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 Dark Knight (2008) Standing on a street corner in Chicago, an unidentified man carries a duffle bag over his right shoulder and a clown mask in his left hand. Within seconds, he’s whisked away in an unmarked car, and the game’s afoot. This is the opening of The Dark Knight (2008). In the summer of 2007, The Dark Knight filmed in and around multiple locations in downtown Chicago (or Gotham, if you will), for example: Old Chicago Post Office Navy Pier Chicago Theater Millennium Station Lower Wacker Dr Chicago Board of Trade Building The first 66 days of the shoot took place in Chicago, beginning with the bank-heist sequence, as represented in today’s screenshot. Then, production traveled to the UK for 53 days. Then, it moved back to Chicago. This is an odd schedule for a big-budget movie. So here’s The Dark Knight 's director, Christopher Nolan, explaining the (intentional) traveling: “When we made The Dark Knight we quite specifically moved around. We started in Chicago, went to London, went back to Chicago which is a massive production no-no; you’re never supposed to go back to the same place. But it meant we constantly challenged people to work in a new environment on a daily basis.” Watch the full opening below, which takes place at S. Franklin St. and W. Van Buren St . 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 Package The Package is a 1989 political thriller set during the Cold War. The U.S. and Soviet governments are on the verge of signing a nuclear disarmament treaty when a high-ranking U.S. General is assassinated. Gene Hackman’s character is blamed for the lack of security and, therefore, the general’s murder. As punishment, he is assigned to escort an Army sergeant (Tommy Lee Jones/Kevin Crowley) back to the U.S. for court martial. The Package 's opening was shot in Berlin, Germany. The rest was shot in and around Chicago. Locations here include Lake Forest Academy (as a German chalet), the Field Museum, the South Shore Country Club, Grant Park, O’Hare International Airport, and Chicago’s Union Station . This medium-long shot of Tommy Lee Jones takes place on the historic oak benches in Chicago’s Union Station . His character is disguised as an Anglican priest and has just received a suitcase containing a sniper’s rifle. As the story’s villain, he will not use this weapon for good. A native Texan, Jones fondly recalls his time shooting The Package in Chicago—and he even wears the clothing to prove it : “I, my wife, and my little boy love Chicago. It’s a fine city, an all-American city. A considerable amount of history has been written there. It’s windy and cold in the wintertime, but we don’t worry about that — it’s hot and dry in Texas in the summer.” (The Sacramento Bee , Sept 1989) 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

Examine women's fashion at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair while considering the iconic Ferris Wheel and fair photography Women's Fashion, Ferris Wheels, and Film at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair Examine women's fashion at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair while considering the iconic Ferris Wheel and fair photography All Talks About Step back in time to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair , where innovation and transformation shaped not only the city but also the lives—and wardrobes—of women. As women began challenging traditional gender roles in the early 1890s, advice columns influenced what they should wear to the Chicago Fair. What did these recommendations reveal about shifting societal norms? And how did they prepare women to be photographed at one of the most visually documented events of the era? Through original Fair photographs, vintage newspaper articles, and a virtual reality ride on the dazzling new Ferris Wheel, this program explores how fashion balanced practicality, style, and the growing influence of the camera. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with history, fashion, and amusement! Request Talk

Read Chicago Movie Tours' Tour Terms and Conditions, to which all guests and guest purchases are subject. Tour Terms and Conditions All guests and guest purchases are subject to the following Terms & Conditions. Please read these terms carefully before purchasing a tour ticket. They outline, among other things, our cancellation policy and certain limitations of liability. Cancel or Change Reservations Low Attendance Policy Weather Payment Discounts Pricing Group Bookings Video and Photography Notes and Other Materials Medical Accidents, Loss, or Damage to Property Guest Responsibility and Conduct Children Refunds Privacy Policy These Terms and Conditions govern the relationship between you ("the guest" and "you") and us, CHICAGO MOVIE TOURS & TALKS LLC ("we," "us," and our"). By purchasing your ticket or obtaining it via complimentary