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  • The Blues Brothers | Movies Filmed in Chicago | One-Shot Wednesdays

    Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. The Blues Brothers The mall scene in The Blues Brothers (1980) was filmed at the former Dixie Square Mall in Harvey, IL. John Landis (dir.) acquired permission to use the abandoned shopping mall for the shoot. The mall had been closed since 1978, giving it a perfect run-down and desolate appearance that fit the movie's narrative. To capture the chaotic car chase sequence through the mall, the production team used practical effects, stunts, and carefully choreographed scenes, making it one of the film's most memorable moments. Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

  • Leave a Review | Chicago Movie Tours

    Your feedback is important. Please take a moment and leave a review for Chicago Movie Tours on Google, TripAdvisor, Facebook, or via the form below. Leave a Review The best way to support Chicago Movie Tours is to review us on one of these sites. Or you can leave your feedback here: Rate your overall experience:* First Name Last Name (Optional) Email (Optional) Which event did you attend?* When did you attend? What did you enjoy most? Would you recommend this tour or talk to others? Opt in to receive news about future tours and talks. Submit

  • The Art of Ferris Bueller | Walking Tours

    On this 90-minute guided walking tour inside the Art Institute of Chicago, get up close with art featured in the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" The Art of Ferris Bueller On this 90-minute guided walking tour inside the Art Institute of Chicago, get up close with art featured in the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" Read Reviews Book Public Tour Book Private Tour About 1.5 hrs 1 mi. 8 guests $39.99 On this 90-minute guided walking tour inside the Art Institute of Chicago, get up close with art featured in the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" Calling art enthusiasts and Ferris Bueller fans! Get ready to step into the iconic world of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off on our popular 90-minute walking tour, aptly named The Art of Ferris Bueller . Led by a passionate PhD guide , this immersive experience will take you through multiple galleries of the Art Institute of Chicago, where a memorable portion of the 1980s teen comedy unfolds. As you enter the Modern Wing, the adventure begins. Marvel at the same masterpieces that Ferris, Sloane, and Cameron admired during their legendary day off. Your guide, armed with a wealth of knowledge and a flair for storytelling, will regale you with little-known anecdotes and behind-the-scenes facts that will deepen your appreciation for both the art and the movie. As with all of our Chicago Movie Tours' guided tours, your experience here will be enhanced with clips, photos, soundbites, and screenshots. On The Art of Ferris Bueller , you'll traverse three floors of the museum, covering a distance of about 1 mile. Along the way, you'll discover 16 carefully selected pieces of art, each with its own unique connection to the characters, director, and storyline of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off . Ever wondered why Cameron fixated on that Seurat painting? Prepare to have your curiosity satisfied! Ideal for Gen-X—and all ages, of course!—this immersive experience promises to reignite your love for Ferris Bueller's Day Off while deepening your appreciation for the treasures housed within the Art Institute of Chicago. So, grab your tickets for The Art of Ferris Bueller , gather your friends, and get ready for a journey through art, cinema, and nostalgia that you won't soon forget! NOTE: Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is not included in the public walking tour. Learn more in FAQs . Movies/TV Highlighted Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) If you're interested in exploring more than one film with us, check out our full list of guided walking tours. Public Tour Dates Saturday Jan 24, 2026 5:30 PM Buy Tickets Sunday Feb 1, 2026 5:30 PM Buy Tickets Saturday Feb 21, 2026 5:30 PM Buy Tickets Show More Dates Private Tours Book this tour as a private or group tour! The private tour price listed below is a flat fee for up to 8 guests. If you have more than 8 in your party, please contact us to see if we can accommodate you. NOTE: The Art Institute of Chicago closes Tuesdays, so we cannot run this tour on that day. Book Private $399 Tour Specifics Start/End Points The tour starts in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago, Griffin Court, by the staircase/chairs. Please arrive about 10 min. before the tour begins. NOTE: This is NOT the Michigan Ave. entrance with the lions. Museum Admission Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is NOT included in our public walking tour (learn more in FAQs ). For ticket prices, please refer to the museum's ticketing chart . Waivers Guests must initial a digital general waiver of liability with Chicago Movie Tours when they book. Guardians must sign waivers for children under the age of 18. Low Attendance To ensure we can provide a fun, engaging, and economically feasible public tour, we typically need a minimum of 4 guests. Head over to Tour Terms and Conditions for more on this policy, including reasons behind it and your refund options if, in the rare instance, a tour is cancelled due to low attendance. Parking/Transportation By Car : The Millennium Garages are located underground, below the parks adjacent to the museum. Public Transit : The Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple 'L' train lines all stop above ground at Adams/Wabash, one block west of the museum. The Red and Blue lines stop underground at Monroe, just a few blocks away. Accessibility Elevators are located throughout the museum for access to all levels. What to Bring Checkrooms are free for all visitors. Bags and backpacks larger than 13 x 17 x 4 inches are not allowed in the galleries and must be checked. If you plan to check bags, please arrive early as there may be a line. Water bottles are allowed, but they must be stowed in a bag when guests are in spaces that house art. Restrooms Restrooms are located throughout the museum on each level. Children Guests ages 10 and up can attend. Photography/Video Non-flash photography is permitted in all permanent galleries. Tripods, selfie sticks, and video are not permitted. Cancellations and Refunds You may cancel or amend your reservation 48 hours or more before the tour departs. Read more Tour Terms and Conditions . What's Included Immersive experience exploring Ferris Bueller's Day Off inside the Art Institute of Chicago Solid overview of the world-famous museum (three floors, covering about 1 mile) Tour guide commentary from a passionate PhD in film Small groups to enhance engagement and foster a more personalized experience Visual and audio media to enhance your museum experience Little-known anecdotes, stories, and theories about the 1986 teen comedy Plenty of Instagram opportunities Mini (Ferris-themed) goodie bag! Reviews MJ Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli was so full of researched material not only about the movie, which was fascinating, but also about the history of Chicago. A “not to miss” tour!!!! January 12, 2026 Clinton Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 Wonderful. So enjoyable and hit a great balance of artistic and fun! January 7, 2026 Caleb Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 Bueller Bueller Bueller... Kelli was lovely and the tour was great. Can’t wait to go on another. Kelli was thoughtful and very knowledgeable about the film and Hughes’ inspiration for the art selected in the film. January 2, 2026 Load More Reviews

