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 (1995) This close-up shot of an engagement ring falls at the end of While You Were Sleeping , a 1995 romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, and Peter Gallagher. The movie follows a lonely Chicago transit worker named Lucy (Bullock) who pretends to be the fiancée of a comatose man (Gallagher), only to find herself entangled in a web of misunderstandings with his family and brother, Jack (Pullman). (It's a cute movie, and it helped catapult Bullock into movie stardom.) In lieu of a subway token, Jack has just dropped an engagement ring into Lucy’s token booth. The point-of-view (POV) shot is from Lucy’s perspective, which is why it’s filmed at a high angle (she’s looking down at the ring). As you can see from the sign in the background , the scene was filmed at Chicago's Randolph/Wabash ‘L’ station. Unfortunately, for While You Were Sleeping fans, the station is no longer there. Shortly after Randolph/Wabash closed in 2017, its replacement, Washington/Wabash, opened. You'll recognize the new station when you come across its canopies echoing 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

Explore settings, props, actors, costumes, makeup, and lighting How Are Movie Worlds Created? Explore settings, props, actors, costumes, makeup, and lighting All Talks About To tell you a story, a movie relies on settings, props, actors, blocking, costumes, makeup, and lighting—all of which exist independently of cinematography, editing, and sound design. If you've ever wanted to learn how these items, collectively called mise-en-scene (pronounced meez-on-sen), contribute to a film's world and your perception of characters or particular moods, then join us! This hour-long program will also briefly trace mise-en-scene in film from 1900 to the present. 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. Planes, Trains and Automobiles Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a 1987 comedy about a Chicago marketing executive (Steve Martin) who's forced to travel with a talkative shower curtain ring salesman (John Candy) on his meandering way home for Thanksgiving. In today's #OneShotWed, Steve Martin's character is trying to rent a car. In the process, he spews 19 "f-bombs" at the car rental employee (Edie McClurg). Despite what some Planes, Trains, and Automobiles fans think, Martin did not improvise anything in this scene . In fact, he credits John Hughes' writing for the now-classic scene: "There's a certain rhythm to John's writing. And if you start just saying the f-word anytime you want, it's just going to fall out of whack and not be poetic." 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 Breakfast Club This close-up, low-angle shot of a piece of bologna stuck to a statue comes from The Breakfast Club , a 1985 teen movie directed by John Hughes and shot entirely in the northern suburbs of Chicago. During the film's lunch scene, Allison (Ally Sheedy), in disgust, throws a piece of bologna overhead, where it lands on a sculpture behind her. The character then makes a new sandwich—complete with white bread, wheat bread, butter, Pixy Stix, and Cap'n Crunch cereal. According to Sheedy , she settled on using that cereal "because the crunch was a very angry sound, and [Allison] was doing some things to get attention." Sheedy also remembers having to eat three of those concoctions, all of which "tasted really bad!" 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 Untouchables In The Untouchables (1987), actor Billy Drago plays Al Capone’s henchman Frank Nitti. From this bird’s-eye-view angle , Nitti has just met his fate, falling 5 stories onto the first parked car below. Today’s screenshot is also a point-of-view (POV) shot from the perspective of Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner). Looking down after killing Nitti, Ness stands triumphant on the roof of the Chicago Cultural Center (the U.S. District Courthouse in the movie). Based on several interviews, Billy Drago quite enjoyed his time playing Frank Nitti . He talked with members of the Nitti family, studied the mob outfit’s history, and interviewed remaining members of “the real Untouchables” (Omaha World-Herald , 26 Jul 1987). But what really surprised Drago during filming was how down-to-earth the Nittis were. During production, Drago received this message at his Chicago hotel: “the Nitti family will be by to pick you up at 7 o’clock.” Understandably, the actor was concerned. But, as Drago tells it, “they couldn’t have been nicer—and they had all of these legitimate businesses!” Furthermore, the family loved the way he portrayed Nitti in the movie (The Boston Globe , 24 Aug 1990). The Untouchables was nominated for 4 Oscars: best actor in a supporting role, best art/set direction, best costume design, and best music original score. Sean Connery won the award for best supporting actor. 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

