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Visit three Chicago locations from "While You Were Sleeping," and consider the importance of Saul, the Jewish elder guiding this Christmas rom-com Christmas in Chicago: Location and Legacy in While You Were Sleeping Visit three Chicago locations from "While You Were Sleeping," and consider the importance of Saul, the Jewish elder guiding this Christmas rom-com All Talks About Book for Nov. 2026 and after— download 2026 calendar . Round out your holiday season with a virtual walking tour through the Chicago area locations where the 1995 Christmas movie While You Were Sleeping was filmed. Join Kelli as she guides you through three sites from the film, from the quiet village streets of La Grange, IL, to the city's busy public transit stations. Along the way, we’ll not only revisit the places that set the stage for Lucy and Jack’s romance, but we'll also explore an often overlooked element of the movie: the character of Saul, the Jewish elder who gently guides the story’s moral compass and shapes the romantic comedy. Whether you’re a fan of Sandra Bullock, Peter Gallagher’s eyebrows, or simply looking for a festive way to experience Chicago onscreen, this talk is a fun way to celebrate the season. 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. 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

Celebrate the 1980 Chicago-based movie in all its iterations Beyond the Blues Brothers Celebrate the 1980 Chicago-based movie in all its iterations All Talks About Beyond the Blues Brothers celebrates the 1980 Chicago classic The Blues Brothers , by taking a deep—and entertaining—dive into its wild mix of movie genres. This interactive talk focuses primarily on how The Blues Brothers mashes together multiple Hollywood traditions—from the musical and the comedy to the action film and beyond—and why that genre chaos is perhaps central to the movie’s enduring appeal (and controversy). Along the way, we’ll explore the film’s origins in the Blues Brothers’ "Saturday Night Live" act, share behind-the-scenes production stories, and consider the movie’s lasting impact on Chicago-based filmmaking, including a special nod to Mayor Jane Byrne’s role in bringing the production to the city. Request Talk

Visit the suburban Chicago village where the romantic comedy "While You Were Sleeping” was filmed While You Were Sleeping in Chicago: A Holiday Stroll Visit the suburban Chicago village where the romantic comedy "While You Were Sleeping” was filmed All Talks About Book the new, updated version of this Christmas talk: Location and Legacy in While You Were Sleeping ! Round out your holiday season with a virtual walking tour through the Chicago suburb where the 1995 Christmas movie While You Were Sleeping was filmed. As you stroll with Kelli through the charming village streets of La Grange, IL, you’ll see the locations that set the stage for Lucy and Jack’s romance. Along the way, you’ll also experience three of Frank Lloyd Wright’s rare “bootleg” houses, blending a bit of architectural history with our holiday cheer. Whether you’re a fan of Sandra Bullock, Peter Gallagher's eyebrows, or just seeking a fun and festive way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, this virtual walking tour is a fun way to celebrate the season. 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. Fargo Oh no, we've momentarily lost the trivia for this one. Check back, and we'll have it up soon! 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. Airplane! Airplane! is a 1980 film comedy that parodies popular 1970s disaster movies like Airport (1970), The Poseidon Adventure (1972), Earthquake (1974) and The Towering Inferno (1974). More specifically, Airplane! borrows its story, characters, and some lines of dialogue from an earlier disaster drama, Zero Hour! (1957). In today’s screenshot, a member of ground control accidentally sends a plane crashing through the airport terminal’s window. As the plane breaks through, people scatter right and left. One woman even throws her baby in the air before she runs (look for the pink blanket near the airplane's nose). For all the hijinks, watch the short clip below. While Airplane! was not shot in Chicago, the flight in the story is headed here (from Los Angeles). And Chicago is mentioned nearly 40 times in the screenplay. One of the silliest Chicago references in the film comes in this short insert . As a radio DJ says, “This is WZAZ in Chicago, where disco lives forever,” the airplane flies over WZAZ's tower, destroys its antenna, and kills the signal. Hardcore Airplane! (or Chicago movie) fans can even buy a WZAZ Chicago t-shirt . 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 This screenshot of a Christmasy Chicago "L" station is from the 1995 romantic comedy While You Were Sleeping . The movie follows a lonely Chicago transit worker named Lucy (Sandra Bullock) who pretends to be the fiancée of a comatose man (Peter Gallagher), only to find herself entangled in a web of misunderstandings with him and his family. (It's a cute movie, and it helped catapult Bullock into movie stardom!) Today's #OneShotWed is an establishing shot. It shows us where Lucy works as a token collector and jumps onto the tracks to save the life of Gallagher's character. The scene was filmed at Chicago's Randolph/Wabash “L” station, but it is no longer there. Shortly after Randolph/Wabash closed in 2017, its replacement, Washington/Wabash, opened. You'll recognize the new station when you see its canopies intending to echo 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

Analyze the relationship between sound and image Why Is Movie Sound So Powerful? Analyze the relationship between sound and image All Talks About A dinosaur's roar, a dancer's tap shoes, a lightsaber's hum: each of these sounds conveys meaning in relationship to its accompanying image—respectively, terror, talent, and anticipation. If you're interested in learning how such sounds are made, "sweetened," and then rendered onscreen, then join us for this hour-long discussion on the relationship between sound and image. You'll also explore several sound techniques; three types of sound (voice, music, sound effects); and the power of sound in cinema. 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. The Fugitive Much of The Fugitive (Andrew Davis, 1993) is filmed in and around Chicago. But this scene, the dam jump, was shot in North Carolina at the Cheoah Dam. In this short video, Harrison Ford and the stunt coordinator (I assume?) recount how the scene was conceived and shot. 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. Child's Play Today's #OneShotWed comes from the 1988 horror movie Child's Play . In the movie, a single mother gives her son a doll, Chucky, only to discover it's possessed by the soul of a serial killer. Eek! In this scene, Chucky kills his first victim, Aunt Maggie, whom he throws out an apartment window. Standing in for the apartment is Chicago's Brewster Building, built in 1893 and originally known as Lincoln Park Palace. The interior, with its labyrinthian stairs, is also used in the movie. 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

Uncover the histories of three movie theaters in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood Chicago Movie Houses: Hidden Histories and Lost Glamour Uncover the histories of three movie theaters in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood All Talks About Step behind the curtain and uncover the remarkable—and sometimes shadowy—stories of three movie theaters that once lit up one Chicago neighborhood. In this hour-long talk, you’ll discover: A theater whose unusual ownership and transformations reflect a century of change. A cinema with nine lives, each more surprising than the last. A movie house where glamour mingled with a darker side of show business. Along the way, you’ll explore HD video of these theaters’ exteriors—or what remains of them—and gain a new appreciation for the golden age of moviegoing and secrets left behind. Request Talk

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