  • Rent-a-Cop | Movies Filmed in Chicago | One-Shot Wednesdays

    Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Rent-a-Cop Rent-a-Cop is a 1987 action-comedy starring Burt Reynolds and Liza Minnelli. Reynolds plays a Chicago police detective turned security guard. He crosses paths with Minnelli’s character, who is being pursued by both the police and criminals due to her involvement with a jewel heist. Together, the duo try to stay one step ahead of both the law and the bad guys. This medium-long shot of Reynolds’ character lighting a cigarette is filmed outside the Hyatt Regency Chicago . (Thanks for helping identify the hotel, Tours with Mike !) Rent-a-Cop filmed 3 weeks in Chicago and the rest of the time in Cinecittà Studios in Rome . By the mid-1980s, Burt Reynolds’ once-thriving career was practically at a standstill. One of Hollywood’s biggest stars, he was now receiving offers for mediocre movies like this one and Stroker Ace , both of which fared poorly at the box office. In fact, later in life, Reynolds recalls these two movies as “the kind they show in prisons and airplanes, because nobody can leave” (Variety 2011). Yikes. As of this writing, if you dare, you can watch Rent-a-Cop free on Tubi . Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

  • Sixteen Candles | Movies Filmed in Chicago | One-Shot Wednesdays

    Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Sixteen Candles This slightly low-angle medium shot of Joan Cusack comes from Sixteen Candles . In John Hughes’s 1984 teen comedy—set and filmed in suburban Chicago—Cusack plays Geek Girl #1. She has no lines other than “yeah” and “okay,” and she wears a neck brace that hinders her drinking from water fountains and cans of soda. Memorably, Geek Girl #1 uses material from her shirt appliqué to wipe her mouth after she finally captures a sip of water. (Joan’s brother, John Cusack, also plays a small part in Sixteen Candles .) Fans of the Cusacks likely know the siblings—comprised of Ann, Joan, Bill, John, and Susie—grew up in Chicago’s north suburb of Evanston, where they began acting in local theater productions. Additionally, their father, Dick Cusack, owned a movie production company that created corporate films, and he and his wife encouraged the kids to perform. Despite their careers in Hollywood, John and Joan Cusack still have residences here. In fact, since 2011, Joan has owned a gift shop in Old Town, Chicago . When asked about her hometown—where bit parts like this one in Sixteen Candles would ultimately lead to Oscar-nominated roles in Working Girl and In and Out— Joan Cusack says this: “Chicago is so normal. It’s very real. In Hollywood, I feel like mostly an actress. In Chicago, I feel like a person and an actress.” (Tallahassee Democrat , Dec 1993) Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

