Trace how studio teachers have taught and protected child actors from 1930s Hollywood to the Chicago sets of "A Raisin in the Sun" and "Home Alone" School’s Out for Summer! Child Actors and Chicago’s Studio Teachers Trace how studio teachers have taught and protected child actors from 1930s Hollywood to the Chicago sets of "A Raisin in the Sun" and "Home Alone" All Talks About Book for May 2026 and after— download 2026 calendar . From classical Hollywood to Chicago film sets, this 60-minute talk considers the largely unseen educators who safeguard child stars’ schooling—and, in many cases, their childhoods. We'll begin by tracing the profession’s origins to MGM’s two-room schoolhouse in 1930s Hollywood. Then, we'll explore how studio teachers—then and now—balance academic instruction with labor laws, union rules, and state regulations designed to protect young performers. Finally, we'll move to Chicago and spotlight studio teachers’ work on the films A Raisin in the Sun , The Breakfast Club , and Home Alone so we can see how national practices played out on local sets. By the end, audiences should see familiar films in a new light—and gain a deeper appreciation for the teachers who quietly ensured that learning never stopped, even when the cameras were rolling. Request Talk

Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family Holiday Chaos: Behind the Scenes of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family All Talks About Set in the Chicago suburbs, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) follows the Griswold family as they attempt to create the perfect traditional Christmas celebration. However, as is usually the case with this fictional family, chaos ensues. Yes, everything that can go wrong does. Have you ever wondered what happened off-camera during the making of this iconic holiday film? Do you know where the movie was shot? Have you noticed the film's ties to Lethal Weapon , Betty Boop, and It's a Wonderful Life? In this Christmas event by Chicago Movie Tours, go behind the scenes of Christmas Vacation and dive into the world of the Griswold family. You'll challenge your knowledge of the movie and discover fun facts that will make you appreciate the film even more. You'll also hear about Chicago's (minor) role in creating the perfect backdrop for the Griswold's holiday misadventures. Request Talk

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

From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film All Talks About The Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park are not just beloved city landmarks—they’ve also played unforgettable roles on the big screen. In this hour-long talk led by a film scholar with a PhD , explore how both public spaces have been represented in film, sometimes as places of whimsy, sometimes as sites of unrest. Specifically, you will: Stroll (virtually) along Michigan Avenue to visit the Art Institute of Chicago and its famous lions Explore how a beloved ‘80s teen comedy transformed a museum visit into a cinematic moment Step into Grant Park, a sprawling downtown green space rich in political and pop culture significance Learn how a recent historical drama restaged one of Chicago’s most turbulent protests View original HD footage you won’t find anywhere else—captured and curated just for this talk See familiar city landmarks in a new light—through the lens of film—as we engage in conversation about place and media. Request Talk

Celebrate Festivus with a fun, expert-led talk exploring its origins, "Seinfeld" debut, quirky rituals, and lasting pop culture appeal Festivus 101: A Celebration for the Rest of Us Celebrate Festivus with a fun, expert-led talk exploring its origins, "Seinfeld" debut, quirky rituals, and lasting pop culture appeal All Talks About Celebrate the holiday “for the rest of us” with a deep dive into Festivus, the delightfully offbeat tradition popularized by the TV series Seinfeld . Observed each year on December 23, Festivus began as a playful response to the commercialism and expectations of the Christmas season—and it comes complete with its now-iconic unadorned aluminum pole. In this one-hour virtual talk, we’ll explore the surprising origins of Festivus, from its real-life roots to its unforgettable debut on Seinfeld . Along the way, we’ll unpack its rituals, examine its lasting impact on pop culture, and consider why this made-up holiday continues to resonate with audiences decades later. Led by a former film professor who has taught college-level courses on Seinfeld , published scholarship on the series, and interviewed a cast member, this program offers an expert, insider perspective you won’t find in a typical holiday talk. Request Talk

