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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. The Untouchables (1987) This establishing shot from the 1987 gangster movie The Untouchables showcases several historic Chicago buildings. For example, the Chicago Board of Trade Building , that Art Deco skyscraper with a clock in the center, is in the background. The Rookery Building , serving as the movie’s police headquarters, is at left with the Chicago Flag hanging from it. At this point in the narrative, Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) has just formed his team of “untouchables” to bring down Al Capone in Prohibition-era Chicago. If you squint, in the middle ground, you can see three of the "untouchables" crossing the recently rain-soaked street. But let’s return to the Chicago flag for a moment and discuss what it represents . On the Chicago flag, the two sky blue stripes represent Lake Michigan and the branches of the Chicago River. The three white stripes represent the N, W, and S sides of the city. The four red stars in the middle represent major events in Chicago’s history: establishment of Fort Dearborn , where Chicago now sits Great Chicago Fire of 1871 World’s Fair of 1893 World’s Fair of 1933 Since The Untouchables is set in 1930, the Chicago flags captured onscreen should only have 2 stars like this one . Next time you watch the movie, keep your eye out and see if you notice any inconsistencies with the Chicago flag! 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. While You Were Sleeping (1995) This close-up shot of an engagement ring falls at the end of While You Were Sleeping , a 1995 romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, and Peter Gallagher. The movie follows a lonely Chicago transit worker named Lucy (Bullock) who pretends to be the fiancée of a comatose man (Gallagher), only to find herself entangled in a web of misunderstandings with his family and brother, Jack (Pullman). (It's a cute movie, and it helped catapult Bullock into movie stardom.) In lieu of a subway token, Jack has just dropped an engagement ring into Lucy’s token booth. The point-of-view (POV) shot is from Lucy’s perspective, which is why it’s filmed at a high angle (she’s looking down at the ring). As you can see from the sign in the background , the scene was filmed at Chicago's Randolph/Wabash ‘L’ station. Unfortunately, for While You Were Sleeping fans, the station is no longer there. Shortly after Randolph/Wabash closed in 2017, its replacement, Washington/Wabash, opened. You'll recognize the new station when you come across its canopies echoing the waves of nearby Lake Michigan . 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. Hoodlum Hoodlum is a 1997 gangster film starring Laurence Fishburne, Cicely Tyson, Tim Roth, and Andy Garcia. It chronicles the rise of an African American mob boss (Fishburne) during the Prohibition era, as he clashes with rival Italian-American gangs for control of the illegal numbers racket. Hoodlum takes place in 1930s Harlem. But it was shot extensively in Chicago—in part, because it wanted to take advantage of the city's late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. In this #OneShotWed, an Italian gangster (Mike Starr) positions himself outside an elevator in the Brewster Building (c. 1896) to surprise and then rough-up one of his Black rivals. Venture inside the Brewster Building in this story from ABC7 Chicago. The 1988 horror movie Child's Play was also filmed in this unique residential building . 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

Explore settings, props, actors, costumes, makeup, and lighting How Are Movie Worlds Created? Explore settings, props, actors, costumes, makeup, and lighting All Talks About To tell you a story, a movie relies on settings, props, actors, blocking, costumes, makeup, and lighting—all of which exist independently of cinematography, editing, and sound design. If you've ever wanted to learn how these items, collectively called mise-en-scene (pronounced meez-on-sen), contribute to a film's world and your perception of characters or particular moods, then join us! This hour-long program will also briefly trace mise-en-scene in film from 1900 to the present. Request Talk

Visit one of Hollywood's best song-and-dance man with a tour to his homes Inside Gene Kelly's House Visit one of Hollywood's best song-and-dance man with a tour to his homes All Talks About Celebrate one of classic Hollywood's greatest song-and-dance men with a tour to his Beverly Hills home(s). In the process, you'll: Discover Chicago connections See rare excerpts from vintage movie fan magazines Learn how the activities taking place inside Kelly's house helped reshape the movie musical. This hour-long talk will also consider Kelly's connections to Pittsburgh's Jewish community. Request Talk

Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. ! Widget Didn’t Load Check your internet and refresh this page. If that doesn’t work, contact us. Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! Festivus 101: A Celebration for the Rest of Us Become an expert on Festivus and its place in pop culture, Chicago's included Learn More View All Talks

Delve into the backstories, productions, and locations of Chicago-based horror films "The Fury" and "Child's Play" Horror Movies in Chicago: Child's Play and The Fury Delve into the backstories, productions, and locations of Chicago-based horror films "The Fury" and "Child's Play" All Talks About Dive into the eerie world of Horror Movies in Chicago with a special focus on two iconic films: The Fury (1978) and Child's Play (1988). You'll also take a brief look at other Chicago-based horror flicks like Flatliners (1990), Candyman (1992, 2021), and Contagion (2011) to complete your spooky journey. The Fury (1978), directed by Brian De Palma, is a supernatural thriller about a secret government agency experimenting on individuals with psychic abilities. In the first half of this program, you'll explore The Fury 's chilling plot, production history, themes, characters, and representations of Chicago, with a special focus on a memorable sequence set in the indoor amusement park Old Chicago . In Child's Play (1988), a single mother unknowingly buys a doll for her son that’s possessed by the soul of a serial killer. When the doll, Chucky, comes to life, chaos unfolds right here in Chicago! In the second half of this program, you'll delve into Child's Play 's fascinating backstory, the real-life events that inspired it, and the twisted creativity of screenwriter Don Mancini. You'll also discover the production hurdles faced in bringing Chucky to life and (virtually) visit the historic Brewster Building, a key filming location that helped set the stage for this creepy tale. Join us for a fun exploration of these two horror classics, and discover how Chicago's unique locations play a starring role! Request Talk

Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film 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 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Behind the Scenes: 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 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 Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! The Breakfast Club and Chicago Through location and music, discover how 'The Breakfast Club' defines a generation of moviegoers. Learn More View All Talks

