:kelli@chicagomovietours.com)to discuss specific accessibility needs, or look under Tour Specifics > Accessibility under individual tour descriptions (https://www.chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours)for the latest information about accessibility. What is your cancellation policy? You may cancel or amend your reservation 48 hours or more before the tour departs. Cancellations received within 48 hours of tour departure—along with late arrivals and no-shows after a tour departs—are not eligible for refunds. Read more about cancelling or changing reservations on Tour Terms and Conditions.(https://www.chicagomovietours.com/terms-and-conditions) Can I take photos on the tour? Yes! Please take photos—and capture your favorite movie locations along the way. However, video and audio recording any of our tours is prohibited. Can I gift a walking tour to someone? Yes! We offer gift cards for our walking tours,(https://www.chicagomovietours.com/gift-cards) which make a great present for movie lovers or anyone looking to explore Chicago. Why are museum tickets not included in your Ferris Bueller walking tour? Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is not included in The Art of Ferris Bueller (https://www.chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours/the-art-of-ferris-bueller)ticket price for three reasons: 1. Direct Admission Pricing: The Art Institute of Chicago sets its own admission prices that can vary depending on factors such as special exhibitions and events. By keeping admission separate, we ensure you pay the most current rate directly to the museum, allowing for flexibility based on your visit. 2. Membership Discounts: Many of our tour guests may have museum memberships (https://sales.artic.edu/memberships)or reciprocal admission privileges (https://www.artic.edu/visit/free-admission)that provide discounts or free entry. By separating our tour fee from museum admission, we respect those benefits and allow our guests to take advantage of their memberships. 3. Planning Flexibility: This approach allows you to plan your visit according to your preferences. You can arrive early, explore the museum at your own pace before the tour starts, or extend your visit afterward to enjoy additional exhibits. Should I tip the tour guide? While tipping is never expected, it’s always appreciated! If you enjoyed the tour and feel your guide provided a memorable experience, feel free to tip as a gesture of thanks.(https://www.chicagomovietours.com/donate) Our guide invests significant time in researching and delivering high-quality tours to ensure you have a unique and insightful experience. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation! FAQs: Private Tours Do you offer private walking tours? Yes! All of Chicago Movie Tours' walking tours (https://www.chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours)are available for private tours, provided properties and dates are available. Looking for a customized tour? Please contact Kelli.(https://www.chicagomovietours.com/contact) What is the difference between a private and a customized or bespoke tour? The main difference between a private tour (of our existing walking tours)(https://www.chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours) and a private bespoke tour is the level of customization. Private tours of our existing walking tours (https://www.chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours)follow a set route and itinerary. These tours are ideal for travelers who prefer the convenience of a curated experience without the need for extensive customization. Private tours offer the exclusivity of a private group while still exploring popular attractions or themes. Customized or bespoke tours allow travelers to design a unique itinerary from scratch. A private bespoke tour is a fully customized and tailor-made experience crafted according to your specific interests, preferences, and requirements. Private bespoke tours are ideal for travelers seeking a truly one-of-a-kind and immersive experience tailored precisely to their interests and preferences! Please contact Kelli (mailto:kelli@chicagomovietours.com)at least 2 weeks prior to your preferred tour date for a bespoke tour. How many guests are allowed on private tours? Private tours are intended for parties of 8 people or fewer. These options work nicely for families and small social groups. Exception: Provided the property and staffing are available, our tour Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison (https://www.chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours/chicago-and-movies-in-old-joliet-prison)may accommodate up to 25 people or more. Do your private tours include a guide? Absolutely! All private (and customized) Chicago movie tours include a knowledgeable guide who accompanies your group throughout the experience. In the case of our movie-themed walking tours in Chicago, your guide is Kelli,(http://chicagomovietours.com/meet-kelli) a seasoned expert with a teaching background and a PhD focused on film studies. Kelli's extensive academic background and passion for cinema ensure that you'll receive in-depth insights into the movies filmed in Chicago, their historical context, and the behind-the-scenes stories that bring them to life. Do you offer private tours by bus, van, or car? No, we only offer walking tours at this time. How much do private tours cost? Private tour pricing starts at $399. Why are museum tickets not included in your Ferris Bueller tour? Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is not included in The Art of Ferris Bueller (https://www.chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours/the-art-of-ferris-bueller)ticket price for three reasons: 1. Direct Admission Pricing: The Art Institute of Chicago sets its own admission prices that can vary depending on factors such as special exhibitions and events. By keeping admission separate, we ensure you pay the most current rate directly to the museum, allowing for flexibility based on your visit. 2. Membership Discounts: Many of our tour guests may have museum memberships (https://sales.artic.edu/memberships)or reciprocal admission privileges (https://www.artic.edu/visit/free-admission)that provide discounts or free entry. By separating our tour fee from museum admission, we respect those benefits and allow our guests to take advantage of their memberships. 3. Planning Flexibility: This approach allows you to plan your visit according to your preferences. You can arrive early, explore the museum at your own pace before the tour starts, or extend your visit afterward to enjoy additional exhibits. How do I book a private tour? Book your private or custom walking tour by completing this short form (https://chicagomovietours.com/private-tours#book-a-private-tour-form)or contacting Kelli.(mailto:kelli@chicagomovietours.com) Should I tip the tour guide? While tipping is never expected, it’s always appreciated! If you enjoyed the tour and feel your guide provided a memorable experience, feel free to tip as a gesture of thanks.