NOTE: Due to COVID-19 guidelines, some of the institutions hosting Hometowns to Hollywood events have moved from in-person to virtual. I am reposting this listing of programs to reflect the most up-to-date information for January programs.

Dr. Annette Bochenek loves to take Hometowns to Hollywood on the road–in person or virtually–in order to offer fun and engaging presentations about Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her presentations range from focusing on various subjects related to Golden Age Hollywood, in addition to presentations that profile individual performers.

Below is a listing of upcoming presentations and screenings for Hometowns to Hollywood. Attendance is free of charge unless otherwise noted.

To learn more about booking Hometowns to Hollywood at your organization, click here.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Silent Film Night: Harry Langdon & His First Flame (1927)
Tues., Jan 11, 2022, 7:30pm CST
Arcada Theatre (IN-PERSON)
105 E Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174
Fire chief Amos McCarthy counsels his nephew Harry Howells to avoid matrimony at all costs. Still, the lovestruck Harry is determined to marry his sweetheart Ethel. All that changes, though, when it turns out Ethel is a faithless gold-digger. What happens next? Join Chicago’s Premiere Organist Jay Warren and Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a special presentation about the film and its stars as well as live organ accompaniment. Tickets are $10 per person. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.

Hollywood Style: Icons of Fashion
Weds., Jan 12, 2022, 7pm-8pm CST
Bartlett Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Classic Hollywood stars and the fashions they wore both on-screen and off were influential style choices for moviegoers around the world. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about the daring wardrobe choices and revolutionary makeup innovations of the stars as well as their legacies today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Matinee Idols: Hollywood’s Leading Men
Weds., Jan. 19, 2022, 7pm-8pm CST
Addison Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
From charismatic leads to memorable crooners, Hollywood’s studio bombshells often worked alongside top matinee idols of the day. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about the histories of various matinee idols, some of Hollywood’s top leading men, and their legacies today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Based on the Book: From Page to Picture Pt I
Thurs., Jan. 20, 2022, 2pm-3pm CST
Indian Trails Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Many classic films were inspired by books, with movie studios putting their own “Hollywood touch” on the story. What compelled studios to create these films and make changes? Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about classic films based upon books as well as a discussion of comparisons between the text and film. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Based on the Book: From Page to Picture Pt I
Thurs., Jan. 20, 2022, 7pm-8pm CST
Flossmoor Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Many classic films were inspired by books, with movie studios putting their own “Hollywood touch” on the story. What compelled studios to create these films and make changes? Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about classic films based upon books as well as a discussion of comparisons between the text and film. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Ladies of Laughter: Great Comediennes
Tues., Jan. 25, 2022, 8-9pm EST
Hometowns to Hollywood Eventbrite
Online Program via Zoom
In the early days of comedy and beyond, many top-notch classic comediennes have made audiences laugh. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about the funny women of film, television, and radio, including Gracie Allen, Lucille Ball, Eve Arden, and more. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. The registration link will be made available closer to the date of the presentation. Tickets are $20 per person. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.

How’d They Do That?!
Thurs., Jan. 27, 2022, 6:30-7:30pm CST
Palos Park Public Library (IN-PERSON)
Free Online Program via Zoom
Classic Hollywood has achieved a wide variety of iconic scenes that simply take one’s breath away. Movie characters have parted the Red Sea, dodged crop dusters, scaled skyscrapers, and more, leaving audiences wondering, “How’d they do that?!” Join Film Historian Annette Bochenek for a presentation about how some of classic Hollywood’s most memorable movie scenes were developed, approached, and accomplished. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.