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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

Public Tours Public Tours Public Tours Title Title Public Tours Discover Chicago’s movie history through public walking tours, led by a film expert Available Tours Browse our rotating schedule of public walking tours—some available year-round, rain or shine. What Is a Public Tour? Why Take Our Movie Tours? Great for Locals and Tourists Alike Whether you're a long-time Chicagoan or visiting the city for the first time, you'll discover something new about the city’s starring role in Hollywood. Small Group, Personalized Experience Enjoy a more personal, intimate experience with small group sizes to ensure you get the most out of your tour. Led by a Film Expert Unlike other tours in Chicago, ours are led by an film expert with a Ph.D. She offers you unparalleled commentary on moviemaking and the city's film legacy. Behind-the-Scenes Insights Learn how Chicago’s architecture, streets, and skyline shape memorable scenes. Get insider stories about how filmmakers bring those scenes to life. Iconic Film Locations Stand in the exact spots where legendary movie scenes were filmed, from Gotham City in The Dark Knight to the marble staircase in The Untouchables.

Visit a Chicago mural that spoofs one of American art's most well-known paintings by inserting celebrity likenesses America's Most Famous Diner, Chicago Style Visit a Chicago mural that spoofs one of American art's most well-known paintings by inserting celebrity likenesses All Talks About Since 1942, Edward Hopper's painting 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. In 2018, Nighthawks showed up on a storefront in Chicago's Irving Park neighborhood. Well, sort of. This version—with its nods to Chicago movies and culture—emits, shall we say, a slightly different feel. In this talk with Chicago Movie Tours, dive into Edward Hopper's Nighthawks —along with its history and place in pop culture—Chicago style! 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

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 Bear This screenshot comes from The Bear (FX), the episode "Forks" (2.7). It reinforces the series' theme that time is precious and hesitation has consequences. Clocks, calendars, and time dominate The Bear , which is shot entirely in Chicago. In the show's pilot, a wall clock is literally shown 4 times in 3 seconds. In this episode, "Forks," digital clocks, sitting on bedside tables and hanging on glazed tiled walls, constantly fill the frame. In season 2 in general, The Bear 's characters are always up against time, scrambling to open a new restaurant in 12 weeks. They must complete renovations, secure and train staff, and complete a menu. They must also get appropriate permits, which the tense 10-second countdown of the fire suppression test reminds us. In The Bear , every second does indeed count. 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 Fury Today's #OneShotWed comes from Brian De Palma's 1978 horror movie The Fury , filmed partly in Chicago. Chicago critic Gene Siskel found little to enjoy about The Fury . He describes this action sequence inside Old Chicago, an indoor suburban amusement park, as "superfluous." (The park no longer operates.) Maybe the scene is unnecessary, but it sure is action-packed. 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

Tip or donate to Chicago Movie Tours to fuel Kelli's mission to help residents and visitors discover Chicago through film. Thank you! Tip or Donate Support Chicago Movie Tours' mission to help others discover Chicago through film. Your Generous Support fuels Kelli's mission to help residents and visitors discover Chicago through film. Thank you! 💙 First name Last name Email (required for receipt)* Leave a Message (optional) Donation* $10 $20 $30 Send me updates about future tours and talks. Tip/Donate Give via Venmo or PayPal