Explore Chicago’s amusement park history through rare home movies, archival research, and the troubling history behind one of these parks’ most popular attractions Roller Coasters, Racism, and Chicago Home Movies Explore Chicago’s amusement park history through rare home movies, archival research, and the troubling history behind one of these parks’ most popular attractions All Talks About The popularity of the Midway Plaisance at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair helped inspire the growth of the modern American amusement park. In the decades that followed, amusement parks began appearing across the country—with many opening in and around Chicago . This program examines the history of select Chicago-area amusement parks through the lens of home movies, offering a glimpse into how families experienced these popular destinations. It also explores the racism embedded in a once-common amusement park game enjoyed by both adults and children. Finally, using HD video footage, the program takes audiences to the present-day location of the sign that once welcomed families to Kiddieland, the beloved amusement park that operated in Melrose Park, Illinois. Note: This program includes historical material that references offensive racial epithets in their original context. Request Talk

Visit a mill from the credits of "Gone with the Wind," and uncover how Black Chicagoans and "The Chicago Defender" reacted to the 1939 movie Gone with the Wind in Chicago: Place, Protest, and the Black Press Visit a mill from the credits of "Gone with the Wind," and uncover how Black Chicagoans and "The Chicago Defender" reacted to the 1939 movie All Talks About This 60-minute talk explores Gone with the Wind not as a Hollywood epic, but as a cultural flashpoint—tracing its contested legacy through place, protest, and the powerful voice of Chicago’s Black press. Through HD video, we go on location to Little Rock, Arkansas, to visit a grist mill briefly shown in the opening credits of Gone with the Wind . We then turn to The Chicago Defender , the Chicago-based African American newspaper founded in 1905. Drawing on contemporary articles, photographs, and interviews from the Defender , we return to Chicago in 1939 to examine how Gone with the Wind was received—by the general public and by protestors alike. The program concludes with the film’s recent reappraisal, including its (temporary) removal from media outlets such as HBO. PLEASE NOTE : This talk does not address Gone with the Wind 's production history, stars, plotlines, characters, or fandom. The focus is on the movie's credit sequence, public response, and media coverage. Request Talk

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 significant ties to Chicago. In this talk, Kelli guides audiences beyond the Emerald City and into real-world locations where Oz took shape. Through HD video footage, historic photographs, and expert commentary, participants: “Travel” to a Chicago-area park honoring Oz characters Stand outside the site where L. Frank Baum wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Explore theatrical spaces where Oz first captured American audiences Designed for curious adult learners, this interactive hour blends literary, stage, and film history with public art and architecture. Attendees leave with a deeper understanding of how a Midwestern city helped launch one of the most enduring stories in American popular culture, and why Oz’s journey from page to stage to screen still matters today. Request Talk

Dive into film noir—dark plots, dim lights, and dangerous cities, including Chicago Film Noir: Hollywood's Darkest Timeline Dive into film noir—dark plots, dim lights, and dangerous cities, including Chicago All Talks About Skip the monsters and ghosts—Hollywood’s real dark side is film noir. Translated as “black cinema,” film noir brims with gritty plots, seedy characters, and shadowy cities—including Chicago. In this hour-long talk, Dr. Kelli Marshall guides you through noir's French origins, cultural influences, aesthetics, and recurring character types. Along the way, you’ll revisit classics like Double Indemnity and Murder, My Sweet and discover lesser-known gems such as Undertow —all part of America’s darkest, most psychologically unsettling era of filmmaking. Request Talk

Explore the lives of three stars via massive murals in Chicago  Chicago Murals and Movie Stars Explore the lives of three stars via massive murals in Chicago All Talks About With the help of original HD video, this talk takes guests to massive murals in three different Chicago neighborhoods. The first mural is devoted to Dolly Parton : singer, songwriter, actress, LGBTQ+ icon, and philanthropist. While there, we'll chat briefly about Parton's 1992 romantic comedy Straight Talk , filmed here in Chicago. The second mural celebrates Robin Williams , born in Chicago in 1951. Once we "arrive," we'll take a moment to analyze the artwork in terms of size, color, and subject before heading to the actor-comedian's childhood home. The third mural depicts film producer Quincy Jones , who survived a "rough and scary" childhood in Chicago. We'll also visit Jones' childhood home in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood. NOTE: Due to the violent nature of Jones' backstory, this segment of the program may not be appropriate for children. Request Talk