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

Explore makeup from cinema's earliest days to the present, including 1920s Chicago’s famed toupee maker and his Hollywood-inspired creations Movie Makeup and Toupees in 1920s Chicago Explore makeup from cinema's earliest days to the present, including 1920s Chicago’s famed toupee maker and his Hollywood-inspired creations All Talks About Dab on some blush and adjust your hairpiece! Let's take a jaunt through cinema history—with special focus on movie makeup and toupees in 1920s Chicago. Join Kelli from Chicago Movie Tours as she traces makeup from cinema’s earliest days to the present. In this hour-long talk (and virtual tour), you will: Get an overview of movie makeup —its purpose, functions, and why it was mandatory in early film Visit (via original HD footage) a Chicago street and building where toupees were made and sold Meet Chicago’s premier 1920s toupee maker and see how he adapted to trends in both Hollywood and local fashion View historic ads and fan magazine photos that reveal changing standards of male and female beauty By the end, you’ll discover how makeup and toupees have helped define movie history—and why this unique, image-filled program is one you won't want to miss. Request Talk

Learn how the TV series "Seinfeld" uses food to define characters, shape dialogue, and reveal (often wacky) American social norms No Soup for You! The Role of Food in "Seinfeld" Learn how the TV series "Seinfeld" uses food to define characters, shape dialogue, and reveal (often wacky) American social norms All Talks About Book for Sept. 2026 and after— download 2026 calendar . What does a sitcom "about nothing " have to say about something as universal as food? Quite a lot, it turns out. In this hour-long talk, you'll discover how the TV series Seinfeld (1989-1998) uses food to define its characters, shape their conversations, and highlight society’s endless—and often absurd—rules around eating. From marble rye to the Soup Nazi, from the Big Salad to the Junior Mint, food in Seinfeld is rarely just about what’s on the plate. Through clips and screenshots, this talk traces the show’s nine-season run and highlights the most memorable—and culturally revealing—food moments. Presenter Dr. Kelli Marshall , who has taught a college course devoted to Seinfeld , published articles on the show , and even Skyped with a cast member, guides you through how one of television’s most celebrated sitcoms turned food into a comedic feast of meaning. Request Talk

Explore Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them Black Movie History in Chicago: Cinematic Milestones and Sacred Grounds Explore Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them All Talks About This hour-long talk is perfect for Black History Month or any time of year you’d like to highlight the vital contributions of African Americans to film history. In the first half of the program, you’ll discover Something Good—Negro Kiss , a silent film capturing what is believed to be the first onscreen kiss by a Black couple. The movie traces its origins to a nineteenth-century Chicago studio, whose remnants you’ll visit virtually through original HD video. Chicago’s cinematic legacy continues beyond the studio lot. You'll also learn about Burr Oak Cemetery and its significance to Black history here in Chicago and beyond. Again, through HD video, you’ll walk the cemetery’s hallowed grounds as you learn about groundbreaking films such as Cooley High (1975) and Boyz n the Hood (1991). This presentation is a meaningful way to celebrate Black filmmakers and stories—whether during Black History Month or throughout the year. Request Talk

Celebrate six Chicago actors and the Hollywood musical for which they are most remembered Singin' in the Rain and Chicago Celebrate six Chicago actors and the Hollywood musical for which they are most remembered All Talks About Singin' in the Rain often ranks as the best film musical ever made—and, indeed, one of the best movies ever made. Set in 1927, the film tells the story of silent film stars as they navigate Hollywood's transition from the silent era to "talkies." No, Singin' in the Rain was not filmed in Chicago, nor does it take place here. But at least six of the movie's cast members are from or have strong connections to the Windy City. So on this virtual tour, which begins at a rain-inspired sculpture in Chicago, we will celebrate these six actors and the delightfully entertaining Hollywood musical for which they are remembered. Request Talk

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 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 All Talks About Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) is frequently considered John Hughes’ best work. Its Rotten Tomatoes score is 92% . It ranks either #1 or #2 on lists from Variety , Screen Rant , and Movie Maker . Dan Aykroyd even likens the movie to Arthur Miller’s great American play, Death of a Salesman , calling John Candy’s shower curtain ring salesman “the Willy Loman of his age.” Why has Planes, Trains and Automobiles earned this elevated status in John Hughes’ body of work? It’s just a comedy with a simple premise, silly slapstick, and caricatures as leads, right? Yes, the movie is all of that. But it is also perhaps Hughes’ most mature screenplay. In this program featuring HD video footage, you’ll visit the suburban Chicago house where Planes, Trains and Automobiles ends. You’ll hear plenty of behind-the-scenes stories. And you’ll discover how the movie intertwines humor with the complex notion that “home” is both a comfort and a constraint. Request Talk

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