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:

Chicago: The First Hollywood
Sun., May 1, 2022, 2pm-3pm CT
Morton Grove Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Before the film industry moved West, it was firmly rooted in Chicago. Some of its key players included Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, “Broncho Billy” Anderson, and many more. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the film industry’s early days in Chicago, as she discusses former silent film studios in Chicago, film stars who worked in Chicago, and the legacies of these studios and stars today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Ladies of Laughter: Great Comediennes
Tues., May 10, 2022, 7pm-8pm CT
Prairie Trails Public Library
Free 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. REGISTER HERE.

Hollywood Goes to the Library
Weds., May 11, 2022, 6:30pm-7:30pm CT
Westmont Public Library (IN-PERSON)
428 N Cass Ave, Westmont, IL 60559
Librarians and libraries have been portrayed throughout classic films, spanning many genres. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents depictions of librarians and libraries in classic films as well as the influence of special real-life librarians upon the film industry. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Lucille Ball: Queen of Comedy
Tues., May 17, 2022, 7pm-8pm CT
St. Charles Public Library (IN-PERSON)
1 S 6th Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174
Lucille Ball is celebrated as one of classic television’s top comediennes. In addition to a career spanning radio, television, and film, Ball also possessed a strong business acumen that impacted classic television. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a special “Hometowns to Hollywood” tribute to Lucille Ball, as she discusses her career, legacy, and early years in a multimedia presentation. REGISTER HERE.

Everybody Dance!: Classic Cinema’s Top Dancers
Thurs., May 19, 2022, 1pm-2pm CT
CJE SeniorLife
Free Online Program via Zoom
Classic Hollywood musicals were made all the more special by triple-threat talents and showstopping song-and-dance numbers. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents some of classic cinema’s most influential dancers, including Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Ann Miller, Eleanor Powell, and more. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. TUNE IN HERE.

Based on the Book: From Page to Picture Part I
Thurs., May 19, 2022, 5pm-6pm MT/6pm-7pm CT
Santa Fe 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 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.