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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. High Fidelity High Fidelity (2000) filmed in several Chicago locations, including here, outside the Biograph Theater in Lincoln Park. According to an oral history of High Fidelity , this scene was added after a passing conversation between screenwriters. For the full story, browse here for the picture of the Biograph, and then read the paragraph underneath. 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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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. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) Directed, written, and produced by John Hughes, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a road movie with one goal: to get its two characters home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. Steve Martin and John Candy play the incompatible pair. Martin’s Neal Page is an uptight Chicago ad executive, and Candy’s Del Griffith is a garrulous shower curtain ring salesman. The long shot above of a guy smirking behind a NYC taxi cab takes place near the beginning of Planes, Trains and Automobiles . While frantically searching for a cab, Neal encounters “Taxi Racer,” played by Kevin Bacon. The two men sprint through a crowded Manhattan street, seeing who can reach an available cab first. Neal nearly wins, but he trips over Del’s trunk and lands face-first onto the street. “Taxi Racer” claims the cab; before getting in, he offers a sarcastic salute to the fallen Neal. Here, Hughes films from a low angle because it is a point-of-view shot from Neal’s (lowly) perspective. What’s more, this shot—along with the whole scene —foreshadows the frustrating and often submissive position in which Neal will consistently find himself as he crosses paths with Del on their journey home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. If you’re wondering why Kevin Bacon plays such a small role in Planes, Trains and Automobiles (indeed, he’s only onscreen for 1 minute), he explains here . 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

Visit a Chicago mural that spoofs one of American art's most well-known paintings by inserting celebrity likenesses America's Most Famous Diner, Chicago Style Visit a Chicago mural that spoofs one of American art's most well-known paintings by inserting celebrity likenesses All Talks About Since 1942, Edward Hopper's painting Nighthawks has graced the walls of the Art Institute of Chicago . People have travelled across the world to see this depiction of a 24-hour diner with its four subjects, each seemingly lost in thought. In 2018, Nighthawks showed up on a storefront in Chicago's Irving Park neighborhood. Well, sort of. This version—with its nods to Chicago movies and culture—emits, shall we say, a slightly different feel. In this talk with Chicago Movie Tours, dive into Edward Hopper's Nighthawks —along with its history and place in pop culture—Chicago style! Request Talk

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. Southside with You An account of Barack and Michelle Obama's first date, Southside with You was filmed in Chicago in the summer of 2015. Today's #OneShotWed takes place under the Tiffany dome in the Chicago Cultural Center. According to Architectural Digest , for this scene, the characters were supposed to attend an art show at the Art Institute of Chicago. But the cast and crew were unable to film there. So in the end, "the Chicago Cultural Center served as a replacement, and the crew created a show within the space." 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

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. Widows Widows is a 2018 heist movie about four women with nothing in common but a debt left behind by their dead husbands' criminal activities. Today's #OneShotWed reflects the funeral of one of those husbands. The TV show on which Widows is based, also called Widows , is set in London. But British director Steve McQueen wanted to adapt the story to Chicago. In his words: "I wanted a contemporary place, a modern city, and Chicago seemed to be that place. Politics, race, corruption, policing, gender, all those things, it was all there, in Chicago.” Read more about Widows ' Chicago connections . And watch Widows ! 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

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

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. Thief Thief is a 1981 neo-noir directed by Michael Mann starring James Caan in the lead role. The movie follows the story of Frank, a skilled professional safecracker and jewel thief who operates in Chicago. As Frank takes on a high-risk job, he becomes entangled in a web of corruption and betrayal. Below, watch Caan explain how he prepared for Thief 's safecracking scenes—and the satisfaction he received from doing so. 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

