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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. Groundhog Day In this low-angle shot from Groundhog Day (1994), Bill Murray’s character, Phil, is about to jump from the roof of the Woodstock Opera House in Woodstock, IL . Groundhog Day follows a weatherman (Murray) who finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over until he learns to reevaluate his priorities. In this segment of the film, Phil has grow so depressed with his situation that he tries to end his life multiple times. In constructing the plot of Groundhog Day, screenwriter Danny Rubin used Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ ideas on the stages of death and dying: denial anger bargaining depression acceptance This scene, highlighted in today's screenshot, is perhaps the movie’s most morbid: “Perhaps the movie’s riskiest, funniest and certainly blackest section involves Murray’s spectacular, even grotesque, attempts to deal with the overwhelming despair of being stuck forever in the exact same place.” — LA Times , Feb. 12, 1993 Located about an hour from Chicago, Woodstock, IL, serves as the filming location for the fictional town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Its picturesque charm and historic square enhance the film's sense of nostalgia—and reinforce its theme of self-discovery and redemption. Every year, the town celebrates the movie for which it is famous. 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! From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film Learn More View All Talks

Learn about three eras of Hollywood's history, from 1893-1970 Brief History of Hollywood Film Learn about three eras of Hollywood's history, from 1893-1970 All Talks About Looking for an accessible introduction to the history of mainstream cinema? This fast-paced, informative talk is led by a PhD with extensive experience teaching film studies at the university level. In just 60 minutes, you’ll explore three major eras of Hollywood history: Early cinema and the coming of sound Classical Hollywood and the studio system The New Hollywood of the 1960s–80s Whether you're new to film history or want a fresh overview from a seasoned educator, this lecture delivers a lively, insightful journey through the evolution of American cinema. 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. Source Code Source Code is a 2011 sci-fi thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, and Jeffrey Wright. Gyllenhaal plays a soldier tasked with identifying a terrorist in a simulated reality. In this slightly low-angle long shot, Gyllenhaal’s character stands with his friend/love interest (Monaghan), before the Bean (aka. Cloud Gate ) in Chicago’s Millennium Park . You can watch the full 90-second scene below. According to Gyllenhaal, the cast and crew spent only one day filming Source Code in Chicago. That said, the actor expresses much fondness for the city: "It would have been nice to have the whole movie there; it's such an amazing city and we had a great time the day that we were there. A lot of what you see in the movie is really Chicago that was digitally inserted [in post-production, like Metra trains ]. With a movie like this, with budgets being what they are, there were constraints.” (Chicago Tribune , 1 Apr 2011) Despite the short production schedule, this scene at the Bean is significant to Source Code ’s narrative. The director, Duncan Jones, says, the sculpture “is the perfect representation of what the movie is. We need to begin and end the movie there." And so, they did. Jones talks more about filming at the Bean in this interview . 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! Gender in Hollywood: Women Encounter four ways Hollywood has traditionally represented women onscreen Learn More View All Talks

Learn about Chicago Movie Tours' backstory: who we are, what we can offer you, and why you should choose Kelli for your next movie tour in Chicago. About Engaging tours and talks led by a PhD that help you discover Chicago through film Why Choose Chicago Movie Tours? Founded in 2019, Chicago Movie Tours is a woman-owned, fully insured small business just outside the city, sharing expert knowledge of classic and contemporary film with locals and visitors alike. Experienced Chicago Movie Tours' founder, Kelli Marshall , spent more than a decade teaching, researching, and publishing in the fields of film and media studies. Now, Kelli takes her expertise and love of teaching beyond the traditional college classroom and into real-world settings like the Art Institute and Union Station . Whether you book or attend a movie talk or sign up for a walking tour , you'll hear well-researched stories and secrets related to Chicago and film, contextualized in history and culture. Specialized Chicago Movie Tours' walking tours and movie talks often explore singular aspects of cinema and TV. Learn about The Wizard of Oz 's links to Chicago , Hollywood genres in The Blues Brothers , and toupees and movie fan magazines . Specializing in this way means you get to experience in-depth and memorable events that encourage you to reconsider the filmmaking process and its relationship to Chicagoland. Wide-Reaching Through Chicago Movie Tours' movie talks , public walking tours , and private or group tours , you will have the opportunity to explore the city of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. After all, both regions offer unique features and movie and TV histories. Kelli cultivates partnerships and arrangements with popular and offbeat venues related to Chicago and film—to provide you with unique access, early admission, and, when possible, exclusive privileges. Tuned In Since humans spend nearly half their day interacting with media , Chicago Movie Tours believes that studying film, TV, and other media forms is crucial to our understanding of their effects on our lives. Mass media shape virtually everything we learn. Mass media determine what we talk and care about. Mass media study us, so why shouldn’t we study them? Meet Kelli Read about Chicago Movie Tours' owner, public speaker, and tour guide. Learn More

