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. Sixteen Candles This slightly low-angle medium shot of Joan Cusack comes from Sixteen Candles . In John Hughes’s 1984 teen comedy—set and filmed in suburban Chicago—Cusack plays Geek Girl #1. She has no lines other than “yeah” and “okay,” and she wears a neck brace that hinders her drinking from water fountains and cans of soda. Memorably, Geek Girl #1 uses material from her shirt appliqué to wipe her mouth after she finally captures a sip of water. (Joan’s brother, John Cusack, also plays a small part in Sixteen Candles .) Fans of the Cusacks likely know the siblings—comprised of Ann, Joan, Bill, John, and Susie—grew up in Chicago’s north suburb of Evanston, where they began acting in local theater productions. Additionally, their father, Dick Cusack, owned a movie production company that created corporate films, and he and his wife encouraged the kids to perform. Despite their careers in Hollywood, John and Joan Cusack still have residences here. In fact, since 2011, Joan has owned a gift shop in Old Town, Chicago . When asked about her hometown—where bit parts like this one in Sixteen Candles would ultimately lead to Oscar-nominated roles in Working Girl and In and Out— Joan Cusack says this: “Chicago is so normal. It’s very real. In Hollywood, I feel like mostly an actress. In Chicago, I feel like a person and an actress.” (Tallahassee Democrat , Dec 1993) 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. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) Directed, written, and produced by John Hughes, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a road movie with one goal: to get its two characters home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. Steve Martin and John Candy play the incompatible pair. Martin’s Neal Page is an uptight Chicago ad executive, and Candy’s Del Griffith is a garrulous shower curtain ring salesman. The long shot above of a guy smirking behind a NYC taxi cab takes place near the beginning of Planes, Trains and Automobiles . While frantically searching for a cab, Neal encounters “Taxi Racer,” played by Kevin Bacon. The two men sprint through a crowded Manhattan street, seeing who can reach an available cab first. Neal nearly wins, but he trips over Del’s trunk and lands face-first onto the street. “Taxi Racer” claims the cab; before getting in, he offers a sarcastic salute to the fallen Neal. Here, Hughes films from a low angle because it is a point-of-view shot from Neal’s (lowly) perspective. What’s more, this shot—along with the whole scene —foreshadows the frustrating and often submissive position in which Neal will consistently find himself as he crosses paths with Del on their journey home to Chicago for Thanksgiving. If you’re wondering why Kevin Bacon plays such a small role in Planes, Trains and Automobiles (indeed, he’s only onscreen for 1 minute), he explains here . 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. Undertow Undertow is a 1949 film noir. It follows Tony Reagan (Scott Brady), a former Chicago mobster/ex-con who is framed for murder and must clear his name before police catch him. In the process, Tony hopes to marry his bride-to-be, Sally Lee (Dorothy Hart). After 7 years apart, the couple meets up in Chicago, in front of Buckingham Fountain . (Things will not end well for Reagan and Sally; it is a film noir after all.) Other well-known Chicago locations you’ll see in Undertow include: Midway Airport Palmer House Hotel Shedd Aquarium Adler Planetarium Merchandise Mart Notably, Undertow marks the first film credit for Rock Hudson , who hails from Chicago's suburb of Winnetka. Look closely in the opening credits and you’ll find his name—although spelled “Roc.” 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. Flags of Our Fathers Flags of Our Fathers is a 2006 war drama directed by Clint Eastwood. It depicts the Battle of Iwo Jima (1945), the flag-raising atop Mount Suribachi, and the event's impact on six American soldiers’ lives. Notably, Flags of Our Fathers is a companion piece to Eastwood's film Letters from Iwo Jima (2006), the latter of which represents the battle from the Japanese perspective and is almost entirely in Japanese. Eastwood filmed the two war movies back to back. Flags of Our Fathers unfolds via flashbacks, this scene included. In this long shot, the war heroes are being honored on location in Chicago’s Union Station . For the scene, the Illinois Railway Museum brought in two vintage trains, and set designers redecorated the station’s Great Hall with WWII banners. In the background of this screenshot, note the massive banner representing the now-iconic photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima . Aside from Union Station, Flags of Our Fathers filmed at Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, the Drake Hotel (seen at the end of this scene), and the Kenilworth and Glencoe train stations. Eastwood shot the movie over 58 days, a little longer than his usual speedy shooting schedule . 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