Visit three Chicago locations in The Untouchables, focusing on the movie’s baby carriage sequence in Union Station and later films it inspired Behind the Baby Carriage: Chicago and The Untouchables Visit three Chicago locations in The Untouchables, focusing on the movie’s baby carriage sequence in Union Station and later films it inspired All Talks About Book for Aug. 2026 and after— download 2026 calendar . When people think of movies that showcase Chicago, The Untouchables (1987) often tops the list. But does Brian De Palma’s gangster film truly give the city a starring role—or does Chicago merely serve as a dramatic backdrop? We’ll explore that question through a tour of three key Chicago filming locations featured in The Untouchables : the Chicago Board of Trade, the Rookery Building (including Frank Lloyd Wright’s celebrated redesign), and Union Station. Using original HD footage, we’ll see how Chicago’s architecture, scale, and history help shape the film’s visual power and sense of place. In the second half of the program, we’ll focus on The Untouchables ' most iconic moment: the Union Station staircase shootout. As a baby carriage careens down the steps amid gunfire, De Palma creates one of the most unforgettable set pieces in American cinema. We’ll unpack the scene’s behind-the-scenes construction, trace its roots to silent-era filmmaking, and examine how later directors have borrowed the baby carriage motif for dramatic effect. By the end of our hour together, you’ll see how The Untouchables not only cements Chicago’s place in film history, but turns the city—especially Union Station—into an indelible cinematic character. Request Talk

From “Harry and Tonto” to “The West Wing,” see how two of Chicago's western suburbs have played leading roles onscreen Chicago Suburbs Onscreen: Forest Park and Oak Brook From “Harry and Tonto” to “The West Wing,” see how two of Chicago's western suburbs have played leading roles onscreen All Talks About Step beyond Chicago’s city limits and explore how its western suburbs have quietly starred in film and television. In Forest Park, the historic Altenheim—once a home for elderly German immigrants—was transformed for the movies Harry and Tonto (1974), The Package (1989), and The Babe (1992). See how one location became three very different cinematic worlds. Then, travel to nearby Oak Brook, where The West Wing (1999–2006) filmed a dramatic episode far from Washington, D.C. As we trace the cast and crew’s filming path with HD video, discover local landmarks tied to a former mobster hangout and the Underground Railroad. Led by Kelli Marshall , a PhD and former film professor, this hour-long talk reveals surprising ways Chicago's western suburbs appear onscreen. Request Talk

Explore Contagion’s Chicago locations, film history, and eerie parallels to real-world pandemics The Making of Contagion: Chicago as Pandemic Stage Explore Contagion’s Chicago locations, film history, and eerie parallels to real-world pandemics All Talks About Step into the chilling world of Contagion (2011) and discover why Chicago proved the perfect backdrop for this pandemic thriller. In this immersive talk, you'll explore four Chicago-area filming locations through exclusive HD video footage, and experience 3D views of additional sites via Google Maps. Along the way, you’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories about the movie’s Chicago-based production and learn striking ways the real-world COVID-19 pandemic mirrored the making of this haunting film. The hour-long talk also examines Contagion as a narrative and horror movie, highlighting how director Steven Soderbergh uses the city’s landscapes, freezing temperatures, and viral imagery to amplify tension and dread. From ruthless behavior to viral infection, you’ll see how various forms of “coldness” perfectly serve the story and cinematic style. Request Talk

Discover a Chicago restaurant booth frequented by classic movie stars, and analyze food in "When Harry Met Sally" Hollywood Bites: From Golden Age Glamour to Rom-Com Delights Discover a Chicago restaurant booth frequented by classic movie stars, and analyze food in "When Harry Met Sally" All Talks About Indulge in tales about a white booth once nestled inside a glamorous Chicago hotel restaurant, where classic Hollywood movie stars converged. Then, turn to the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally , as you uncover how food offers insight into its characters' lives, even in fleeting Chicago scenes. Through HD video footage, the University of Chicago and Chicago's Union Station will serve as backdrops for your culinary movie journey. Request Talk

Review Oscar's history as it relates to Hollywood and Chicago The Oscars and Chicago Review Oscar's history as it relates to Hollywood and Chicago All Talks About Join us for The Oscars and Chicago as we consider Hollywood's most prestigious awards and their unexpected connections to the Windy City. We'll start this hour-long talk with a backstory of the Oscars, including why and how they were created. Then, we'll look at Chicago’s links to this Los Angeles-based event, focusing specifically on the statuette and a few industry game-changers from Chicago. Finally, we'll wrap up the program with a (virtual) tour of Chicago’s Grant Park, where a recent Best Picture nominee spent considerable time filming. Dust off your black dress or tuxedo! The Oscars and Chicago is about to begin. Request Talk

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

Art of Ferris Bueller is not currently available for booking. Art of Ferris Bueller Art of Ferris Bueller is not currently available for booking. All Talks About The Art of Ferris Bueller is not currently available for booking. If you’d like to be notified when it returns, please reach out via our contact form . Thanks! Request Talk