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Review Oscar's history as it relates to Hollywood and Chicago The Oscars and Chicago Review Oscar's history as it relates to Hollywood and Chicago All Talks About Join us for The Oscars and Chicago as we consider Hollywood's most prestigious awards and their unexpected connections to the Windy City. We'll start this hour-long talk with a backstory of the Oscars, including why and how they were created. Then, we'll look at Chicago’s links to this Los Angeles-based event, focusing specifically on the statuette and a few industry game-changers from Chicago. Finally, we'll wrap up the program with a (virtual) tour of Chicago’s Grant Park, where a recent Best Picture nominee spent considerable time filming. Dust off your black dress or tuxedo! The Oscars and Chicago is about to begin. Request Talk Out of gallery

Virtual Tours Virtual Tours Virtual Tours Title Title Virtual Tours Discover Chicago film virtually through participation, HD video, and other media Available Tours What Is a Virtual Tour? Available Tours

Consider what three Chicago-based Christmas movies say about social class Chicago, Christmas Movies, and Class Consider what three Chicago-based Christmas movies say about social class All Talks About National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), Home Alone (1990), and While You Were Sleeping (1995) sit amongst the most beloved American Christmas movies. Set in Chicago at Christmastime, these three mainstream Hollywood comedies have entertained audiences for decades. But have you ever thought about why? Which characters make you laugh or cry? And what does their social class—lower, middle, or upper—have to do with your reaction? Let’s find out in this hour-long talk on class stereotypes in Chicago-based Christmas movies! 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. 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

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

Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Discover Chicago's connections to 'The Wizard of Oz' Dec 06, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST Private: Chicago, Christmas Movies, and Class / Location is TBD Learn more Dec 06, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST Location is TBD Learn about class stereotypes in three Chicago-based Christmas movies Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Holiday Chaos: Behind the Scenes of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" / Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Register Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family 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 Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! On the Run in Chicago: Behind the Scenes of The Fugitive Go behind the scenes of "The Fugitive" to explore its Chicago roots, on-set challenges, and lasting legacy in film and TV history Learn More View All Talks

Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Discover Chicago's connections to 'The Wizard of Oz' Dec 06, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST Private: Chicago, Christmas Movies, and Class / Location is TBD Learn more Dec 06, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST Location is TBD Learn about class stereotypes in three Chicago-based Christmas movies Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Holiday Chaos: Behind the Scenes of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" / Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Register Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family 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 Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! Comedy in Chicago: The Marx Brothers and Bob Newhart Learn about the Chicago connections of a few giants of American comedy Learn More View All Talks

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. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation This close-up shot of a squirrel comes to you from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation . In the 1989 comedy, the Griswolds try to have a “good old-fashioned family Christmas.” But as usual with this family, everything that can go wrong does—including that moment a squirrel who has been nesting in the family Christmas tree gets loose in the house. In an oral history of the film, Christmas Vacation ’s director, Jeremiah Chechik, recalls shooting this scene , which frankly, sounds as chaotic as what made it on film! For the dog and squirrel chase, we hired an animal trainer who trained them everyday for months to run through the set. When it came time to finally shoot what we’d been planning, I got out of my car and saw everyone standing in a huddle shaking their heads, and I knew something was terribly wrong. I asked them what was going on, and they said, “We have a problem.” “Okay, what?” “The squirrel’s dead.” I said, “Holy fuck, we’re shooting that today!” And the animal trainer turned and said, “Ya know, they don’t live that long.” We still had to shoot the scene, so we used an untrained squirrel. It was just total chaos. Related Content Book our talk Behind the Scenes: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation . See if this talk is coming to a location near you. 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 about the Chicago connections of a few giants of American comedy Comedy in Chicago: The Marx Brothers and Bob Newhart Learn about the Chicago connections of a few giants of American comedy All Talks About Chicago's onscreen history with comedy runs deep. This movie talk and accompanying original HD video footage will consider two giants of American film comedy, both of whom have strong ties to the Windy City. In Part 1, we'll begin with a leisurely walk to the Marx Brothers' Chicago home. There, you will learn about a subgenre of film called anarchic comedy. You'll also "take a ride" down a slice of historic Route 66 and see where the Marx family once owned a chicken farm. (Yes, a chicken farm.) Then in Part 2, we'll shift comedic gears to Bob Newhart. Newhart was born in Chicago, and his sitcom The Bob Newhart Show (1972-78) was set here as well. In this section of the talk, you'll visit three locations near and dear to the comedian and actor: his childhood home, his Oak Park apartment, and Navy Pier. Join Chicago Movie Tours and discover the city's comedy roots through TV and film! 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

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 Trial of the Chicago 7 Today's #OneShotWed comes from The Trial of the Chicago 7 , a movie set in Chicago but filmed only partially here. Start at min. 18:40 in Netflix's behind-the-scenes video below. You'll learn how Grant Park—including set pieces like protest signs, Chicago police cars, and ammo—was transformed for the two weeks that production took place in the city. 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

Explore four typical depictions of men in Hollywood film Gender in Hollywood: Men Explore four typical depictions of men in Hollywood film All Talks About Encounter four ways Hollywood has traditionally represented men onscreen. Among the categories you'll consider: macho men, comedy nerds, wounded warriors, and beasts. You'll also learn why nude (or mostly nude) onscreen men often receive harsh punishment in the movie's narrative. Join us for an overview of men in film! NOTE: To give your guests a thorough background on common representations of gender in Hollywood film, book this talk alongside Gender in Hollywood: Women . Or if only one subject interests you, book it individually! Request Talk