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

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

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

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. Continental Divide Continental Divide (1981) is lesser-known Chicago movie starring comedian John Belushi. The story follows a Chicago newspaper reporter (Belushi), who travels to the Rockies to interview an eagle researcher (Blair Brown). As they navigate their differences—and the challenges of the wilderness—a romance blossoms. In this scene, Belushi's character (in the background) has made it to the mountains, where he comes face-to-face with a cougar. Most of the mountain scenes, like this one, are filmed in Colorado. But Chicago is on display as well. For instance, Belushi's character works for the Chicago Sun-Times , so several scenes show the interior and exterior of the now-demolished Sun-Times building. Unlike when he acted in The Blues Brothers , "Belushi remained clean and sober" during filming of Continental Divide . "This was a new Belushi, clear-eyed and professional." Unfortunately, the movie didn't fare well. Fans wanted to see Belushi's manic onscreen performances, not a romantic one. 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. Widows (2018) Today’s screenshot comes from the 2018 Chicago-based heist thriller, Widows , directed by Steve McQueen and based on a British TV series of the same name. Let’s analyze… This is a medium shot of a politician named Jack Mulligan, played by Colin Farrell. Mulligan has just arrived in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood to meet with his political opponent (who is also a crime boss). The well-dressed Mulligan—with his shiny car, chauffeur in the background, and obvious unease over his surroundings—is somewhat out of his element here. Indeed, in the preceding scene, Mulligan is attending a fancy gala with other city bigwigs, all seated underneath the impressive Tiffany Dome at the Chicago Cultural Center. In the background of this shot, those familiar with Chicago’s historic movie houses will recognize the former Central Park Theater (c. 1917), pictured here in full . Located at 3535 W. Roosevelt Rd., the Central Park Theater is notable for several reasons: It is the first movie palace completed by Balaban and Katz and architectural firm Rapp and Rapp , a partnership that would spawn several landmark movie palaces like the Chicago, Oriental (now Nederlander), Riviera, and Uptown. It was among the first movie theaters in the nation to have air-conditioning. It offered a daycare in the basement. The Central Park Theater has served as a church since 1971. Behind the chauffeur, note the crosses etched into the walls. Start at 02:30 to watch the scene from Widows unfold. 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. Thief Thief is a 1981 neo-noir directed by Michael Mann starring James Caan in the lead role. The movie follows the story of Frank, a skilled professional safecracker and jewel thief who operates in Chicago. As Frank takes on a high-risk job, he becomes entangled in a web of corruption and betrayal. Below, watch Caan explain how he prepared for Thief 's safecracking scenes—and the satisfaction he received from doing so. 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 Fugitive Much of The Fugitive (Andrew Davis, 1993) is filmed in and around Chicago. But this scene, the dam jump, was shot in North Carolina at the Cheoah Dam. In this short video, Harrison Ford and the stunt coordinator (I assume?) recount how the scene was conceived and shot. 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. What Women Want This is the first shot of What Women Want (2000), a romantic comedy starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt. Along with others in this sequence, this week's shot tells us immediately that this story about men, women, and advertising takes place in the bustling city of Chicago. Also noteworthy: What Women Want remains the second-highest grossing romantic comedy to date . 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 Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them Black Movie History in Chicago: Cinematic Milestones and Sacred Grounds Explore Black film history in Chicago through select movies and sites that connect them All Talks About This hour-long talk is perfect for Black History Month or any time of year you’d like to highlight the vital contributions of African Americans to film history. In the first half of the program, you’ll discover Something Good—Negro Kiss , a silent film capturing what is believed to be the first onscreen kiss by a Black couple. The movie traces its origins to a nineteenth-century Chicago studio, whose remnants you’ll visit virtually through original HD video. Chicago’s cinematic legacy continues beyond the studio lot. You'll also learn about Burr Oak Cemetery and its significance to Black history here in Chicago and beyond. Again, through HD video, you’ll walk the cemetery’s hallowed grounds as you learn about groundbreaking films such as Cooley High (1975) and Boyz n the Hood (1991). This presentation is a meaningful way to celebrate Black filmmakers and stories—whether during Black History Month or throughout the year. 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

Art of Ferris Bueller is not currently available for booking. Art of Ferris Bueller Art of Ferris Bueller is not currently available for booking. All Talks About The Art of Ferris Bueller is not currently available for booking. If you’d like to be notified when it returns, please reach out via our contact form . Thanks! Request Talk

Explore Contagion’s Chicago locations, film history, and eerie parallels to real-world pandemics The Making of Contagion: Chicago as Pandemic Stage Explore Contagion’s Chicago locations, film history, and eerie parallels to real-world pandemics All Talks About Step into the chilling world of Contagion (2011) and discover why Chicago proved the perfect backdrop for this pandemic thriller. In this immersive talk, you'll explore four Chicago-area filming locations through exclusive HD video footage, and experience 3D views of additional sites via Google Maps. Along the way, you’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories about the movie’s Chicago-based production and learn striking ways the real-world COVID-19 pandemic mirrored the making of this haunting film. The hour-long talk also examines Contagion as a narrative and horror movie, highlighting how director Steven Soderbergh uses the city’s landscapes, freezing temperatures, and viral imagery to amplify tension and dread. From ruthless behavior to viral infection, you’ll see how various forms of “coldness” perfectly serve the story and cinematic style. Request Talk