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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 Dark Knight (2008) Standing on a street corner in Chicago, an unidentified man carries a duffle bag over his right shoulder and a clown mask in his left hand. Within seconds, he’s whisked away in an unmarked car, and the game’s afoot. This is the opening of The Dark Knight (2008). In the summer of 2007, The Dark Knight filmed in and around multiple locations in downtown Chicago (or Gotham, if you will), for example: Old Chicago Post Office Navy Pier Chicago Theater Millennium Station Lower Wacker Dr Chicago Board of Trade Building The first 66 days of the shoot took place in Chicago, beginning with the bank-heist sequence, as represented in today’s screenshot. Then, production traveled to the UK for 53 days. Then, it moved back to Chicago. This is an odd schedule for a big-budget movie. So here’s The Dark Knight 's director, Christopher Nolan, explaining the (intentional) traveling: “When we made The Dark Knight we quite specifically moved around. We started in Chicago, went to London, went back to Chicago which is a massive production no-no; you’re never supposed to go back to the same place. But it meant we constantly challenged people to work in a new environment on a daily basis.” Watch the full opening below, which takes place at S. Franklin St. and W. Van Buren St . 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. 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! Mardi Gras and Movies in the Midwest Explore the history of Mardi Gras and its onscreen depictions, including some from Chicago film companies 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. The Fugitive (1993) In The Fugitive , Dr. Richard Kimble (Harrison Ford) escapes from U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) during Chicago's annual St. Patrick's Day parade, allowing him to continue his quest to find his wife’s killer. Today’s screenshot illustrates how The Fugitive ’s director, Andrew Davis, filmed this scene “documentary-style, grabbing what [he] could from the actual parade.” Pictured are parade participants from the Chicago Stockyards Kilty Band , reportedly Chicago's oldest bagpipe band, founded in 1921. More specifically, Davis captured most of the parade chase with hand-held and Steadicam cameras. Then, he edited the shots together to depict Kimble’s slipping away unnoticed. But one of the final shots in this scene—of Kimble escaping into the crowd as Gerard searches —occurs in the same frame. “That moment was without a cut," recalls Davis. "It was fantastic." You can watch the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade scene in full below and read more about it in this 2023 interview . 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. City That Never Sleeps Today's #OneShotWed comes from City That Never Sleeps , a film noir set and filmed (mostly) in Chicago. This shot comes at the start of the film. After holding our gaze to the Wrigley Building for several seconds, the narrator—representing Chicago itself—begins to introduce its citizens. First up is the "mechanical man" below, working in a window. "Once he was an actor; now he's down to this," we learn. Watch the film's opening here , courtesy of Turner Classic Movies. 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. Medium Cool Medium Cool is a unique Chicago movie to say the least. Directed by Chicagoan Haskell Wexler , Medium Cool is notable for blending fictional storytelling and documentary techniques that, astonishingly, climax right in the middle of the riots during Chicago's 1968 Democratic National Convention . As Roger Ebert once put it , “There are fictional characters in real situations...there are real characters in fictional situations.” Principal shooting for Medium Cool began in Chicago on July 29, 1968. When the upheaval started in late August, the cast and crew jumped into the chaos. They tried to blend in with the crowd as much as possible so others would not notice they were filming a movie. In the center of this screenshot, the woman in yellow is actress Verna Bloom. Her fictional character, Eileen, heads to the site of the DNC looking for assistance. Instead, she finds herself in Grant Park and off Michigan Avenue amidst (very real) riots. Note: the men in the background of this screenshot are not actors, but actual law enforcement. There, the character/actress—along with Wexler’s camera and, therefore, you, the viewer—witnesses genuine acts of police brutality. In fact, Wexler says he was tear-gassed by National Guardsmen during the shoot. You can watch most of the protest scenes in the (rather poor quality) montage 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