means, you are entering into this agreement with us. Last updated: JUNE 2025 1. Cancel or Change Reservations You may cancel or amend your reservation 48 hours or more before the tour departs. Cancellations received within 48 hours of tour departure—along with late arrivals and no-shows after a tour departs—are not eligible for refunds. For reschedule requests outside of the 48-hour period prior to a booked tour date, guests should email us with a preferred alternative date. Please note: we cannot guarantee an appropriate replacement tour date will always be available, but we will do our best to accommodate guests! Tickets are valid for the date and time for which the guest purchased them. Guests should carefully review all of their booking details, including contact email and/or phone number, to ensure no errors exist. 2. Low Attendance Policy To ensure we can provide a fun, engaging, and economically feasible tour, we require a minimum number of guests. We need at least 4 guests to run the majority of our public walking tours . Our movie tour at Old Joliet Prison , given its larger venue and the special arrangements needed to access the property, requires at least 20 guests. A low attendance policy helps us cover essential aspects such as travel time for our tour guide , parking costs downtown, property rental fees, and all the behind-the-scenes magic that goes into making your tour unforgettable. Plus, group participation makes a tour more fun! If we need to cancel a public walking tour due to low ticket sales, we'll notify you 24 hours in advance. You'll have the option to transfer your tickets to another tour date or receive a full refund—whichever works best for you. 3. Weather Policy Our walking tours, which promptly begin at the scheduled departure time and date, operate in rain, shine, or snow. If we must cancel a scheduled tour due to extreme or unsafe weather (e.g., heavy rain, ice, hail, tornadoes, winds, lightning), we will notify guests by email and/or text that the tour has been cancelled. Guests will receive a full refund, or they may transfer their tickets to another tour date. 4. Payment Credit card payment for online bookings through chicagomovietours.com is processed at the time of booking through Stripe , a safe and secure booking and payment processing system. PayPal is also available at checkout. All bookings are processed in U.S. Dollars (USD). Walk-up guests who wish to pay with cash or credit card may do so only if spots are available on the tour. NOTE: We will not have change for cash payments. For custom/private tours, a quote will be provided to customers based on their requests. A deposit may be required for larger tour groups. Prices do not include gratuities to the guide and are at your discretion. 5. Discounts and Coupons If guests have a coupon code or discount, they must apply it to their tour BEFORE purchasing a ticket. Unfortunately, we cannot apply retroactive discounts. No discount offered by Chicago Movie Tours can be combined with any other discount or special offer when booking, unless otherwise noted. All discounts and special offers are subject to availability and may be removed at any time at our discretion. 6. Pricing All rates for public group tours lie at the discretion of Chicago Movie Tours and are subject to change without notice. Once a guest has booked a tour with us, the guest will not be required to pay any difference in the event of a price increase, and we will not refund the balance of any price reduction. For group and private tours, we will provide a quote to the guest prior to booking. After the guest accepts a quote, a credit card may be required to hold the private tour. 7. Group Bookings For group bookings, the purchasing guest acts on behalf of all guests, including children, joining the tour. If the purchasing guest does not intend to participate, a representative who will be participating must be named and must inform us prior to starting the tour. If the purchasing guest is a company, group or partnership, an individual must be named as a responsible person. 8. Video and Photography Video and audio recording any of our tours and talks is prohibited. In some instances, we have spent years researching and compiling the material for our tours, and we have done so in order to offer guests a one-of-a-kind experience that features histories and anecdotes they will not hear anywhere else. Any form of copying or reproduction of our likeness or our tours will result in legal action. We may take photographic, video, or film records of any of our tours or talks, including guests, to use for promotional and/or commercial purposes. Guests should notify us if they do not want to be photographed. 