On Nov. 10, 1990, “Home Alone” premiered in Chicago ahead of its national release, becoming one of the highest-grossing comedies ever.
And that’s all thanks to filmmaker John Hughes’ anxiety at the thought of leaving a kid behind on a family trip in 1989, his son James wrote for Chicago magazine. Hughes worked on the script two weeks after coming home.
More than a year later, Kevin, the Wet Bandits, and the rest of the McAllisters were on our screens, running around the North Shore in the Christmas comedy.
More about Chicago History
Who’s Preserving Chicago Family History?
If you are like me, all your family history lives within multiple photo albums and VHS tapes stored in your parents’ living room cabinets.
Michelle NavarroApr 8, 2026
Happy Birthday, Chicago!
Chicago's official incorporation was in 1837, but Native American tribes had thriving trade networks across the Great Lakes region going much farther back.
Emily MackMar 4, 2026
The History of Millennium Park
Natalia AldanaJul 16, 2024