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. My Next Guest with David Letterman and John Mulaney This screenshot is from My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman , a Netflix series featuring in-depth interviews with various guests, including Barack Obama, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Malala Yousafzai. It premiered on January 12, 2018. In this episode from April 2024, David Letterman heads to Chicago to interview comedian John Mulaney. The conversation covers various aspects of Mulaney's life and career, including his experiences in comedy, his time on Saturday Night Live , and his personal struggles, such as his journey through addiction and recovery. This portion of the 45-minute episode takes place inside a classroom at Mulaney's former Chicago high school, St. Ignatius College Prep (1076 Roosevelt Rd). Through astute questions from current students, we get a look into Mulaney's creative process, his inspirations, and his views on the current state of comedy, including "cancel culture ." Below, watch a clip of Letterman and Mulaney talking in the hallway of St. Ignatius. 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 Bear (1.1) This is the opening shot of the FX television series The Bear . Atop Chicago’s Clark Street Bridge , chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) comes face-to-face with a caged brown bear. Once released from its confines, the bear attacks, and Carmy wakes up in a restaurant kitchen. The 70-second sequence is a dream, a memorable and attention-grabbing dream. The Bear ’s co-showrunner and writer, Joanna Calo, says this sequence was crafted to grab the viewers’ attention so they’d put their phones away. The writers wanted to “trick people into watching more,” she jokes. More seriously, she continues: “But it is a way to let people know you’re going to want to sit down for this and pay attention.” Based on the popular and critical acclaim for The Bear , the intent behind this dream sequence worked: people are definitely paying attention. Watch a portion of this scene 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

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

Browse upcoming talks and see where Kelli from Chicago Movie Tours will speak publicly next—online and in person. Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. In-Person Talks Virtual Tours and Talks In-Person Talks 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 . Virtual Tours and Talks Sep 04, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDT Inside Gene Kelly's House: A Virtual Tour / Zoom (Private Event) Learn more Sep 04, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDT Zoom (Private Event) Visit one of Hollywood's best song-and-dance man with a tour to his homes Sep 23, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CDT The Breakfast Club and Chicago / Winnetka-Northfield Library (Zoom) Register Sep 23, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CDT Winnetka-Northfield Library (Zoom) Through location and music, discover how 'The Breakfast Club' defines a generation of moviegoers Sep 29, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDT Chicago Landmarks on Film: Grant Park and the Art Institute / World Virtual Tours Register Sep 29, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDT World Virtual Tours From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see Grant Park and the Art Institute of Chicago through the lens of film Oct 07, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CDT Horror Movies in Chicago: Child's Play and The Fury / Winnetka-Northfield Library (Zoom) Register Oct 07, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CDT Winnetka-Northfield Library (Zoom) Delve into the backstories, productions, and locations of Chicago-based horror films "The Fury" and "Child's Play" Dec 08, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM CST Festivus 101: A Virtual Celebration for the Rest of Us / Zoom (Private Event) Learn more Dec 08, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM CST Zoom (Private Event) Become an expert on Festivus and its place in pop culture Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified .