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 Untouchables In The Untouchables (1987), actor Billy Drago plays Al Capone’s henchman Frank Nitti. From this bird’s-eye-view angle , Nitti has just met his fate, falling 5 stories onto the first parked car below. Today’s screenshot is also a point-of-view (POV) shot from the perspective of Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner). Looking down after killing Nitti, Ness stands triumphant on the roof of the Chicago Cultural Center (the U.S. District Courthouse in the movie). Based on several interviews, Billy Drago quite enjoyed his time playing Frank Nitti . He talked with members of the Nitti family, studied the mob outfit’s history, and interviewed remaining members of “the real Untouchables” (Omaha World-Herald , 26 Jul 1987). But what really surprised Drago during filming was how down-to-earth the Nittis were. During production, Drago received this message at his Chicago hotel: “the Nitti family will be by to pick you up at 7 o’clock.” Understandably, the actor was concerned. But, as Drago tells it, “they couldn’t have been nicer—and they had all of these legitimate businesses!” Furthermore, the family loved the way he portrayed Nitti in the movie (The Boston Globe , 24 Aug 1990). The Untouchables was nominated for 4 Oscars: best actor in a supporting role, best art/set direction, best costume design, and best music original score. Sean Connery won the award for best supporting actor. 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

On virtual walking tours, discover Chicago and movies through real-time participation, HD video, interactive maps, and other unique media forms. Virtual Tours Discover Chicago and film virtually through participation, HD video, and other media. Nov 20, 2025 8:00 PM Movie Makeup and Toupees in 1920s Chicago Explore makeup from cinema's earliest days to the present, including 1920s Chicago’s famed toupee maker and his Hollywood-inspired creations DETAILS Dec 19, 2025 12:30 AM Festivus 101: A Virtual Celebration for the Rest of Us Become an expert on Festivus and its place in pop culture DETAILS Jan 26, 2026 7:00 PM The First Ferris Wheel in Film Travel back to the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 and experience the first Ferris wheel through film and virtual reality DETAILS Dec 4, 2025 7:00 PM Private: Holiday Chaos: Behind the Scenes of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family DETAILS Dec 23, 2025 12:00 AM While You Were Sleeping in Chicago: A Holiday Stroll Visit the suburban Chicago village where the romantic comedy "While You Were Sleeping” was filmed DETAILS Feb 4, 2026 12:30 AM Mardi Gras and Movies in the Midwest Explore the history of Mardi Gras and its onscreen depictions, including some from Chicago film companies DETAILS Dec 8, 2025 11:00 PM Private: Festivus 101: A Virtual Celebration for the Rest of Us Become an expert on Festivus and its place in pop culture DETAILS Dec 29, 2025 7:00 PM While You Were Sleeping in Chicago: A Holiday Stroll Visit the suburban Chicago village where the romantic comedy "While You Were Sleeping” was filmed DETAILS Apr 16, 2026 12:00 AM From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film DETAILS Watch a Virtual Tour What's Included Chicago Movie Tours' virtual tours and events incorporate the following, when applicable, to bring the subject matter to life: HD video High-quality photos Expertly designed animated slideshows Clips and screengrabs Maps (to orient you as you "travel" with us) Vintage newspaper articles and ads Classic movie fan magazine excerpts Well-researched commentary Additionally, we always include opportunities for audience contribution.

Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Discover Chicago's connections to 'The Wizard of Oz' Dec 06, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST Private: Chicago, Christmas Movies, and Class / Location is TBD Learn more Dec 06, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST Location is TBD Learn about class stereotypes in three Chicago-based Christmas movies Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Holiday Chaos: Behind the Scenes of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" / Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Register Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family 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 Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! Beyond the Blues Brothers Celebrate the 1980 Chicago-based movie in all its iterations Learn More View All Talks

Get introduced to cinematography to experience movies on a new level How Do Movies Guide Your Eyes? Get introduced to cinematography to experience movies on a new level All Talks About When you watch a movie, the images before you may seem like objective views of the world. But they are not. In fact, those images are purposefully constructed and then put onscreen—to guide your eyes where the director wants them to go. Sneaky, right? This hour-long program introduces you to the basics of cinematography, including speed of motion, perspective relationships, focal length, depth of field, and framing. After all, once you recognize how cinematography works, you can experience and understand movies on a new level. Request Talk