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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

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

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

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

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. Home Alone 2 Today's #OneShotWed comes from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), a movie filmed mostly in Chicago while set predominately in Manhattan. In this shot, the film's bandit holds an ad for a massive toy store called Duncan's Toy Chest—clearly one of the first places a kid might venture into while lost in New York. Fun fact: Chicago's Rookery Building serves as the exterior of Duncan's Toy Chest. Check it out in the clip below. 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

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 Murals and Movie Stars Explore the lives of three stars via massive murals in Chicago Learn More View All Talks

Explore Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them Black Movie History in Chicago: Cinematic Milestones and Sacred Grounds Explore Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them All Talks About This hour-long talk is perfect for Black History Month or any time of year you’d like to highlight the vital contributions of African Americans to film history. In the first half of the program, you’ll discover Something Good—Negro Kiss , a silent film capturing what is believed to be the first onscreen kiss by a Black couple. The movie traces its origins to a nineteenth-century Chicago studio, whose remnants you’ll visit virtually through original HD video. Chicago’s cinematic legacy continues beyond the studio lot. You'll also learn about Burr Oak Cemetery and its significance to Black history here in Chicago and beyond. Again, through HD video, you’ll walk the cemetery’s hallowed grounds as you learn about groundbreaking films such as Cooley High (1975) and Boyz n the Hood (1991). This presentation is a meaningful way to celebrate Black filmmakers and stories—whether during Black History Month or throughout the year. Request Talk

Visit Vicksburg, Mississippi, as you learn about its ties to Chicago and movies Chicago and Movies on the Mississippi River Visit Vicksburg, Mississippi, as you learn about its ties to Chicago and movies All Talks About Hit the road with Chicago Movie Tours! Filled with original HD video footage, this unique hour-long talk takes you on location to four spots in historic Vicksburg, Mississippi. Specifically, you will: Explore the Mississippi River and magnolia trees at sunset. See where the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? filmed a prominent scene. Hear about a Chicago-based silent movie filmed inside a Vicksburg military park. Experience markers and a film role dedicated to Chicago blues musician Willie Dixon. Anyone who loves uncovering surprising connections between cities, cinema, and culture will enjoy this talk. Request Talk

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! Black Movie History in Chicago: Cinematic Milestones and Sacred Grounds Explore Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them Learn More View All Talks

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 (2018) Today’s screenshot comes from the 2018 Chicago-based heist thriller, Widows , directed by Steve McQueen and based on a British TV series of the same name. Let’s analyze… This is a medium shot of a politician named Jack Mulligan, played by Colin Farrell. Mulligan has just arrived in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood to meet with his political opponent (who is also a crime boss). The well-dressed Mulligan—with his shiny car, chauffeur in the background, and obvious unease over his surroundings—is somewhat out of his element here. Indeed, in the preceding scene, Mulligan is attending a fancy gala with other city bigwigs, all seated underneath the impressive Tiffany Dome at the Chicago Cultural Center. In the background of this shot, those familiar with Chicago’s historic movie houses will recognize the former Central Park Theater (c. 1917), pictured here in full . Located at 3535 W. Roosevelt Rd., the Central Park Theater is notable for several reasons: It is the first movie palace completed by Balaban and Katz and architectural firm Rapp and Rapp , a partnership that would spawn several landmark movie palaces like the Chicago, Oriental (now Nederlander), Riviera, and Uptown. It was among the first movie theaters in the nation to have air-conditioning. It offered a daycare in the basement. The Central Park Theater has served as a church since 1971. Behind the chauffeur, note the crosses etched into the walls. Start at 02:30 to watch the scene from Widows unfold. 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

Browse Chicago Movie Tours' event calendar for upcoming guided walking tours, movie history talks, and more. Event Calendar Browse the calendar for upcoming walking tours, talks, special events, and more. January 2026 Today Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 11:30 AM The Art of Ferris Bueller +1 more 25 26 1:00 PM The First Ferris Wheel in Film +1 more 27 28 6:00 PM The Oscars and Chicago +1 more 29 30 31 1 11:30 AM The Art of Ferris Bueller +1 more 2 3 6:30 PM Mardi Gras and Movies in the Midwest +1 more 4 5 1:00 PM Chicago and Movies on the Mississippi River +1 more 6 7