  • The Killer | Movies Filmed in Chicago | One-Shot Wednesdays

    Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. The Killer In David Fincher's latest thriller, The Killer (2023), a pivotal scene set in New York was actually filmed in the Chicago suburb of St. Charles at the historic Hotel Baker . That is the focus—or should we say, shallow focus —of today’s screenshot. In the scene about to unfold, The Killer (Michael Fassbender) has just arrived at a swanky restaurant, where he and The Expert (Tilda Swinton) will share a tense interaction before tragedy unfolds. The screenshot shows the exterior of Hotel Baker’s Waterfront Ballroom (not actually a restaurant). The location overlooks the Fox River and normally functions as a space for small wedding receptions. On Facebook, the suburban Chicago hotel embraced its cinematic role despite being disguised in the film. The Killer filmed in Chicago in February and March 2022 in various locations across the city, including Chicago’s Union Station, as you can see in this screenshot . Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

  • Chicago's World's Fairs and the Movies | Chicago Movie Tours

    Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Feb 24, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Black Movie History in Chicago: Cinematic Milestones and Sacred Grounds / Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462, USA Register Feb 24, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462, USA Explore Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them Mar 02, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST On the Run in Chicago: Behind the Scenes of The Fugitive / Homer Township Public Library District, 14320 W 151st St, Homer Glen, IL 60491, USA Register Mar 02, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Homer Township Public Library District, 14320 W 151st St, Homer Glen, IL 60491, USA Uncover how "The Fugitive" blends TV history, cultural ritual, and Chicago’s architectural stage Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen / Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Register Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Mar 11, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Countdown to the Oscars: Illinois Winners, Scandalous Moments, and Oscar Bait / Helen Plum Library, 411 S Main St, Lombard, IL 60148, USA Register Mar 11, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Helen Plum Library, 411 S Main St, Lombard, IL 60148, USA Celebrate Illinois' Oscar winners, scandalous moments, and "Oscar bait" as you countdown to this year's Academy Awards Apr 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Private: Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Skokie Country Club, 500 Washington Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA Learn more Apr 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Skokie Country Club, 500 Washington Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA Discover Chicago's many connections to the classic children's story "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! Chicago's World's Fairs and the Movies Discover how Chicago helped advance film and create movie stars Learn More View All Talks

  • Comedy in Chicago: The Marx Brothers and Bob Newhart | Chicago Movie Tours

    Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Feb 24, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Black Movie History in Chicago: Cinematic Milestones and Sacred Grounds / Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462, USA Register Feb 24, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462, USA Explore Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them Mar 02, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST On the Run in Chicago: Behind the Scenes of The Fugitive / Homer Township Public Library District, 14320 W 151st St, Homer Glen, IL 60491, USA Register Mar 02, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Homer Township Public Library District, 14320 W 151st St, Homer Glen, IL 60491, USA Uncover how "The Fugitive" blends TV history, cultural ritual, and Chicago’s architectural stage Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen / Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Register Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Mar 11, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Countdown to the Oscars: Illinois Winners, Scandalous Moments, and Oscar Bait / Helen Plum Library, 411 S Main St, Lombard, IL 60148, USA Register Mar 11, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Helen Plum Library, 411 S Main St, Lombard, IL 60148, USA Celebrate Illinois' Oscar winners, scandalous moments, and "Oscar bait" as you countdown to this year's Academy Awards Apr 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Private: Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Skokie Country Club, 500 Washington Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA Learn more Apr 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Skokie Country Club, 500 Washington Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA Discover Chicago's many connections to the classic children's story "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! Comedy in Chicago: The Marx Brothers and Bob Newhart Learn about the Chicago connections of a few giants of American comedy Learn More View All Talks