On a 90-minute guided movie walking tour, uncover Hollywood's dark past in Chicago through The Wizard of Oz, cocaine movies, and gangsters The Wizard of Oz in Chicago On a 90-minute guided movie walking tour, uncover Hollywood's dark past in Chicago through The Wizard of Oz, cocaine movies, and gangsters Read Reviews Book Public Tour Book Private Tour About 1.5 hrs 1.25 mi. 8 guests $39.99 On a 90-minute guided movie walking tour, uncover Hollywood's dark past in Chicago through The Wizard of Oz, cocaine movies, and gangsters Meet up in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood for The Wizard of Oz in Chicago , a 90-minute guided outdoor walking tour on the darker side of the silver screen! A park inspired by The Wizard of Oz , homes designed by Chicago's leading architect, and a theater built for moving pictures seem friendly enough. But a closer look at these three Chicago locations leads you down a destructive path closely tied to Hollywood. You'll start the tour in a neighborhood park devoted to The Wizard of Oz . Here, you'll learn about Chicago's connections to the beloved children's story. But also, brace yourself for untold, darker tales behind the iconic 1939 movie that may leave you shocked. Your adventure with The Wizard of Oz in Chicago continues as you stroll down a tree-lined street, surrounded by houses with a rich history that whisper secrets of Hollywood's scandalous silent era. As you explore these architectural gems, your expert Ph.D. tour guide , will disclose mind-boggling connections to "cocaine comedies." From there, you'll follow a narrow brick road. It's not yellow, alas. But look carefully as you walk, and you'll find written remnants of Chicago's past. On the final stretch, your tour takes a thrilling turn into the heart of Chicago's notorious gangster history, seamlessly interwoven with the glamour of Hollywood's golden era. Along your The Wizard of Oz in Chicago journey, film clips, screenshots, newspaper clippings, and vintage movie magazines will transport you back in time, offering glimpses into the scandalous happenings of yesteryear. Don't miss your chance to be part of this adventure in Chicago. Book your spot! Movies/TV Highlighted Public Enemies (2009) High Fidelity (2000) The Wizard of Oz (1939) Get Out and Get Under (1920) The Mystery of the Leaping Fish (1916) For His Son (1912) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1910) Public Tour Dates 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. Book Private $399 Tour Specifics Start/End Points The tour starts at Oz Park, 2021 N Burling St. next to the Tin Man sculpture (W. Webster/N. Larrabee). The tour ends at 2433 N Lincoln Ave. 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 If available, free parking spots run along the residential streets near Oz Park. Public transit : take the Brown Line or Purple Line to Armitage, or take the Brown, Purple, or Red Line to Fullerton. Our starting point is a 0.4 mile-walk from the Armitage 'L' station and a 0.5-mile walk from the Fullerton 'L' station. Accessibility All of our stops on the walking tour have sidewalks and crosswalks. We will travel down an original brick-paved road. What to Bring Please wear weather-appropriate clothing. Tours run rain or shine. Restrooms A Target store with a public restroom is near the start of our tour route. Children While this tour explores the children's story The Wizard of Oz , some content may not be appropriate for guests under age 13. Photography/Video No video or audio recording of the tour, but take as many pictures as you'd like! 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 Guided 90-min. outdoor walking tour in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, including buildings with National Historic and Chicago Landmark status Expert tour guide commentary from a Ph.D. in film Obscure stories about Chicago's ties to The Wizard of Oz and Hollywood's scandalous past Small group to generate engagement and foster a personalized tour Visual and audio media to enhance your experience Plenty of Instagram opportunities Mini (Oz-themed) goodie bags! 💙 Reviews Michelle Wizard of Oz in Chicago average rating is 5 out of 5 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! July 7, 2024 Todd Miller Wizard of Oz in Chicago average rating is 5 out of 5 Best Chicago tour I’ve been on. Don’t miss it!! November 11, 2023 Sarah Wizard of Oz in Chicago average rating is 5 out of 5 So glad I made the decision to attend my first tour with Chicago Movie Tours (Dark Hollywood and The Wizard of Oz in Chicago at Oz Park). The tour was fun and interactive. Kelli did a fantastic job of presenting and leading! She was a joy! Different mediums were used (book, photo, video, examining statues on the tour, & stories) to share history and movie knowledge. I learned a lot of information that I’ve been excited to share with others! Kelli did a wonderful job bringing Chicago and (multiple) movies together on this tour. Looking forward to attending more tours! November 1, 2023 Load More Reviews

Learn about three Chicago movie theaters that survived the 1918 flu pandemic Chicago, Movies, and the 1918 Pandemic Learn about three Chicago movie theaters that survived the 1918 flu pandemic All Talks About Backed by video footage of three silent-era theaters, hear about the 1918 flu pandemic's effect on Chicago movie houses and what the owners did to survive. This talk includes HD video footage of silent-era Chicago movie theaters that survived the pandemic. It also covers a brief history of the Spanish Flu and looks in-depth at how small and large Chicago movie houses were affected financially by this event and how they pulled through. 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. Flags of Our Fathers Flags of Our Fathers is a 2006 war drama directed by Clint Eastwood. It depicts the Battle of Iwo Jima (1945), the flag-raising atop Mount Suribachi, and the event's impact on six American soldiers’ lives. Notably, Flags of Our Fathers is a companion piece to Eastwood's film Letters from Iwo Jima (2006), the latter of which represents the battle from the Japanese perspective and is almost entirely in Japanese. Eastwood filmed the two war movies back to back. Flags of Our Fathers unfolds via flashbacks, this scene included. In this long shot, the war heroes are being honored on location in Chicago’s Union Station . For the scene, the Illinois Railway Museum brought in two vintage trains, and set designers redecorated the station’s Great Hall with WWII banners. In the background of this screenshot, note the massive banner representing the now-iconic photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima . Aside from Union Station, Flags of Our Fathers filmed at Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, the Drake Hotel (seen at the end of this scene), and the Kenilworth and Glencoe train stations. Eastwood shot the movie over 58 days, a little longer than his usual speedy shooting schedule . 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

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