9. Notes and Other Materials Any notes or other materials we supply to participants before, during, or after a tour or talk—whether in hard-copy, electronic format, or any other form—are the copyright of Chicago Movie Tours, without limitation, and are not to be reproduced in whole or in part, or distributed to any Third Party in any form whatsoever, without the express written permission of the copyright holder. 10. Medical Guests must be fit and well enough to take our walking tours. Guests with medical or health concerns should inform us of their condition in writing (i.e. via email) prior to the tour.The tour operator reserves the right to disqualify guests if they appear incapable and/or if their continued participation will in any way jeopardize either themselves or the rest of the tour group. Refunds are not given under such circumstances. Chicago Movie Tours is not responsible for the costs of any medical treatment guests may require during or after a tour. And we are not responsible for the quality of medical care, or lack thereof, guests may receive during or after a tour.If you have any reservations regarding your fitness for a tour, please contact us . 11. Accidents, Loss, or Damage to Property Customers are responsible for their personal property. We are not liable for any theft, loss, damage, delay, inconvenience, direct or consequential loss. We are also not responsible for any damage inflicted, accidentally or otherwise, on properties, artworks, or other items by the guest or the guest's children. 12. Guest Responsibility and Conduct Walking tours begin promptly at the scheduled departure time and date. Please be on time or early. We recommend arriving at least 10-20 minutes early in order to find the location, parking, and your tour guide. Guests should alert us immediately via phone or text at 312-685-1190 if they are lost. Guides are unable to make and receive calls once a tour has started. Guests should behave respectfully to others, including but not limited to tour operators, other guests, and members of the public, and to the property of others, including but not limited to shared facilities and public environment. We are happy to answer guests' questions but ask that they do not talk over the tour guide, consistently interrupt, heckle, or engage in other distracting behavior. We reserve the right to stop a tour if guests violate this agreement. No refund will be given, and the participants must pay the full compensation for any damages that might have been caused. 13. Children In general, our tours are not suited for children under 10 years old. Any attendees with disruptive children will be asked to leave. 14. Refunds Walking tour refunds are permitted for the following reasons: Low capacity Bad weather that does not permit the tour to run Guests inform us no later than 48 hours that they wish to cancel The tour is partially completed (guests will receive a 50% refund) 15. Privacy Policy Our Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website. Please read this privacy policy carefully . If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access our site.

Explore a professional video library of Chicago film history and terminology. Watch expert-led lessons on cinematography, editing, and theory by Dr. Kelli Marshall. Master the art of filmmaking through the lens of Chicago cinema. Explore this curated collection of video lessons—originally produced for our Film 101 courses—designed to help you become a more active and informed movie-watcher. Expert-Led Film Studies These lessons are curated by Dr. Kelli Marshall , a film historian with over 15 years of university-level teaching experience, and introduce core concepts in film studies through Chicago-based movies. Each video breaks down key elements of film language—such as cinematography, editing, and visual storytelling—to help you become a more active, informed viewer. Film Language Library: Lesson Excerpts NOTE: These videos conclude by referencing an older “membership” page. For current offerings, browse available talks and educational programs . Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Continue Exploring Chicago through Film Want to go further? Discover Chicago film through tours, talks, and in-depth articles. Explore Chicago Movie Locations Visit iconic filming sites across Chicago on a guided walking tour led by a film historian. View Tours Book a Film History Talk Bring a film-focused talk to your group or event—featuring Chicago cinema and beyond. Explore Talks Read About Chicago Movies Dive deeper into Chicago’s film history, locations, and cultural impact through in-depth articles . Visit the Blog