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. Home Alone From Home Alone (1990), this is a medium shot of a cashier, Sally, holding a bag of army men labeled Attack Force. Notice the slightly low camera angle and Sally’s downcast eyes, suggesting she is interacting with someone shorter than she. Also, Christmas lights, garland, and wreaths hang behind her in the store. Hopefully, those directorial decisions hinted to you that we’re likely looking at a Chicago-based Christmas movie that may involve a child. And indeed we are. Mistakenly left alone at Christmastime, eight-year-old Kevin McAllister (Macaulay Culkin) must defend his home against a pair of burglars. During the process, Kevin ventures out to the grocery store, where he adds this bag of army men to his list. Amusingly, he tells Sally, “It’s for the kids.” Did you know actor-comedian Robin Williams played with little toy soldiers too while he lived here in Chicago? As a child in Chicago’s north suburbs, Williams staged battles with thousands of toy soldiers, his mother recalls. In fact, the young Williams even wrote the soldiers' dialogue, foreshadowing his performance style of carrying on conversations with himself through multiple voices. 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. My Next Guest with David Letterman and John Mulaney This screenshot is from My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman , a Netflix series featuring in-depth interviews with various guests, including Barack Obama, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Malala Yousafzai. It premiered on January 12, 2018. In this episode from April 2024, David Letterman heads to Chicago to interview comedian John Mulaney. The conversation covers various aspects of Mulaney's life and career, including his experiences in comedy, his time on Saturday Night Live , and his personal struggles, such as his journey through addiction and recovery. This portion of the 45-minute episode takes place inside a classroom at Mulaney's former Chicago high school, St. Ignatius College Prep (1076 Roosevelt Rd). Through astute questions from current students, we get a look into Mulaney's creative process, his inspirations, and his views on the current state of comedy, including "cancel culture ." Below, watch a clip of Letterman and Mulaney talking in the hallway of St. Ignatius. 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. A League of Their Own Set during World War II, A League of Their Own (1992) follows the creation of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League as women step in to play baseball while men are off at war. The movie focuses on the rivalry and camaraderie between two sisters, Dottie (Geena Davis) and Kit (Lori Petty), and their journey to prove that women belong in the sport. One teammate who clearly belongs in the sport is the socially awkward Marla Hooch (Megan Cavanagh). Because of her plain appearance, Marla is initially overlooked, but she proves to be a powerful hitter and a valuable team member. What’s more, Marla is also perhaps the one player “who comes out of the film the most emotionally fulfilled.” The medium shot above is of Marla’s father. He has just showcased his daughter’s batting skills to a group of men—and declared she would have easily made the Yankees if she were a boy. Now, at a train station, he proudly bids his daughter farewell while pretending to swing a baseball bat. This scene with Marla and her father was filmed on location at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois. Here is a long shot of the same . Watch the full scene below, starting around minute 4:00. A League of Their Own also filmed at Chicago's Wrigley Field and in the Chicago suburbs. 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 Untouchables (1987) This establishing shot from the 1987 gangster movie The Untouchables showcases several historic Chicago buildings. For example, the Chicago Board of Trade Building , that Art Deco skyscraper with a clock in the center, is in the background. The Rookery Building , serving as the movie’s police headquarters, is at left with the Chicago Flag hanging from it. At this point in the narrative, Eliot Ness (Kevin Costner) has just formed his team of “untouchables” to bring down Al Capone in Prohibition-era Chicago. If you squint, in the middle ground, you can see three of the "untouchables" crossing the recently rain-soaked street. But let’s return to the Chicago flag for a moment and discuss what it represents . On the Chicago flag, the two sky blue stripes represent Lake Michigan and the branches of the Chicago River. The three white stripes represent the N, W, and S sides of the city. The four red stars in the middle represent major events in Chicago’s history: establishment of Fort Dearborn , where Chicago now sits Great Chicago Fire of 1871 World’s Fair of 1893 World’s Fair of 1933 Since The Untouchables is set in 1930, the Chicago flags captured onscreen should only have 2 stars like this one . Next time you watch the movie, keep your eye out and see if you notice any inconsistencies with the Chicago flag! 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! Chicago's World's Fairs and the Movies Discover how Chicago helped advance film and create movie stars 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. When Harry Met Sally When Harry Met Sally is a romantic comedy that explores the evolving relationship between Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) over several years. Ultimately, the movie raises the question "Can men and women ever just be friends?” This extreme-long shot falls at the end of When Harry Met Sally . After the Harry and Sally profess their love to one another, the camera cranes back and up to a high angle to reveal the couple's position within a crowded New Years' Eve party. While this scene—and indeed, the majority of the movie—were not filmed in Chicago, the opening scenes were shot on the University of Chicago campus and Lake Shore Drive. For more on the film's few (but memorable) Chicago-based scenes, be sure to catch our virtual tour on food and Chicago in When Harry Met Sally . 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