  • About | Chicago Movie Tours

    Learn about Chicago Movie Tours' backstory: who we are, what we can offer you, and why you should choose Kelli for your next movie tour in Chicago. About Engaging tours and talks led by a PhD that help you discover Chicago through film Why Choose Chicago Movie Tours? Founded in 2019, Chicago Movie Tours is a woman-owned, fully insured small business just outside the city, sharing expert knowledge of classic and contemporary film with locals and visitors alike. Experienced Chicago Movie Tours' founder, Kelli Marshall , spent more than a decade teaching, researching, and publishing in the fields of film and media studies. Now, Kelli takes her expertise and love of teaching beyond the traditional college classroom and into real-world settings like the Art Institute and Union Station . Whether you book or attend a movie talk or sign up for a walking tour , you'll hear well-researched stories and secrets related to Chicago and film, contextualized in history and culture. Specialized Chicago Movie Tours' walking tours and movie talks often explore singular aspects of cinema and TV. Learn about The Wizard of Oz 's links to Chicago , Hollywood genres in The Blues Brothers , and toupees and movie fan magazines . Specializing in this way means you get to experience in-depth and memorable events that encourage you to reconsider the filmmaking process and its relationship to Chicagoland. Wide-Reaching Through Chicago Movie Tours' movie talks , public walking tours , and private or group tours , you will have the opportunity to explore the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. After all, both regions offer unique features and movie and TV histories. Kelli cultivates partnerships and arrangements with popular and offbeat venues related to Chicago and film—to provide you with unique access, early admission, and, when possible, exclusive privileges. Tuned In Since humans spend nearly half their day interacting with media , Chicago Movie Tours believes that studying film, TV, and other media forms is crucial to our understanding of their effects on our lives. Mass media shape virtually everything we learn. Mass media determine what we talk and care about. Mass media study us, so why shouldn’t we study them? Meet Kelli Read about Chicago Movie Tours' owner, public speaker, and tour guide. Learn More

  • Dirty Dancing on Abortion | Talks and Programs | Chicago Movie Tours

    Revisit the abortion plot in Dirty Dancing, without which the entire movie falls apart Dirty Dancing on Abortion Revisit the abortion plot in Dirty Dancing, without which the entire movie falls apart All Talks About Dirty Dancing , the 1987 coming-of-age movie starring Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze, has resurfaced in the news in 2022 for three reasons: Grey is promoting her memoir Out of the Corner . This summer marks the film’s 35th anniversary . The Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade , the 1973 Court decision that affirmed the constitutional right to abortion. In light of these recent events—along with Millennium Park's summer film series (Aug. 2) and a live concert in Rosemont, IL (Nov. 11)—join Chicago Movie Tours in an exploration of Dirty Dancing as it relates to the issue of abortion. We’ll pay special attention to the movie’s representation of abortion, without which the whole story would collapse. Also, in the livestream, we’ll consider Dirty Dancing ’s premiere, its screenwriter’s intents, and its progressive messages for audiences in 1987—and today. Choose your date below to join the conversation! Registration closes 70 min. before the event is scheduled to begin. Request Talk

  • How Do Movies Link All Those Images? | Talks and Programs | Chicago Movie Tours

    Learn the basics of movie editing How Do Movies Link All Those Images? Learn the basics of movie editing All Talks About If you hold up a piece of film stock, you'll notice a series of images, one slightly different from the next. So how do those hundreds or thousands of separate images that comprise a movie ultimately make sense and then, hopefully, affect us emotionally as we watch? Learn the answer in this hour-long program on editing, where you'll be introduced to the basics of editing, including the shot, shot transitions, types of relationships between shots, and two common editing styles. Request Talk

  • When Harry Met Sally | Movies Filmed in Chicago | One-Shot Wednesdays

    Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. When Harry Met Sally When Harry Met Sally is a romantic comedy that explores the evolving relationship between Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) over several years. Ultimately, the movie raises the question "Can men and women ever just be friends?” This extreme-long shot falls at the end of When Harry Met Sally . After the Harry and Sally profess their love to one another, the camera cranes back and up to a high angle to reveal the couple's position within a crowded New Years' Eve party. While this scene—and indeed, the majority of the movie—were not filmed in Chicago, the opening scenes were shot on the University of Chicago campus and Lake Shore Drive. For more on the film's few (but memorable) Chicago-based scenes, be sure to catch our virtual tour on food and Chicago in When Harry Met Sally . Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

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