On a 90-minute guided movie walking tour, uncover Hollywood's dark past in Chicago through The Wizard of Oz, cocaine movies, and gangsters The Wizard of Oz and Dark Hollywood in Chicago On a 90-minute guided movie walking tour, uncover Hollywood's dark past in Chicago through The Wizard of Oz, cocaine movies, and gangsters Read Reviews Book Public Tour Book Private Tour About 1.5 hrs 1.25 mi. 8 guests $39.99 On a 90-minute guided movie walking tour, uncover Hollywood's dark past in Chicago through The Wizard of Oz, cocaine movies, and gangsters Meet up in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood for The Wizard of Oz and Dark Hollywood in Chicago , a 90-minute guided outdoor walking tour on the darker side of the silver screen! A park inspired by The Wizard of Oz , homes designed by Chicago's leading architect, and a theater built for moving pictures seem friendly enough. But a closer look at these three Chicago locations leads you down a destructive path closely tied to Hollywood. You'll start the tour in a neighborhood park devoted to The Wizard of Oz . Here, you'll learn about Chicago's connections to the beloved children's story. But also, brace yourself for untold, darker tales behind the iconic 1939 movie that may leave you shocked. Your adventure with The Wizard of Oz and Dark Hollywood in Chicago continues as you stroll down a tree-lined street, surrounded by houses with a rich history that whisper secrets of Hollywood's scandalous silent era. As you explore these architectural gems, your expert PhD tour guide , will disclose mind-boggling connections to "cocaine comedies." From there, you'll follow a narrow brick road. It's not yellow, alas. But look carefully as you walk, and you'll find written remnants of Chicago's past. On the final stretch, your tour takes a thrilling turn into the heart of Chicago's notorious gangster history, seamlessly interwoven with the glamour of Hollywood's golden era. Along your The Wizard of Oz and Dark Hollywood in Chicago journey, film clips, screenshots, newspaper clippings, and vintage movie magazines will transport you back in time, offering glimpses into the scandalous happenings of yesteryear. Don't miss your chance to be part of this adventure in Chicago. Book your spot! Movies/TV Highlighted Public Enemies (2009) High Fidelity (2000) The Wizard of Oz (1939) Get Out and Get Under (1920) The Mystery of the Leaping Fish (1916) For His Son (1912) The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1910) Public Tour Dates Sunday Sep 6, 2026 3:30 PM Buy Tickets Show More Dates Private Tours Book this tour as a private or group tour! The private tour price listed below is a flat fee for up to 8 guests. If you have more than 8 in your party, please contact us to see if we can accommodate you. Book Private $399 Tour Specifics Start/End Points The tour starts at Oz Park, 2021 N Burling St. next to the Tin Man sculpture (W. Webster/N. Larrabee). The tour ends at 2433 N Lincoln Ave. Waivers Guests must initial a digital general waiver of liability with Chicago Movie Tours when they book. Guardians must sign waivers for children under the age of 18. Low Attendance To ensure we can provide a fun, engaging, and economically feasible public tour, we typically need a minimum of 4 guests. Head over to Tour Terms and Conditions for more on this policy, including reasons behind it and your refund options if, in the rare instance, a tour is cancelled due to low attendance. Parking/Transportation If available, free parking spots run along the residential streets near Oz Park. Public transit : take the Brown Line or Purple Line to Armitage, or take the Brown, Purple, or Red Line to Fullerton. Our starting point is a 0.4 mile-walk from the Armitage 'L' station and a 0.5-mile walk from the Fullerton 'L' station. Accessibility All of our stops on the walking tour have sidewalks and crosswalks. We will travel down an original brick-paved road. What to Bring Please wear weather-appropriate clothing. Tours run rain or shine. Restrooms A Target store with a public restroom is near the start of our tour route. Children While this tour explores the children's story The Wizard of Oz , some content may not be appropriate for guests under age 13. Photography/Video No video or audio recording of the tour, but take as many pictures as you'd like! Cancellations and Refunds You may cancel or amend your reservation 48 hours or more before the tour departs. Read more Tour Terms and Conditions . What's Included Guided 90-min. outdoor walking tour in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, including buildings with National Historic and Chicago Landmark status Expert tour guide commentary from a PhD in film Obscure stories about Chicago's ties to The Wizard of Oz and Hollywood's scandalous past Small group to generate engagement and foster a personalized tour Visual and audio media to enhance your experience Plenty of Instagram opportunities Mini (Oz-themed) goodie bags! 💙 Reviews Jason The Wizard of Oz and Dark Hollywood in Chicago average rating is 5 out of 5 An exceptional tour. I did the Oz and dark side of Hollywood tour and Kelli was smart, fun and a great guide. Must do, especially if you’re in the Lincoln park area. May 3, 2026 Michelle The Wizard of Oz and Dark Hollywood in Chicago average rating is 5 out of 5 What a gem of a find our tour was! A friend of mine and I did the Dark Hollywood tour today, as it sounded intriguing and something different to do. I had so much fun! Learned a ton about Chicago, Hollywood, The Wizard of Oz and other films, and even some broader history that I never knew, and I found it all fascinating. Also loved the incredible photos that the tour guide brought pertaining to all the relevant history. Tour guide was lovely and welcoming of all my questions. I look forward to taking another Movie Tour at the old Joliet prison in September! July 7, 2024 Todd Miller Wizard of Oz in Chicago average rating is 5 out of 5 Best Chicago tour I’ve been on. Don’t miss it!! November 11, 2023 Load More Reviews

