Chicago has been growing as a movie making destination. Action flicks like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Divergent and more indie films like Drinking Buddies filmed here in recent years. But Chicago still seems very Midwestern compared to the film mecca-Hollywood. But our growing presence on the scene is a return to history. The book Flickering Empire: How Chicago Invented the U.S. Film Industry dissects how the major studios launched the silent film era right here in Chicago. Co-authors Michael Glover Smith and Adam Selzer explain why Chicago was such a hot spot and when that bright light faded. (Flickr/Alex Eylar)