On a two-hour guided walking tour, explore a former suburban Chicago prison that has been featured in movies and TV series for a century Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison On a two-hour guided walking tour, explore a former suburban Chicago prison that has been featured in movies and TV series for a century Read Reviews Book Public Tour Book Private Tour About 2 hrs 1.25 mi. 25+ guests $49.99 On a two-hour guided walking tour, explore a former suburban Chicago prison that has been featured in movies and TV series for a century Tour resumes Fall 2025 Step into an cinematic expedition like no other. Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison is a riveting 2-hour guided walking tour led by a Ph.D. in film and the knowledgable staff of the Joliet Area Historical Museum . Venture just 30 miles outside Chicago to the historic Old Joliet Prison, where the echoes of Illinois' penitentiary past and Hollywood intertwine. You'll start your 1.25-mile (mostly outdoor) exploration by passing through the barbed-wire gates of this former correctional center. Inside the prison's walls, you'll encounter the raw reality of its sally ports, imposing cellblocks, solemn chapel, once-bustling cafeteria, expansive yard, and haunting solitary confinement cells. Exclusive to Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison , you'll also gain access to areas typically off-limits to the public, offering a rare glimpse into the hidden corners of this historic landmark. As the tour reaches its climax, you'll settle into our makeshift movie theater inside the dimly lit gymnasium, where the story of Hollywood's century-long fascination with Old Joliet Prison unfolds. Delve into tales of cinematic history, from iconic sets to the profound impact of film on Illinois prison reform. This guided tour from Chicago Movie Tours promises to be a memorable exploration of suburban Chicago's rich movie history. So get ready for an unforgettable and educational adventure with Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison ! NOTE: This speciality tour—offered only a few times per year, usually in later summer and early fall—needs at least 20 guests to run. In the event we must cancel because of low ticket sales, we will notify you via email and then refund you in full. Movies/TV Highlighted Ghost Adventures (2019) Empire (2015-20) Public Enemies (2009) Let's Go to Prison (2006) Prison Break (2005-09) The Blues Brothers (1980) White Heat (1949) Public Tour Dates: Coming Spring 2025 Show More Dates Private Tours Book this tour as a private or group tour, provided the property and guides are available! Private tour groups must have at least 20 guests. Please contact us for more . Contact Us Tour Specifics Start/End Points 1125 Collins St, Joliet, IL 60432. Tours meet in the Welcome Center. View aerial map . Low Attendance Policy This special tour needs 20 guests to run. In the event we must cancel because of low ticket sales, we will notify you via email 24 hours in advance and then either transfer your tickets to another tour date or refund you in full, whichever you prefer. Head over to Tour Terms and Conditions for more on this policy. Waivers Guests must initial a digital general waiver of liability with Chicago Movie Tours when they book. Guests must also sign a waiver with Joliet Area Historical Museum when they arrive at the Welcome Center. Guardians must sign waivers for children under the age of 18. Parking/Transportation Plenty of free parking is available. Accessibility This tour is not ADA-approved, but 70% of it is accessible for all guests. What to Bring Please wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Tours run rain or shine. You might also wish to bring sunscreen and a bottle of water. Note: the property has little shade, which can make summer tours rather warm. Restrooms Flushable toilets are available in the Welcome Center. Portable toilets are available throughout the tour. 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 Expert tour guide commentary led by a Ph.D. in film and knowledgeable staff from the Joliet Area Historical Museum Special access to buildings and areas used by Hollywood crews and casts 30-minute interactive movie/program to bring the prison's history and stories to life Plenty of Instagram opportunities Free parking Mini (Blues Brothers-themed) goodie bag! 💙 Reviews Michael Sullivan Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison average rating is 5 out of 5 Excellent tour of the Joliet prison. Tour guides were excellent and knowledgeable. Loved the movie and TV presentation! September 29, 2024 Bon B. Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli is a great tour guide! I enjoyed the Old Joliet Prison tour very much (note: this was NOT the "haunted" prison tour--that is completely different), especially learning about all the movies and TV shows that were filmed here ("Blues Brothers," etc.). September 28, 2024 David Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison average rating is 5 out of 5 On this tour we gain access to areas of the prison not open to the public including the cafeteria, chapel, death row and the west building prison cells. We were accompanied by an experienced prison tour guide who provided historical details and anecdotal information in addition to Kelli’s movie related details. Kelli’s presentation at the end was extremely well researched and added a richness to the tour that made the entire experience educational as well as entertaining! Would recommend highly!! September 2, 2023 Load More Reviews

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 Sting This high-angle shot—of a man who’s been shot right through his fancy tuxedo—falls at the end of The Sting. In this 1973 caper movie, shot partially in Chicago, Paul Newman (pictured here) and Robert Redford play con artists. At the film’s end, the two successfully pull off an elaborate con. They fake their gunshots and wounds. In the process, they deceive their target (Robert Shaw) out of a significant amount of money. Production in Chicago lasted only about a week. Most of The Sting was filmed in studios in Los Angeles. Being con artists, the two characters must constantly watch their backs. During the shoot, that fiction bled over to reality, for Redford at least: he was placed under police protection during production because of threats on his life. The threats originated in LA. But police took no chances in Chicago—in case the threatener followed Redford there (Tampa Times , April 14, 1973). The Sting was nominated for 10 Oscars and won 7: best picture, director, original screenplay, editing, costume design, production design and original score. 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. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off In this medium-long shot from Ferris Bueller's Day Off , the school secretary, Grace (Edie McClurg), pulls multiple pencils out of her hair. With each reach, McClurg acts surprised, as though the No. 2 pencils are growing there like weeds. At the end of the scene, she’s (hilariously) sniffing Liquid Paper at her desk. Director John Hughes recalls McClurg’s “very sprayed hairdo,” which he thought would be fun to stick stuff in during filming. “There was a lot more than pencils in there, by the way,” he tells us in 1992. 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