Search Results

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. Prison Break This long shot, filmed at a low angle, comes from the second episode of the TV series Prison Break (2005-2009). Two women, a lawyer (Veronica) and a witness to a murder (Leticia), meet covertly near Crown Fountain in Chicago’s Millennium Park . The meeting does not last long, however. The witness is convinced she was followed and runs away. Her hunch is correct: later in the episode, she is kidnapped and killed. Prison Break follows Michael Scofield, a structural engineer, and his brother Lincoln Burrows, who has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit (hence the lawyer/witness meeting above). To save Lincoln, Michael deliberately gets himself incarcerated, using a plan hidden in his full-body tattoo. Yes, a full-body tattoo . (The show is better than it sounds!) Much of Prison Break ’s first season is filmed in and around Chicago. Scenes depicting Fox River State Penitentiary, the fictional prison where Michael and Lincoln are sentenced, take place in Old Joliet Prison in Joliet, IL, where Chicago Movie Tours also gives walking tours . Prison Break ’s first two episodes aired August 29, 2005, and were watched by roughly 10.5 million viewers in the U.S. While on air, the series continued to draw viewers here and around the globe. And when it began streaming on Netflix in 2024, the show raced to the #1 spot, now discovered by a new audience. 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

Uncover the histories of three movie theaters in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood Chicago Movie Houses: Hidden Histories and Lost Glamour Uncover the histories of three movie theaters in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood All Talks About Step behind the curtain and uncover the remarkable—and sometimes shadowy—stories of three movie theaters that once lit up one Chicago neighborhood. In this hour-long talk, you’ll discover: A theater whose unusual ownership and transformations reflect a century of change. A cinema with nine lives, each more surprising than the last. A movie house where glamour mingled with a darker side of show business. Along the way, you’ll explore HD video of these theaters’ exteriors—or what remains of them—and gain a new appreciation for the golden age of moviegoing and secrets left behind. 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. Hoodlum Hoodlum is a 1997 gangster film starring Laurence Fishburne, Cicely Tyson, Tim Roth, and Andy Garcia. It chronicles the rise of an African American mob boss (Fishburne) during the Prohibition era, as he clashes with rival Italian-American gangs for control of the illegal numbers racket. Hoodlum takes place in 1930s Harlem. But it was shot extensively in Chicago—in part, because it wanted to take advantage of the city's late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. In this #OneShotWed, an Italian gangster (Mike Starr) positions himself outside an elevator in the Brewster Building (c. 1896) to surprise and then rough-up one of his Black rivals. Venture inside the Brewster Building in this story from ABC7 Chicago. The 1988 horror movie Child's Play was also filmed in this unique residential building . 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

Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Feb 24, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Black Movie History in Chicago: Cinematic Milestones and Sacred Grounds / Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462, USA Register Feb 24, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462, USA Explore Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them Mar 02, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST On the Run in Chicago: Behind the Scenes of The Fugitive / Homer Township Public Library District, 14320 W 151st St, Homer Glen, IL 60491, USA Register Mar 02, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Homer Township Public Library District, 14320 W 151st St, Homer Glen, IL 60491, USA Uncover how "The Fugitive" blends TV history, cultural ritual, and Chicago’s architectural stage Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen / Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Register Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Mar 11, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Countdown to the Oscars: Illinois Winners, Scandalous Moments, and Oscar Bait / Helen Plum Library, 411 S Main St, Lombard, IL 60148, USA Register Mar 11, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Helen Plum Library, 411 S Main St, Lombard, IL 60148, USA Celebrate Illinois' Oscar winners, scandalous moments, and "Oscar bait" as you countdown to this year's Academy Awards Apr 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Private: Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Skokie Country Club, 500 Washington Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA Learn more Apr 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Skokie Country Club, 500 Washington Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA Discover Chicago's many connections to the classic children's story "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! Film Noir: Hollywood's Darkest Timeline Dive into film noir—dark plots, dim lights, and dangerous cities, including Chicago Learn More View All Talks

Get introduced to cinematography to experience movies on a new level How Do Movies Guide Your Eyes? Get introduced to cinematography to experience movies on a new level All Talks About When you watch a movie, the images before you may seem like objective views of the world. But they are not. In fact, those images are purposefully constructed and then put onscreen—to guide your eyes where the director wants them to go. Sneaky, right? This hour-long program introduces you to the basics of cinematography, including speed of motion, perspective relationships, focal length, depth of field, and framing. After all, once you recognize how cinematography works, you can experience and understand movies on a new level. Request Talk

Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Feb 24, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Black Movie History in Chicago: Cinematic Milestones and Sacred Grounds / Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462, USA Register Feb 24, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Orland Park Public Library, 14921 S Ravinia Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462, USA Explore Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them Mar 02, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST On the Run in Chicago: Behind the Scenes of The Fugitive / Homer Township Public Library District, 14320 W 151st St, Homer Glen, IL 60491, USA Register Mar 02, 2026, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Homer Township Public Library District, 14320 W 151st St, Homer Glen, IL 60491, USA Uncover how "The Fugitive" blends TV history, cultural ritual, and Chicago’s architectural stage Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen / Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Register Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Mar 11, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Countdown to the Oscars: Illinois Winners, Scandalous Moments, and Oscar Bait / Helen Plum Library, 411 S Main St, Lombard, IL 60148, USA Register Mar 11, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Helen Plum Library, 411 S Main St, Lombard, IL 60148, USA Celebrate Illinois' Oscar winners, scandalous moments, and "Oscar bait" as you countdown to this year's Academy Awards Apr 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Private: Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Skokie Country Club, 500 Washington Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA Learn more Apr 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Skokie Country Club, 500 Washington Ave, Glencoe, IL 60022, USA Discover Chicago's many connections to the classic children's story "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! Mardi Gras and Movies in the Midwest Explore the history of Mardi Gras and its onscreen depictions, including some from Chicago film companies Learn More View All Talks

