Explore Chicago as Gotham, uncover location filming secrets, and learn how camera angles in "The Dark Knight" reveal chaos and power Batman in Chicago: Filming Locations and the Art of Anarchy Explore Chicago as Gotham, uncover location filming secrets, and learn how camera angles in "The Dark Knight" reveal chaos and power All Talks About Book for Oct. 2026 and after— download 2026 calendar . Discover how Chicago became Gotham in The Dark Knight (2008). Using original HD footage of the Chicago Board of Trade Building and Millennium Station , we’ll explore two iconic filming locations and share behind-the-scenes stories that highlight the creativity and challenges that brought Christopher Nolan’s Gotham to life. But Gotham isn’t just a city—it’s a stage for chaos. In the second half of this program, we’ll explore Heath Ledger’s Joker and his mantra, “introduce a little anarchy,” linking it to both the film’s story and visual style. Using downtown Chicago as our backdrop, you’ll learn to spot low-angle shots, understand their cinematic impact, and see how they heighten themes of power and disorder. By the end of this hour-long talk (and video tour) with Kelli , you’ll not only know where The Dark Knight was filmed, but you'll also gain tools to read the film’s imagery in a new way. 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

Explore Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks," its legacy in cinema and popular culture, and the story of how Chicago brought the diner to life Art of the Diner: Nighthawks in Film, History, and Chicago Explore Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks," its legacy in cinema and popular culture, and the story of how Chicago brought the diner to life All Talks About Since 1942, Edward Hopper's 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. This talk explores the story behind Hopper's painting, its influence on film, and how Chicago brought the diner to life. With Kelli , your attendees will: Discover key moments in Hopper’s life and career Explore his love of movies—and how cinema celebrates his work Analyze Nighthawks in popular culture Take an HD video tour to Chicago’s version of the famous diner This 60-minute program (plus Q&A) is ideal for library adult programs, film societies, or community venues looking to connect history, art, and Chicago culture in one entertaining session. Ready to dive into Nighthawks, Chicago style? 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

Meet Dr. Kelli Marshall, a film historian and founder of Chicago Movie Tours. Discover Chicago through film via walking tours and expert presentations and lectures. Meet Dr. Kelli Marshall Film historian, author, and founder of Chicago Movie Tours & Talks I'm Kelli, a film scholar, educator, and founder of Chicago Movie Tours & Talks. Through expert-led walking tours and in-depth presentations, I draw on years of research to help audiences discover the people, places, and stories behind more than 135 years of filmmaking in Chicago. Bringing Film Scholarship Beyond the Classroom I help audiences discover Chicago's film history through research-based tours, talks, and public programs. Before founding Chicago Movie Tours & Talks, I spent over 15 years as a professor of film and media studies, where I taught courses on film history, television, and popular culture. That experience shaped the way I share film history today: combining research and scholarship with storytelling, humor, visual media, and opportunities for audiences to engage. Whether leading a walking tour through Chicago's filming locations or presenting a lecture on Hollywood history, my goal is to make complex ideas accessible, memorable, and meaningful. My writing on film and television has appeared in books, peer-reviewed journals, and popular publications, and my expertise has been featured on podcasts, local television, and international radio programs. Topics have included The Wizard of Oz , Singin’ in the Rain , Ferris Bueller’s Day Off , and Seinfeld . Chicago Movie Tours & Talks grew from a simple idea: movies are not just stories we watch—they are also records of the places, people, and history that surround us. Through tours and public talks , I bring film scholarship beyond the classroom and into the city itself. When I’m not exploring Chicago’s cinematic history, you’ll find me renovating my 1920s Chicago bungalow, spending time with my two rescue dogs, or curating my Gene Kelly fan site. Expertise and Experience Founder of Chicago Movie Tours , successfully bridging the gap between film scholarship and unique walking tours, lectures, and virtual programs. Creator of 50+ distinct film history presentations designed to help public audiences discover the stories, history, and culture of Chicago through film. Published researcher and author with peer-reviewed work and essays spanning cinema history, star studies, television, and media adaptation. Ph.D. in Humanities with 15+ years of university-level teaching and research experience specializing in film, television, and popular culture. Experienced public speaker who has presented hundreds of programs for libraries, historical societies, museums, and community organizations. Featured media expert invited to share film history insights on WGN, the Chicago Tribune , The Washington Post , and various cultural podcasts. While my public programming centers primarily on Chicago's cinematic legacy, my foundational research extends across film comedy , star studies (including Gene Kelly ), television history, and Shakespeare adaptation. Explore My Scholarship View My Press As Featured In Affiliations & Credentials Why Audiences Choose Chicago Movie Tours Led by a Film Historian With a Ph.D. in Humanities and 15 years of university-level teaching experience, Dr. Kelli Marshall brings academic expertise to every tour and program. Research You Can Experience Each experience is grounded in years of research into Chicago's cinematic history, filming locations, filmmakers, and the cultural stories behind the movies. Chicago as the Classroom From downtown landmarks to neighborhood streets, Chicago Movie Tours transforms the city into a living archive of film history. Beyond the Screen Movies are more than entertainment—they preserve architecture, neighborhoods, history, and culture. Each tour and talk explores how films connect us to the places where they were made. Whether you're joining a walking tour, attending a public lecture, or booking a program for your organization, Chicago Movie Tours & Talks combines film scholarship, historical research, and expert storytelling to help audiences discover Chicago through the lens of film. Explore Walking Tours Browse Film Talks