Visit 10 locations above and below street level as you discover their ties to movies Beneath the Big Screen: Chicago and Movies Underground Visit 10 locations above and below street level as you discover their ties to movies Read Reviews Book Public Tour Book Private Tour About 2 hrs 1.25 mi. 8 guests $49.99 Visit 10 locations above and below street level as you discover their ties to movies Step into the highlights of Chicago's cinema history with our guided walking tour Beneath the Big Screen: Chicago and Movies Underground . Led by a knowledgeable guide with a PhD in film , this 2-hour journey takes you through—and beneath—the heart of downtown Chicago. Yes, prepare to venture underground while traversing the city's film locations! As you navigate the secret nooks of the Pedway and bustling streets of the city, expect to encounter familiar themes like gangster films and the caped crusader himself. But the true magic of Beneath the Big Screen lies in its exploration of lesser-known film subjects—like the first virtual reality movie and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of department store Santas. On the 1.25-mile route, you'll encounter landmarks like historic City Hall, Chicago Cultural Center, and Millennium Station, where the Dark Knight once roamed with his Batpod. You'll also make stops below Daley Plaza and other notable sites, each with its own fascinating ties to Chicago's longstanding film scene. Finally, as with all of our guided movie tours, your experience will be enhanced with a variety of media: videos, photographs, screenshots, soundbites, maps, and/or vintage movie fan magazines. Whether you're a seasoned film buff or just looking for a new way to explore the city, Beneath the Big Screen: Chicago and Movies Underground promises to inform, entertain, and leave you with a newfound appreciation for Chicago's cinematic legacy. Don't miss your chance to go underground and behind the scenes of Chicago's film world. Book your tickets now! NOTE: There is a passing reference to suicide as we discuss Bill Murray's early career here in Chicago. Movies/TV Highlighted Southside with You (2016) The Dark Knight (2008) The Lake House (2006) Barbershop 2 (2004) What Women Want (2000) The Fugitive (1992) Child's Play (1988) The Untouchables (1987) The Blues Brothers (1980) Medium Cool (1968) Tarzan and His Mate (1934) Stars: Bill Murray, Oprah Winfrey, Dorothy Lamour, Rock Hudson 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. NOTE: Chicago's City Hall is closed on weekends, so if you book this tour on a weekend, we will amend the route slightly. Book Private $499 Tour Specifics Start/End Points Depending on the season, this tour starts either at the Palmer House Hilton or outside Walgreens on State St. The tour ends at Daley Plaza, 50 W Washington St. Check your confirmation email for your exact meeting location . 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 : Nearby Millennium Garages are located at Grant Park North Garage (25 N. Michigan Ave), Grant Park South Garage (325 S. Michigan Ave) and Millennium Park Garage & Millennium Lakeside Garage (5 S. Columbus Dr). Public Transit 'L': Red Line train to Monroe or Purple/Brown Line to Washington/Wabash. Accessibility Guests will need to climb up/down 2-5 sets of stairs. Escalators and elevators are available in some locations. What to Bring Please wear weather-appropriate clothing. Tours run rain, snow, or shine. Restrooms Public restrooms are available at several stops on this tour route. Children Guests ages 10 and up can attend. 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 2-hour journey through Chicago's Loop, including underground and historic locations Expert tour guide commentary, including little-known stories from Hollywood's and Chicago's pasts Guided access inside locations where movies and TV series have filmed Small group to generate engagement and foster a personalized tour Visual and audio media to enhance your experience Plenty of Instagram opportunities Mini goodie bags! 💙 Reviews Yoel Chicago and Movies Underground average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli is amazing!! By far the best tour guide in Chicago. She is super friendly, incredibly smart, and shows you Chicago on another epic level. Her tour is so educational and fun. Book her now!!! August 7, 2025 Marie Chicago and Movies Underground average rating is 5 out of 5 Wow, Kelli is the best! Look no further if you’re searching for the best tour guide in Chicago! We learned a ton and had an amazing time. Thank you so much, Kelli! December 28, 2024 Charles and Judy Chicago and Movies Underground average rating is 5 out of 5 What a fantastic tour of Beneath the Big Screen that my husband and I enjoyed on July 26. We knew some movies were made in Chicago, but not as many that Kelli introduced to our group. Kelli was very detailed as she explained how movies were made — from lighting to how and why various scenes and characters were photographed. Kelli was not only extremely knowledgeable, but also very engaging with our group. We highly recommend this tour. You will not be disappointed! August 2, 2024 Load More Reviews