Explore guest reviews for Chicago Movie Tours! Read firsthand accounts from visitors who have discovered Chicago through Kelli's walking tours and movie talks. Reviews Curious about our guided tours and talks? See what others have to say! Filter by Event Leave Your Review MJ Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli was so full of researched material not only about the movie, which was fascinating, but also about the history of Chicago. A “not to miss” tour!!!! Jan 12, 2026 Bruce Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 Incredible tour with anecdotal information about Chicago. Incredibly well put together including film clips of the movie relevant to the artwork. I highly recommend!! Dec 30, 2025 David Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 We had the best time. Kelli was fun and insightful. We are locals and have been to the Art Institute a couple of dozen times and this was our best trip. Highly recommend, makes for a great afternoon to spend with friends (like Ferris). Dec 27, 2025 Clinton Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 Wonderful. So enjoyable and hit a great balance of artistic and fun! Jan 7, 2026 Pam Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 2026 is the 40th anniversary of the beloved film Ferris Bueller's Day Off. This tour is the perfect way to celebrate the film and the city of Chicago. We had so much fun and Kelli is amazing! Learn about John Hughes, the film, the art and how this all comes together in a memorable cinematic experience. Tip: Watch the movie again before the tour. Save Ferris! Dec 30, 2025 Gwen Talk or Virtual Tour average rating is 5 out of 5 Very interesting and informative. Kelli always adds extra information to her virtual tours. I love seeing different parts of Chicago, since I don't live close. Dec 24, 2025 Caleb Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 Bueller Bueller Bueller... Kelli was lovely and the tour was great. Can’t wait to go on another. Kelli was thoughtful and very knowledgeable about the film and Hughes’ inspiration for the art selected in the film. Jan 2, 2026 Ben Art of Ferris Bueller average rating is 5 out of 5 What an excellent tour! Highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about Ferris Bueller, art in Chicago, and the combination of the same. 10 out of 10. Dec 28, 2025 Virtual Tour Attendee Talk or Virtual Tour average rating is 5 out of 5 Dec 22, 2025 Show More Reviews

Buy a Chicago Movie Tours gift card for any value you choose. Valid for any listed walking tours. Buy a Gift Card Give the gift of Chicago movies, good for walking tours or merchandise. Value does not expire. Use of this gift card can be redeemed only at Chicago Movie Tours. This card cannot be exchanged for cash, check or credit. If this card is lost or stolen, it will not be replaced.

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. Straight Talk This is a high-angle, medium-long shot of a woman balancing on a bridge as she tries desperately to grab a $20 bill before it blows into the water below. The Woman : Dolly Parton The Bridge : Chicago’s Wabash Ave. The Movie : Straight Talk In the 1992 romantic comedy Straight Talk , Dolly Parton plays a dance instructor who gets fired from her small-town job for giving advice to her clients rather than teaching them dance. After she loses her position, she moves to the big city, Chicago, where she find work as a switchboard operator for a radio station. Ultimately, Parton’s character is mistaken for the radio station's new call-in therapist and, as is the case in most rom-coms, chaos (and romance) ensue. Straight Talk filmed on location in Chicago and the suburb of Lemont, including this stunt on the Wabash Ave bridge . Watch the full scene below. 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

Discover the latest news and updates on Chicago Movie Tours' walking tours. Stay informed about upcoming tours, tips, and exclusive insights. Chicago in The Bear Yes, chef! Explore Chicago through the lens of the FX TV series The Bear on a new walking tour, coming soon. Covering 1 mile, Chicago in The Bear will immerse you in the rich history, architecture, and culture of Chicago as featured in the series. Be the first to know. Make sure you're on our email list to be notified when this tour is available to book. Send Me Updates!

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 Blues Brothers (1980) Today’s screenshot comes from a musical number in The Blues Brothers (1980). The gospel song “Let Us Go Back to the Old Landmark" or “The Old Landmark” is performed here by James Brown , and the Rev. James Cleveland Choir. The number was filmed at Pilgrim Baptist Church , 3235 E. 91st in Chicago. Shown periodically in this lively musical number (and above) is Chicago’s own “Queen of Funk,” Chaka Khan . Humorously, despite singing in a movie that celebrates the blues, Khan has said she dislikes the musical genre: “I try to stay away from love songs. I get sick of them. Especially bluesy ones, crying songs, whining about some lost lover—I hate shit like that, and I’ve always felt that way. I’ve never liked the blues.” 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. Child's Play Today's #OneShotWed comes from the 1988 horror movie Child's Play . In the movie, a single mother gives her son a doll, Chucky, only to discover it's possessed by the soul of a serial killer. Eek! In this scene, Chucky kills his first victim, Aunt Maggie, whom he throws out an apartment window. Standing in for the apartment is Chicago's Brewster Building, built in 1893 and originally known as Lincoln Park Palace. The interior, with its labyrinthian stairs, is also used in the movie. 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