Delve into the intersection of film history, animal performers, and cemetery lore Cinematic Canines and Circus Stars in Chicagoland Cemeteries Delve into the intersection of film history, animal performers, and cemetery lore All Talks About Cinematic Canines and Circus Stars in Chicagoland Cemeteries is an immersive talk that explores the intersection of film history, animal performers, and cemetery lore. In the first half of this program, you'll be transported to Illinois' oldest pet cemetery via original HD video. Here, you'll uncover tales of the first onscreen dogs, discuss the concept "cinema of attractions," and explore Hollywood's gradual recognition of the need for animal protection. In the second half of the talk, you'll "walk" through another cemetery, this one including plots exclusively reserved for circus and sideshow performers. Amidst the headstones, you'll discover the connections between this space and the world of film and television. Finally, you'll explore the cemetery's haunted history. Join us on this journey through Chicagoland's cemeteries, where cinematic canines and circus stars find their eternal rest. Request Talk

This talk is not currently available for booking. Behind the Scenes with Chicago Movie Tours This talk is not currently available for booking. All Talks About Behind the Scenes with Chicago Movie Tours is no longer available for booking. Please explore Kelli's current talks for other options. 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 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

Scholarship Years of teaching, research, and public scholarship continue to shape every Chicago Movie Tours & Talks experience Although my work today focuses on Chicago Movie Tours & Talks, these courses, publications , and presentations reflect the scholarly foundation that continues to inform my research, tours, and public programs. Courses See my history of university-level instruction spanning media literacy, film theory, television history, and genre studies—from classical Hollywood to Shakespeare in film. Jump to Courses Publications Explore my curated collection of peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and media research spanning classical Hollywood, television studies, and film adaptation. Coming Soon Presentations Browse notable speaking engagements, cinema society panels, keynote addresses, and academic presentations delivered at conferences, universities, and other venues. Coming Soon Courses Before founding Chicago Movie Tours & Talks, I spent 15 years teaching university courses in film, television, literature, and popular culture. These courses reflect the scholarly foundation that continues to inform my tours, talks, and public programs today. Courses That Shaped My Talks Many of my current talks began as university courses, later adapted for libraries, museums, lifelong learning programs, and community audiences. While redesigned for public audiences, they remain grounded in the same research, historical context, and multimedia approach that shaped my teaching. University Courses Public Programs American Film Comedy • Sitcom, Satire, and Sketch Comedy • Stand-Up Comedy Documented Students explored the history of American film comedy through influential films, examining the genre's conventions; cultural significance; and the ways comedy reflects gender, class, race, and society. Comedy & Culture Series Reimagined for public audiences, these multimedia presentations explore American comedy through iconic films, memorable performers, and the ways humor reflects history, culture, and everyday life. Current programs: Comedy in Chicago: Marx Brothers and Bob Newhart Chicago, Christmas Movies, and Class Christmas in Chicago: Location and Legacy in While You Were Sleeping Holiday Chaos: Behind the Scenes of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation University Course Public Program Cinema History Students traced the evolution of American cinema from the silent era through the rise of the studio system and beyond, examining landmark films, industry developments, and Hollywood's cultural impact. Hollywood History Series Using past university lectures, these multimedia presentations explore Hollywood’s history and cultural impact through cinematic movements, influential performers, and the ways film reflects changing ideas about race, gender, identity, and society.. Current programs: Brief History of Hollywood Film Black Movie History in Chicago: Cinematic Milestones and Sacred Grounds Cinematic Canines and Circus Stars in Chicagoland Cemeteries Gender in Hollywood: Men Gender in Hollywood: Women University Course Public Programs Introduction to Film Students learned the fundamentals of film analysis, exploring cinematic techniques, storytelling, genre, and critical approaches while developing the skills to interpret and evaluate movies. Film Appreciation Series Expanded into a series of public programs, these multimedia talks introduce audiences to the language of film—from makeup and cinematography to editing and sound—helping viewers experience movies with new insight. Current programs: How Are Movie Worlds Created? How Do Movies Guide Your Eyes? How Do Movies Link All Those Images? Why Is Movie Sound So Powerful? Movie Makeup and Toupees in 1920s Chicago University Course Public Programs Seinfeld Students examined Seinfeld as both