(https://www.chicagomovietours.com/donate) Our guide invests significant time in researching and delivering high-quality tours to ensure you have a unique and insightful experience. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation! Are your private tours wheelchair accessible? Kelli strives to make tours as accessible as possible. However, some locations we visit are in or around historic buildings that may not have fully accessible pathways. Please contact Kelli in advance (mailto:kelli@chicagomovietours.com)to discuss specific accessibility needs, or look under Tour Specifics > Accessibility under individual tour descriptions (https://www.chicagomovietours.com/walking-tours)for the latest information about accessibility. FAQs: Talks What types of talks do you offer? Chicago Movie Tours offers a range of in-person and online talks, with most centered on Chicago’s rich film history. Kelli (http://chicagomovietours.com/meet-kelli)also provides general programs on topics like the representation of gender in Hollywood, film noir, and classic Christmas movies. Each talk is designed to be engaging, educational, and visually immersive! How long do your talks last? Most talks last 1 hour, depending on the content and audience engagement. Longer programs, film series, and deep dives into specific topics are also available upon request. Can I preview a talk before booking? Yes! Watch excerpts from full-length talks here (http://chicagomovietours.com/watch-a-talk)to get a feel for how they run and look. How do I book a talk? You can book by reaching out to Kelli through this Request a Talk form.(https://www.chicagomovietours.com/request-a-talk) She will work with you to schedule the program and discuss any specific requests you might have. Who are your talks for? Chicago Movie Tours' talks reach a wide range of audiences, including libraries, schools, nonprofits, corporate groups, and film enthusiasts. Are the talks interactive? Yes, Kelli (http://chicagomovietours.com/meet-kelli)purposely designs most talks to be engaging and interactive. Participants often ask questions and discuss their own histories with the films and locations. Additionally, some programs include polls and trivia! How do your talks incorporate HD footage? Many programs include high-definition video footage of Chicago movie locations, placing viewers right where the filming (or historical events) happened. Whether in-person or online, this footage enhances the experience by visually transporting you to the iconic sites from your favorite films. What equipment is required for in-person talks? For in-person programs, Kelli (http://chicagomovietours.com/meet-kelli)creates and projects all content using her MacBook Pro, with video footage and other media embedded in Apple programs. A projector, large screen, HDMI cable, and audio equipment are required at the venue. Kelli will bring her laptop and adapters to ensure compatibility with your setup. If your venue doesn’t have the necessary equipment, we'll work together to find a solution! How much do talks cost? For 2026, virtual talks are $300, and in-person talks are $400. Get specifics on pricing.(https://chicagomovietours.com/talks#talks-pricing) Can I customize a talk for my group? At this time, talks are presented as described, with full program details shared in advance.
- Chicago Movie Tours | Guided Expert-Led Walking Tours on Chicago and Film
Chicago Movie Tours offers guided walking tours and movie history talks that inspire you to discover Chicago through film. Led by a PhD, our public and private tours and our in-person and virtual programs will always teach you something new about Chicago and movies, guaranteed. (Yes, guaranteed!) The Art of Ferris Bueller Take This Tour Chicago Film. Expert Insight. Hi, I'm KELLI , a PhD and the founder of Chicago Movie Tours. After years of teaching film, I launched Chicago Movie Tours to bring my expertise beyond the classroom and into the city streets. Drawing on my background as an educator and PhD, I lead tours and talks that reveal how Chicago’s onscreen locations connect to its culture and history. Whether you're a local or a visitor, with me, you'll always discover something new about the city—and its ties to film! Guest Reviews Tommy From Fairground to Film Set average rating is 5 out of 5 As knowledgeable as I thought I was about movies (especially those with Chicago connections), I learned so much more from my recent Chicago Movie Tours event with host Kelli. Even with things I kind of knew before, I was able to look at them in a new light. Engaging, detailed presentations and an eagerness to answer questions made this a top-notch experience. Highly recommended. Mitchell Szczepanczyk Hollywood on the Rails average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli at Chicago Movie Tours gave a fantastic tour of Union Station for her tour "Hollywood on the Rails." She didn't just teach us about movies and TV shows, which were plentiful (I didn't realize that "The Sting" was filmed in part at Chicago Union Station); the tour also touched on points from a variety of fields, including architecture, art and design, history, technology, and of course, Chicago. It was a wonderful way to spend two hours, very informative and engaging, and very much worth your time, whether your interests lie in film, pop culture, history, architecture, or the Windy City! Sherman Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli was awesome! Clear instructions on where and when to meet, then prompt start of the tour. She clearly knows art so that was the one aspect I did not expect. It was wonderful to hear about the background of the artists to give some context to the painting/sculpture. Definitely more and better than I expected. Thank you. In the News
- School’s Out for Summer! Child Actors and Chicago’s Studio Teachers | Talks and Programs | Chicago Movie Tours
Trace how studio teachers have taught and protected child actors from 1930s Hollywood to the Chicago sets of "A Raisin in the Sun" and "Home Alone" School’s Out for Summer! Child Actors and Chicago’s Studio Teachers Trace how studio teachers have taught and protected child actors from 1930s Hollywood to the Chicago sets of "A Raisin in the Sun" and "Home Alone" All Talks About From classical Hollywood to Chicago film sets, this 60-minute talk considers the largely unseen educators who safeguard child stars’ schooling—and, in many cases, their childhoods. We'll begin by tracing the profession’s origins to MGM’s two-room schoolhouse in 1930s Hollywood. Then, we'll explore how studio teachers—then and now—balance academic instruction with labor laws, union rules, and state regulations designed to protect young performers. Finally, we'll move to Chicago and spotlight studio teachers’ work on the films A Raisin in the Sun , The Breakfast Club , and Home Alone so we can see how national practices played out on local sets. By the end, audiences should see familiar films in a new light—and gain a deeper appreciation for the teachers who quietly ensured that learning never stopped, even when the cameras were rolling. Request Talk