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

On virtual walking tours, discover Chicago and movies through real-time participation, HD video, interactive maps, and other unique media forms. Virtual Tours Discover Chicago and film virtually through participation, HD video, and other media. Director's Chair Book a Virtual Tour Join a Live Virtual Tour Jul 20, 2026 9:30 PM The Chicago Wheel: Rise & Fall of the World's First Ferris Wheel Travel back to the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 and experience the first Ferris wheel through film and virtual reality DETAILS Jul 28, 2026 11:30 PM Still Waters, Sudden Death: Chicago’s Deadliest Disaster Onscreen Examine the SS Eastland tragedy through its screen portrayals—from newsreels and documentaries to home movies and a Disney show DETAILS Watch a Virtual Tour What's Included Chicago Movie Tours' virtual tours and events incorporate the following, when applicable, to bring the subject matter to life: HD video High-quality photos Expertly designed animated slideshows Clips and screengrabs Maps (to orient you as you "travel" with us) Vintage newspaper articles and ads Classic movie fan magazine excerpts Well-researched commentary Additionally, we always include opportunities for audience contribution.

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 (1989) In National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation , Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) plans the perfect family Christmas, only to have it unravel through a series of comical disasters—from a faulty Christmas light display to unexpected visits from eccentric relatives. In this long shot, Clark stands with his wife, Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo), after several failed attempts to light his suburban Chicago house for Christmas. Note the decorative reindeer in the bottom right and copious light strands crisscrossing the entire house. Ultimately, Ellen figures out the electrical problem, and the house will be, shall we say, well lit within the neighborhood. Take a closer look at the Griswold house for a moment. The two-story yellow house is actually a facade, formerly located inside the Warner Bros. Ranch in Burbank, CA. Yes, although National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is set in Chicago, it was filmed primarily in Los Angeles. You may have also seen this house in American Beauty (1999), Hocus Pocus (1993), or the medical drama ER (1994-2009), also Chicago-based. Sadly, in 2023, the Warner Bros. Ranch—along with all the movie and TV “homes” within it—was demolished to make room for office buildings. 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 Breakfast Club This close-up, low-angle shot of a piece of bologna stuck to a statue comes from The Breakfast Club , a 1985 teen movie directed by John Hughes and shot entirely in the northern suburbs of Chicago. During the film's lunch scene, Allison (Ally Sheedy), in disgust, throws a piece of bologna overhead, where it lands on a sculpture behind her. The character then makes a new sandwich—complete with white bread, wheat bread, butter, Pixy Stix, and Cap'n Crunch cereal. According to Sheedy , she settled on using that cereal "because the crunch was a very angry sound, and [Allison] was doing some things to get attention." Sheedy also remembers having to eat three of those concoctions, all of which "tasted really bad!" 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 Widows is a 2018 heist movie about four women with nothing in common but a debt left behind by their dead husbands' criminal activities. Today's #OneShotWed reflects the funeral of one of those husbands. The TV show on which Widows is based, also called Widows , is set in London. But British director Steve McQueen wanted to adapt the story to Chicago. In his words: "I wanted a contemporary place, a modern city, and Chicago seemed to be that place. Politics, race, corruption, policing, gender, all those things, it was all there, in Chicago.” Read more about Widows ' Chicago connections . And watch Widows ! 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 This screenshot of a Christmasy Chicago "L" station is from the 1995 romantic comedy While You Were Sleeping . The movie follows a lonely Chicago transit worker named Lucy (Sandra Bullock) who pretends to be the fiancée of a comatose man (Peter Gallagher), only to find herself entangled in a web of misunderstandings with him and his family. (It's a cute movie, and it helped catapult Bullock into movie stardom!) Today's #OneShotWed is an establishing shot. It shows us where Lucy works as a token collector and jumps onto the tracks to save the life of Gallagher's character. The scene was filmed at Chicago's Randolph/Wabash “L” station, but it is no longer there. Shortly after Randolph/Wabash closed in 2017, its replacement, Washington/Wabash, opened. You'll recognize the new station when you see its canopies intending to echo 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

