Ph.D.-Led Walking Tours and Presentations

Chicago Film. Expert Insight.

Hi, I'm KELLI, a Ph.D. film scholar and the founder of Chicago Movie Tours & Talks.

I offer expert-led Chicago movie tours and 50+ film history talks that explore how the city’s filming locations connect to its culture, history, and identity. From walking tours to in-depth presentations for libraries, senior centers, and community groups, each experience brings Chicago’s cinematic story to life.

Founder Kelli Marshall, Ph.D., smiling and presenting as the guide for Chicago Movie Tours.

Chicago Movie Tours & Talks:
By the Numbers

135

Years of Chicago film history covered

50

Unique movie history talks available

300+

Programs and tours presented

15+

Years of teaching and research experience

top-rated-chicago-experience-Published Author & Keynote Speaker-laurel-wreath-chicago-movi

Laurel wreath surrounding Published Author & Keynote Speaker

Reviews of Chicago Movie Tours & Talks

Guests consistently rate both tours and programs 5 stars for depth, insight, and storytelling.

Sherman

Art of Ferris Bueller

average rating is 5 out of 5

Kelli was awesome! Clear instructions on where and when to meet, then prompt start of the tour. She clearly knows art so that was the one aspect I did not expect. It was wonderful to hear about the background of the artists to give some context to the painting/sculpture. Definitely more and better than I expected. Thank you.

Mitchell Szczepanczyk

Hollywood on the Rails

average rating is 5 out of 5

Kelli at Chicago Movie Tours gave a fantastic tour of Union Station for her tour "Hollywood on the Rails." She didn't just teach us about movies and TV shows, which were plentiful (I didn't realize that "The Sting" was filmed in part at Chicago Union Station); the tour also touched on points from a variety of fields, including architecture, art and design, history, technology, and of course, Chicago. It was a wonderful way to spend two hours, very informative and engaging, and very much worth your time, whether your interests lie in film, pop culture, history, architecture, or the Windy City!

Tommy, Chicago History Podcast

From Fairground to Film Set

average rating is 5 out of 5

As knowledgeable as I thought I was about movies (especially those with Chicago connections), I learned so much more from my recent Chicago Movie Tours event with host Kelli. Even with things I kind of knew before, I was able to look at them in a new light. Engaging, detailed presentations and an eagerness to answer questions made this a top-notch experience. Highly recommended.

Kelli points to a sign for Oz Park on her walking tour.

In the News

Walking Tours Featured

Watch Dr. Kelli Marshall break down Chicago film history on WGN Morning News.

Film History Talks Featured

Hear about the Windy City's links to The Wizard of Oz with Kelli on NBC 5 Chicago.

An NBC 5 Chicago reporter interviews the Chicago Movie Tours guide in a city park.

Chicago Movie History, Expertly Told

Ph.D.-Led Walking Tours and Presentations

Chicago Film. Expert Insight.

Chicago Movie Tours & Talks:
By the Numbers

135

50

300+