On this leisurely walking tour led by a PhD in film, explore the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the Midway's 130-year history with movies 1893 World’s Fair & Filming Locations: Chicago Midway Walking Tour On this leisurely walking tour led by a PhD in film, explore the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the Midway's 130-year history with movies Read Reviews Book Public Tour Book Private Tour About 90 min 0.5 mi. 8 guests $39.99 On this leisurely walking tour led by a PhD in film, explore the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the Midway's 130-year history with movies Journey back in time From Fairground to Film Set as you discover Chicago's movie history in an entirely new way! Step into the heart of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair as you explore the Midway Plaisance and its fascinating history. As you walk the Midway, you'll retrace the footsteps of millions who experienced a groundbreaking fusion of entertainment, culture, and technological advancement over a century ago! Your itinerary on this 90-minute guided walking tour includes 5 must-see stops on the Midway and the University of Chicago's campus, each brimming with historic—and cinematic—significance. Along the tree-lined route (0.5 mi.), your tour guide , a knowledgeable PhD, will relay little-known stories about the first cinema screenings, the first female action star, and a murderous cinematographer—yes, you read that right! As with all of our guided movie tours, your experience on From Fairground to Film Set: Chicago's Midway, Movies, and the 1893 World's Fair will be enhanced with a variety of media: film clips, photos, screenshots, and vintage movie fan magazines. Also, exclusive to this tour, you'll experience firsthand how a 19th-century moving picture device enthralled early audiences. So, whether you're a seasoned cinephile or simply seeking an unforgettable stroll through Chicago's cinematic past, don't miss your chance to join us for From Fairground to Film Set: Chicago's Midway, Movies, and the 1893 World's Fair ! Note : This limited Chicago movie tour is available on Sunday mornings to give you the most accurate and unobstructed view of the Midway's monumental sculpture Fountain of Time . Movies/TV Highlighted Loki (2021– ) Nope (2022) South Side (2019-2022) Flatliners (1990) The Package (1989) Sunset Boulevard (1950) Chicago the Beautiful (1948) Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) Sue (1915) The Hazards of Helen (1914-1917) The Horse in Motion (1880) 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 so we can accommodate you. NOTE: This movie tour works best on weekend mornings to give you the most accurate and unobstructed view of the Midway's monumental sculpture Fountain of Time . Book Private $399 Tour Specifics Start/End Points The tour starts at 6016 S. Ingleside Ave, Chicago, IL. Please arrive about 10 min. before the tour begins. The tour ends at 6000 S. Cottage Grove Ave. 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 If available, free parking spots run along the Midway, Best Drive, and Payne Drive. For public transit: the Green Line runs from Chicago's Loop to S. Cottage Grove. Our starting point is about a 10-minute walk from the Cottage Grove 'L' station. Accessibility All 5 locations we visit have sidewalks, crosswalks, and ramps. The road we cross to visit Fountain of Time does not have a crosswalk designated for pedestrians. What to Bring Please wear weather-appropriate clothing. This tour runs in mild rain or shine. NOTE: Sheltering options are limited on this all-outdoor tour, so if the weather is too bad, we will reschedule. Restrooms A Jewel-Osco grocery store with a public restroom is near the end of our tour route. A restroom may also be available in Logan Center for the Arts, next to Midway Studios. 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 5 must-see stops on the Midway and the University of Chicago campus Expert commentary from a PhD in film Small groups to enhance engagement and foster a more personalized experience Clips and vintage photos that enhance the Midway's film history Demonstration of 19th-century moving picture device Plenty of Instagram opportunities Free parking Mini (movie-themed) goodie bag! 💙 Reviews Don From Fairground to Film Set average rating is 5 out of 5 A very interesting tour of the Midway area and early Chicago film history—especially the unforgettable Lorado Taft. September 21, 2025 Lara Parker From Fairground to Film Set average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli was so knowledgeable of the area and so friendly to be with and to ask her questions. This is a good tour of an area that's not well known. Will definitely take more in the future! June 3, 2025 Irene From Fairground to Film Set average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli managed to tie 3 unique Chicago themes together in a very well researched and presented 75-minute tour. You may have never been on this select part of the U of C campus, but now you'll find yourself drawn to the outsized and outstanding Lorado Taft offerings. Kelli managed to include as many visual aids as one could handle while walking. I also appreciated the size and energy of our group. September 30, 2024 Load More Reviews