Every Wednesday, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Come back each week to see if you can guess the shot, or 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. Which title is correct? The Boondock Saints The Fugitive St. Patrick: The Irish Legend Leprechaun 3 Answer & Trivia Answer opens in new tab Previous Archive Next

Visit our screenshot archive of movies filmed in Chicago. Play the screenshots you missed! ARCHIVE One-Shot Wednesday Come back each week to guess the screenshot . Or play the ones you missed below!

Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Jul 14, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Private: Chicago's First Ferris Wheel in Film / Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613, USA Learn more Jul 14, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60613, USA Travel back to the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 and experience the first Ferris wheel through film and virtual reality Jul 22, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen / White Oak Library District: Lockport Bra, 121 E 8th St, Lockport, IL 60441, USA Register Jul 22, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT White Oak Library District: Lockport Bra, 121 E 8th St, Lockport, IL 60441, USA Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Aug 06, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM The Breakfast Club: Chicago, Music, and a Generation Defined / Naperville Public Library - 95th Street, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Register Aug 06, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Naperville Public Library - 95th Street, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Discover how "The Breakfast Club" defined a generation through its architecture, music, and ties to Chicago Aug 17, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM The Breakfast Club: Chicago, Music, and a Generation Defined / White Oak Library District: Crest Hill B, 20670 City Center Blvd, Crest Hill, IL 60403, USA Register Aug 17, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM White Oak Library District: Crest Hill B, 20670 City Center Blvd, Crest Hill, IL 60403, USA Discover how "The Breakfast Club" defined a generation through its architecture, music, and ties to Chicago Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified .

FAQs for Talks Get answers about topics, bookings, tech requirements, and more. Events Past / Filter by Title The Art of Ferris Bueller Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 4:30:00 PM UTC The Art of Ferris Bueller Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 4:30:00 PM UTC The Art of Ferris Bueller Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 4:30:00 PM UTC The Wizard of Oz and Chicago Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 6:00:00 PM UTC From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 6:00:00 PM UTC Lectures on Tap – The Blues Brothers: Dissecting a 1980 Chicago Classic Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 11:30:00 PM UTC 1893 World’s Fair & Filming Locations: Chicago Midway Walking Tour Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 3:30:00 PM UTC Art of the Diner: Nighthawks in Film, History, and Chicago Culture Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 6:00:00 PM UTC The Art of Ferris Bueller Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 4:30:00 PM UTC How Do Movies Guide Your Eyes? Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 11:30:00 PM UTC

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 Sting This high-angle shot—of a man who’s been shot right through his fancy tuxedo—falls at the end of The Sting. In this 1973 caper movie, shot partially in Chicago, Paul Newman (pictured here) and Robert Redford play con artists. At the film’s end, the two successfully pull off an elaborate con. They fake their gunshots and wounds. In the process, they deceive their target (Robert Shaw) out of a significant amount of money. Production in Chicago lasted only about a week. Most of The Sting was filmed in studios in Los Angeles. Being con artists, the two characters must constantly watch their backs. During the shoot, that fiction bled over to reality, for Redford at least: he was placed under police protection during production because of threats on his life. The threats originated in LA. But police took no chances in Chicago—in case the threatener followed Redford there (Tampa Times , April 14, 1973). The Sting was nominated for 10 Oscars and won 7: best picture, director, original screenplay, editing, costume design, production design and original score. 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. Southside with You An account of Barack and Michelle Obama's first date, Southside with You was filmed in Chicago in the summer of 2015. Today's #OneShotWed takes place under the Tiffany dome in the Chicago Cultural Center. According to Architectural Digest , for this scene, the characters were supposed to attend an art show at the Art Institute of Chicago. But the cast and crew were unable to film there. So in the end, "the Chicago Cultural Center served as a replacement, and the crew created a show within the space." 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. While You Were Sleeping (1995) This close-up shot of an engagement ring falls at the end of While You Were Sleeping , a 1995 romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, and Peter Gallagher. The movie follows a lonely Chicago transit worker named Lucy (Bullock) who pretends to be the fiancée of a comatose man (Gallagher), only to find herself entangled in a web of misunderstandings with his family and brother, Jack (Pullman). (It's a cute movie, and it helped catapult Bullock into movie stardom.) In lieu of a subway token, Jack has just dropped an engagement ring into Lucy’s token booth. The point-of-view (POV) shot is from Lucy’s perspective, which is why it’s filmed at a high angle (she’s looking down at the ring). As you can see from the sign in the background , the scene was filmed at Chicago's Randolph/Wabash ‘L’ station. Unfortunately, for While You Were Sleeping fans, the station is no longer there. Shortly after Randolph/Wabash closed in 2017, its replacement, Washington/Wabash, opened. You'll recognize the new station when you come across its canopies echoing the waves of nearby Lake Michigan . 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