On a two-hour guided walking tour, explore a former suburban Chicago prison that has been featured in movies and TV series for a century Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison On a two-hour guided walking tour, explore a former suburban Chicago prison that has been featured in movies and TV series for a century Read Reviews Book Public Tour Book Private Tour About 2 hrs 1.25 mi. 25+ guests $49.99 On a two-hour guided walking tour, explore a former suburban Chicago prison that has been featured in movies and TV series for a century Tour resumes Spring 2026 Step into an cinematic expedition like no other. Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison is a riveting 2-hour guided walking tour led by a PhD in film and the knowledgable staff of the Joliet Area Historical Museum . Venture just 30 miles outside Chicago to the historic Old Joliet Prison, where the echoes of Illinois' penitentiary past and Hollywood intertwine. You'll start your 1.25-mile (mostly outdoor) exploration by passing through the barbed-wire gates of this former correctional center. Inside the prison's walls, you'll encounter the raw reality of its sally ports, imposing cellblocks, solemn chapel, once-bustling cafeteria, expansive yard, and haunting solitary confinement cells. Exclusive to Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison , you'll also gain access to areas typically off-limits to the public, offering a rare glimpse into the hidden corners of this historic landmark. As the tour reaches its climax, you'll settle into our makeshift movie theater inside the dimly lit gymnasium, where the story of Hollywood's century-long fascination with Old Joliet Prison unfolds. Delve into tales of cinematic history, from iconic sets to the profound impact of film on Illinois prison reform. This guided tour from Chicago Movie Tours promises to be a memorable exploration of suburban Chicago's rich movie history. So get ready for an unforgettable and educational adventure with Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison ! NOTE: This speciality tour—offered only a few times per year, usually in later summer and early fall—needs at least 20 guests to run. In the event we must cancel because of low ticket sales, we will notify you via email and then refund you in full. Movies/TV Highlighted Ghost Adventures (2019) Empire (2015-20) Public Enemies (2009) Let's Go to Prison (2006) Prison Break (2005-09) The Blues Brothers (1980) White Heat (1949) Public Tour Dates: Coming Spring 2026 Show More Dates Private Tours Book this tour as a private or group tour, provided the property and guides are available! Private tour groups must have at least 20 guests. Please contact us for more . Contact Us Tour Specifics Start/End Points 1125 Collins St, Joliet, IL 60432. Tours meet in the Welcome Center. View aerial map . Low Attendance Policy This special tour needs 20 guests to run. In the event we must cancel because of low ticket sales, we will notify you via email 24 hours in advance and then either transfer your tickets to another tour date or refund you in full, whichever you prefer. Head over to Tour Terms and Conditions for more on this policy. Waivers Guests must initial a digital general waiver of liability with Chicago Movie Tours when they book. Guests must also sign a waiver with Joliet Area Historical Museum when they arrive at the Welcome Center. Guardians must sign waivers for children under the age of 18. Parking/Transportation Plenty of free parking is available. Accessibility This tour is not ADA-approved, but 70% of it is accessible for all guests. What to Bring Please wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Tours run rain or shine. You might also wish to bring sunscreen and a bottle of water. Note: the property has little shade, which can make summer tours rather warm. Restrooms Flushable toilets are available in the Welcome Center. Portable toilets are available throughout the tour. Children Guests ages 10 and up can attend. Photography/Video No video or audio recording of the tour, but take as many pictures as you'd like! Cancellations and Refunds You may cancel or amend your reservation 48 hours or more before the tour departs. Read more Tour Terms and Conditions . What's Included Expert tour guide commentary led by a PhD in film and knowledgeable staff from the Joliet Area Historical Museum Special access to buildings and areas used by Hollywood crews and casts 30-minute interactive movie/program to bring the prison's history and stories to life Plenty of Instagram opportunities Free parking Mini (Blues Brothers-themed) goodie bag! 💙 Reviews Michael Sullivan Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison average rating is 5 out of 5 Excellent tour of the Joliet prison. Tour guides were excellent and knowledgeable. Loved the movie and TV presentation! September 29, 2024 Bon B. Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison average rating is 5 out of 5 Kelli is a great tour guide! I enjoyed the Old Joliet Prison tour very much (note: this was NOT the "haunted" prison tour--that is completely different), especially learning about all the movies and TV shows that were filmed here ("Blues Brothers," etc.). September 28, 2024 David Chicago and Movies in Old Joliet Prison average rating is 5 out of 5 On this tour we gain access to areas of the prison not open to the public including the cafeteria, chapel, death row and the west building prison cells. We were accompanied by an experienced prison tour guide who provided historical details and anecdotal information in addition to Kelli’s movie related details. Kelli’s presentation at the end was extremely well researched and added a richness to the tour that made the entire experience educational as well as entertaining! Would recommend highly!! September 2, 2023 Load More Reviews