Travel back to the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 and experience the first Ferris wheel through film and virtual reality Chicago's First Ferris Wheel in Film Travel back to the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 and experience the first Ferris wheel through film and virtual reality All Talks About The first Ferris wheel was a groundbreaking engineering marvel designed for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair (aka. World's Columbian Exposition). Standing as the Fair's tallest attraction, this iconic structure provided breathtaking panoramic views of the fairgrounds and the city. It also set a precedent for future amusement park attractions. Have you ever thought about what it might have been like to ride the original Ferris wheel? The views? The duration? The passengers? Let's try to answer these questions through the magic of movies and virtual reality. Ready to ride? Join Kelli on this unique virtual walking tour as we explore the world's first Ferris wheel in film. 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. High Fidelity High Fidelity (2000) filmed in several Chicago locations, including here, outside the Biograph Theater in Lincoln Park. According to an oral history of High Fidelity , this scene was added after a passing conversation between screenwriters. For the full story, browse here for the picture of the Biograph, and then read the paragraph underneath. 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. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation This close-up shot of a squirrel comes to you from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation . In the 1989 comedy, the Griswolds try to have a “good old-fashioned family Christmas.” But as usual with this family, everything that can go wrong does—including that moment a squirrel who has been nesting in the family Christmas tree gets loose in the house. In an oral history of the film, Christmas Vacation ’s director, Jeremiah Chechik, recalls shooting this scene , which frankly, sounds as chaotic as what made it on film! For the dog and squirrel chase, we hired an animal trainer who trained them everyday for months to run through the set. When it came time to finally shoot what we’d been planning, I got out of my car and saw everyone standing in a huddle shaking their heads, and I knew something was terribly wrong. I asked them what was going on, and they said, “We have a problem.” “Okay, what?” “The squirrel’s dead.” I said, “Holy fuck, we’re shooting that today!” And the animal trainer turned and said, “Ya know, they don’t live that long.” We still had to shoot the scene, so we used an untrained squirrel. It was just total chaos. Related Content Book our talk Behind the Scenes: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation . See if this talk is coming to a location near you. 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

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. A League of Their Own Set during World War II, A League of Their Own (1992) follows the creation of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League as women step in to play baseball while men are off at war. The movie focuses on the rivalry and camaraderie between two sisters, Dottie (Geena Davis) and Kit (Lori Petty), and their journey to prove that women belong in the sport. One teammate who clearly belongs in the sport is the socially awkward Marla Hooch (Megan Cavanagh). Because of her plain appearance, Marla is initially overlooked, but she proves to be a powerful hitter and a valuable team member. What’s more, Marla is also perhaps the one player “who comes out of the film the most emotionally fulfilled.” The medium shot above is of Marla’s father. He has just showcased his daughter’s batting skills to a group of men—and declared she would have easily made the Yankees if she were a boy. Now, at a train station, he proudly bids his daughter farewell while pretending to swing a baseball bat. This scene with Marla and her father was filmed on location at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois. Here is a long shot of the same . Watch the full scene below, starting around minute 4:00. A League of Their Own also filmed at Chicago's Wrigley Field and in the Chicago suburbs. 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

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—and more comprehensive—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