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Celebrate Illinois' Oscar winners, scandalous moments, and "Oscar bait" as you countdown to this year's Academy Awards Countdown to the Oscars: Illinois Winners, Scandalous Moments, and Oscar Bait Celebrate Illinois' Oscar winners, scandalous moments, and "Oscar bait" as you countdown to this year's Academy Awards All Talks About This program aims to prepare you for Hollywood's biggest night—the Oscars! In our hour-long talk, we'll shine the spotlight on Illinois' rich history of Academy Award success, celebrating winners from Chicago and beyond. We'll also dish on some of the most unforgettable and scandalous moments in Oscar history that had everyone talking. Plus, you'll learn all about the term Oscar bait —what it is, why it (sometimes) works, and how it shapes the race for the gold. Grab your popcorn, settle in, and join us for an entertaining and insightful countdown to the Oscars! 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. Man of Steel In this scene from Man of Steel (2013), Superman (Henry Cavill) battles his enemy, General Zod (Michael Shannon), to the death. The lengthy fight scene, part of which you can watch below, ends inside Chicago's Union Station . At right, a family is trapped in the fire beams emanating from Zod's deadly eyes. During an interview with Chicago's WGN, actor Michael Shannon—who plays General Zod and went to high school in Chicago's north suburbs—recalls filming this scene in Union Station : ”I’ve been to Union Station a lot, mostly when I'm taking the train somewhere. [For Man of Steel ] we were in the same room where they shot that amazing sequence in The Untouchables . I would look over at the staircase and see the baby carriage coming down the stairs." I'm not sure which is more terrifying: seeing "the ghost" of The Untouchables ' baby carriage or Zod's fiery eyes take down a marble wall inside Chicago's historic Union Station. 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! Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and the Trappings of Home Visit (virtually) the 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles' house in suburban Chicago, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and explore the movie's complex theme of home Learn More View All Talks

Looking for fun things to do in Chicago? Contact Chicago Movie Tours and let Kelli help you discover the Windy City through film! Contact Ready to discover Chicago through film? Or have another question? Reach out below. First* Last Email* Reason for contact* Share the details* Opt in to receive news about future tours and talks. Submit

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 Weather Man The Weather Man is a 2005 American comedy-drama film directed by Gore Verbinski and starring Nicolas Cage. The film follows the story of David Spritz (Cage), a local television weatherman in Chicago who is going through a mid-life crisis. In the film, people throw food—like McDonald's pies!—at David to ridicule him and illustrate their dissatisfaction with his job as a weatherman. Perhaps the food-throwing also symbolizes the public's own discontent with life in general? 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! Art of Ferris Bueller Art of Ferris Bueller is not currently available for booking. Learn More View All Talks

Consider what three Chicago-based Christmas movies say about social class Chicago, Christmas Movies, and Class Consider what three Chicago-based Christmas movies say about social class All Talks About National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), Home Alone (1990), and While You Were Sleeping (1995) sit amongst the most beloved American Christmas movies. Set in Chicago at Christmastime, these three mainstream Hollywood comedies have entertained audiences for decades. But have you ever thought about why? Which characters make you laugh or cry? And what does their social class—lower, middle, or upper—have to do with your reaction? Let’s find out in this hour-long talk on class stereotypes in Chicago-based Christmas movies! 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. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) In National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation , Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) plans the perfect family Christmas, only to have it unravel through a series of comical disasters—from a faulty Christmas light display to unexpected visits from eccentric relatives. In this long shot, Clark stands with his wife, Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo), after several failed attempts to light his suburban Chicago house for Christmas. Note the decorative reindeer in the bottom right and copious light strands crisscrossing the entire house. Ultimately, Ellen figures out the electrical problem, and the house will be, shall we say, well lit within the neighborhood. Take a closer look at the Griswold house for a moment. The two-story yellow house is actually a facade, formerly located inside the Warner Bros. Ranch in Burbank, CA. Yes, although National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is set in Chicago, it was filmed primarily in Los Angeles. You may have also seen this house in American Beauty (1999), Hocus Pocus (1993), or the medical drama ER (1994-2009), also Chicago-based. Sadly, in 2023, the Warner Bros. Ranch—along with all the movie and TV “homes” within it—was demolished to make room for office buildings. 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

Discover Chicago's many connections to the classic children's story "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" Chicago and The Wizard of Oz Discover Chicago's many connections to the classic children's story "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" All Talks About Although set in Kansas, The Wizard of Oz has multiple Chicago connections. In this hour-long, interactive movie talk with Kelli , you'll experience those links through expert commentary, vintage media, and HD video footage of locations tied to this classic tale. First, you'll wander through a Chicago-area park that pays tribute to the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Dorothy, and Toto. Then, you’ll follow Chicago's yellow brick road to the spot where author L. Frank Baum penned his children's book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz . Finally, you'll hear how Oz entered America's consciousness through stage and screen performances that began in Chicago. Join Chicago Movie Tours for this talk, and discover the city's many connections to The Wizard of Oz ! 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. 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

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and disclose your info when you visit our website. Privacy Policy This privacy notice for Chicago Movie Tours & Talks LLC (doing business as Chicago Movie Tours) ("Chicago Movie Tours," "we," "us," or "our"), describes how and why we might collect, store, use, and/or share ("process") your information when you use our services ("Services"), such as when you: Visit our website at http://www.chicagomovietours.com , or any website of ours that links to this privacy notice Engage with us in other related ways, including any sales, marketing, or events Questions or concerns? Reading this privacy notice, along with our Site Terms of Use , will help you understand your privacy rights and choices. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services. If you still have any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@chicagomovietours.com . Last updated: Dec. 9, 2024 Read Privacy Policy

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. Miracle on 34th Street Miracle on 34th Street (1994) is a Christmas movie co-written by John Hughes. It is about a young girl who, with the help of a man claiming to be Santa Claus, restores belief in the magic of Christmas for a skeptical lawyer and others in New York City. Today's #OneShotWed shows the exterior of Chicago's James R. Thompson Center, purchased by Google in 2023. In the movie, the building functions as Shoppers' Express, a toy store. While John Hughes did not direct Miracle on 34th Street , he was influential on the look and lighting, American Cinematographer reports: "Hughes wanted to be able to turn the color off of his TV and have the film look like the original — have it look like a 1940s black-and-white movie.” Have you watched this version in black and white? 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