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: Battling Butler (1926)
Tues., Aug. 9, 2022, 7:30pm CT
Arcada Theatre (IN-PERSON)
105 E Main St, St. Charles, IL 60174
A love-struck weakling must pretend to be a boxer in order to gain respect from the family of the girl he loves. 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 along with live musical accompaniment. Tickets are $9 per person. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Dynamic Duos: Classic Comedy Partnerships
Weds., Aug. 10, 2022, 7pm-8pm CT
Eventbrite
Online Program via Zoom
Whether over the airwaves or on the silver screen, the classic comedy genre benefited from many beloved comedic partnerships. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents early comedy’s top partnerships, including Abbott & Costello, Burns & Allen, Laurel & Hardy, Martin & Lewis, and more. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. Tickets are $10. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Bad Boys & Girls: The Characters We Love to Hate
Thurs., Aug. 11, 2022, 2pm-3pm CT
Dickinson Hall (IN-PERSON)
100 E Old Mill Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045
While many classic film characters are honorable or heroic, others were certainly the opposite. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation on the stellar performances of actors who portrayed some of the not-so-nice characters in classic Hollywood cinema—the characters who audiences loved to hate. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Hollywood Goes to the Beach
Thurs., Aug. 11, 2022, 7pm-8pm CT
Mid-Continent Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Taking full advantage of sunny California’s climate, classic Hollywood films frequently featured beach sequences and sun-drenched stars. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores classic Hollywood stars and their ties to beach films, the beach movies’ influence on fashion, and memorable beach movie moments. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

The Women Who Built Hollywood
Mon., Aug. 15, 2022, 6pm-7pm CT
Chicago Public Library Bucktown Wicker-Park Branch
Free Online Program via Zoom
Women have been highly influential in the film industry ever since the Silent Era, both on-screen and off. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the lives and legacies of some of classic Hollywood’s incredible female directors and stars who possessed a keen sense of business acumen and innovation during the early days of the film industry. 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.

Everybody Dance!: Classic Cinema’s Top Dancers
Fri., Aug. 19, 2022, 3pm-4pm ET
Bronxville Public Library
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. REGISTER HERE.

Hometowns to Hollywood: Volume I Book Signing
Sat., Aug. 20, 2022, 10am-2pm CT
Elmhurst Public Library
125 S. Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Explore the Elmhurst Public Library’s local author fair and pick up a copy of Dr. Annette Bochenek’s Hometowns to Hollywood: Volume I. Paperback copies will be available for $20 via cash, check, PayPal, or Venmo. Visit Dr. Bochenek’s booth for a meet-and-greet and to have your copy signed. Registristration is not required. 

The History of the Hollywood Musical
Weds., Aug. 24, 2022, 7pm-8pm CT
Prospect Heights Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
While musicals have their roots on the stage, their transition to the big screen took Hollywood by storm. At the same time, it also presented many challenges for the film industry. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of classic Hollywood musicals, some of the top musical stars, and more. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

The History of the Hollywood Musical
Thurs., Aug. 25, 2022, 1pm-2pm CT
CJE SeniorLife (IN-PERSON)
Niles Township Office, 5255 Lincoln Ave. Skokie, IL 60077
While musicals have their roots on the stage, their transition to the big screen took Hollywood by storm. At the same time, it also presented many challenges for the film industry. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of classic Hollywood musicals, some of the top musical stars, and more. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Ladies of Laughter: Great Comediennes
Mon., Aug. 29, 2022, 6pm-7pm CT
Chicago Public Library Bucktown Wicker-Park Branch
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. The registration link will be made available closer to the date of the presentation.