a groundbreaking sitcom and a cultural phenomenon, exploring its production, historical context, critical reception, and lasting influence on American television. Seinfeld Series Expanded into a series of public programs, these multimedia presentations explore Seinfeld 's enduring cultural legacy, from the origins of Festivus to the sitcom's unforgettable use of food as comedy, character, and social commentary. Current programs: Festivus 101: A Celebration for the Rest of Us No Soup for You! The Role of Food in Seinfeld University Course Public Program Gene Kelly and the Art of Cine-dance Created for Facets Film School (Chicago), this course examined how Gene Kelly transformed the Hollywood musical by integrating choreography, camerawork, editing, and special effects into the cinematic art of "cine-dance." Gene Kelly Series Adapted for general audiences, these multimedia presentations explore Gene Kelly's career, creative innovations, and lasting influence on the Hollywood musical through film history, rare archival materials, and original research. Current programs: Inside Gene Kelly's House Singin' in the Rain and Chicago University Course Public Program Film Noir Students explored the history of film noir and neo-noir, analyzing its style, recurring themes, character types, and cultural significance through classic and contemporary films. Film Noir: Hollywood's Darkest Timeline Inspired by this university course, this multimedia presentation traces the origins and evolution of film noir, exploring its shadowy aesthetics, unforgettable characters, and lasting influence on American cinema, Chicago included. → Book This Program

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. My Best Friend's Wedding My Best Friend's Wedding is a romantic comedy that centers on Julianne (Julia Roberts), a food critic who realizes she's in love with her longtime best friend, Michael (Dermot Mulroney). Inconveniently, Julianne figures this out only a few days before Michael’s wedding to Kimmy (Cameron Diaz). Determined to win Michael’s love, Julianne tries to sabotage the wedding. The 1997 movie—which filmed on location all around Chicago —explores themes of love, friendship, and the complexities of unrequited feelings. This long shot of Julianne and Kimmy takes place inside the china department in the old Marshall Field & Co. department store on State St. (the store is now owned by Macy’s). Here, Julianne tries to convince Kimmy to get her wealthy father to offer Michael a job. This, she knows, will upset Michael and lead him, presumably, to break off the wedding. Julianne's scheme fails. A box office success in 1997, My Best Friend’s Wedding is notable for at least two reasons: First, the movie subverts rom-com tropes . Unlike most romantic comedies, in which the protagonist ends up with the person she loves, My Best Friend's Wedding defies expectations by not having Julianne "win" Michael in the end. Instead, Michael goes through with his marriage to Kimmy, leaving Julianne to come to terms with her feelings and behavior. For a mainstream Hollywood rom-com, the conclusion is rather bittersweet. Second, Julia Roberts plays a villain (of sorts). Considered “America’s sweetheart” at the time, Roberts does not play the typical lovable rom-com heroine in My Best Friend’s Wedding . She spends much of the film manipulating people to break up her best friend's wedding—unconventional actions not only for a protagonist in this genre, but also for Julia Roberts’ established 1990s star image. 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. Cooley High Cooley High (1975) is a coming-of-age comedy-drama set in 1960s Chicago. It follows high school friends Preach (Glynn Turman) and Cochise (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs) as they navigate life, dreams, and hardships in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing projects . The above screenshot marks a pivotal moment in Cooley High , shifting the film’s tone from lighthearted to deeply emotional. In this long shot, Cochise, a promising athlete, is tragically killed under the ‘L’ tracks by neighborhood hoodlums. Preach finds his friend’s lifeless body and screams for help, but the screeching train tires above drown out his cries. A touching funeral scene follows. Cochise’s funeral is filmed at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, IL, the final resting place for thousands of South Chicago residents and their families. Over the heartbreaking scene, which you can watch below, the song “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday ” plays. If you are of a certain age and recognize the song outside of Cooley High , it’s likely because you remember the a cappella version recorded by Boyz II Men in 1991 . 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

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 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