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

Explore Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks," its legacy in cinema and popular culture, and the story of how Chicago brought the diner to life Art of the Diner: Nighthawks in Film, History, and Chicago Explore Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks," its legacy in cinema and popular culture, and the story of how Chicago brought the diner to life All Talks About Since 1942, Edward Hopper's Nighthawks has graced the walls of the Art Institute of Chicago . People have travelled across the world to see this depiction of a 24-hour diner with its four subjects, each seemingly lost in thought. This talk explores the story behind Hopper's painting, its influence on film, and how Chicago brought the diner to life. With Kelli , your attendees will: Discover key moments in Hopper’s life and career Explore his love of movies—and how cinema celebrates his work Analyze Nighthawks in popular culture Take an HD video tour to Chicago’s version of the famous diner This 60-minute program (plus Q&A) is ideal for library adult programs, film societies, or community venues looking to connect history, art, and Chicago culture in one entertaining session. Ready to dive into Nighthawks, Chicago style? Request Talk

Learn about three Chicago movie theaters that survived the 1918 flu pandemic Chicago, Movies, and the 1918 Pandemic Learn about three Chicago movie theaters that survived the 1918 flu pandemic All Talks About In 1918, Chicago movie theaters faced an unprecedented challenge as the flu pandemic disrupted daily life and shuttered public spaces across the city. Yet some movie houses found ways to endure—and their buildings still stand today! In this talk, Kelli takes you, via HD footage, to three silent-era Chicago movie theaters that survived the 1918 flu pandemic. Along the way, she offers a brief history of the so-called Spanish Flu, with subtle connections to more recent global experiences such as COVID. Request Talk

Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked All Talks About Discover untold stories of three women who helped shape early cinema in Chicago. Through HD footage of locations where these women lived and worked, you'll explore their often overlooked contributions to the early film industry. Start in Chicago's western suburbs at a modest Frank Lloyd Wright home, where you'll uncover a woman's impressive connection to pre-cinema through her work at the Art Institute of Chicago. Then, stroll down a 140-year-old brick-paved road to the Morse Theatre to hear about its innovative female ownership and why it was once hailed as "the theatre of the future." Finally, visit the old Essanay studio lot in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, where a silent-era screenwriter worked before becoming one of Hollywood's most powerful gossip columnists. Led by a PhD who taught film for more than a decade, this program offers a unique glimpse into Chicago's cinema history, highlighting three (of countless!) oft-overlooked women who made their mark on the early days of film. Request Talk

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

Delve into the backstories, productions, and locations of Chicago-based horror films "The Fury" and "Child's Play" Horror Movies in Chicago: Child's Play and The Fury Delve into the backstories, productions, and locations of Chicago-based horror films "The Fury" and "Child's Play" All Talks About Explore Chicago’s starring role in horror cinema through two cult classics: Brian De Palma’s The Fury (1978), a supernatural thriller featuring psychic experiments and a climactic sequence at the indoor amusement park Old Chicago , and Child’s Play (1988), where the infamous killer doll Chucky wreaks havoc across the city. Along the way, Dr. Kelli Marshall uncovers the production histories, inspirations, and Chicago landmarks tied to these films, while briefly spotlighting other local horrors such as Candyman , Flatliners , and Contagion . This hour-long talk blends film history, creepy thrills, and Chicago’s cinematic legacy. Request Talk