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:

Bad Boys & Girls: The Characters We Love to Hate
Weds., Feb. 1, 2023, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Fremont Public Library
1170 N Midlothian Rd, Mundelein, IL 60060
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 of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Sitcom Spotlight: I Love Lucy
Tues., Feb. 7, 2023, 7pm-8pm CT
Mid-Continent Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
I Love Lucy was an iconic and groundbreaking sitcom that is well worth celebrating. Developed and brought to the screen by television pioneers. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about the history and development of I Love Lucy, the show’s on- and off-screen achievements, and the legacy of the show today. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Hollywood Valentine: Married in the Movies
Weds., Feb. 8, 2023, 7pm-8pm ET
Baltimore County Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Love is in the air in classic Hollywood! Many beloved Hollywood classics featured wedding scenes across a broad range of film genres. In real life, many film stars also happened to have high-profile and eagerly anticipated weddings. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents memorable classic film wedding moments, both on the screen and off. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Ladies of Laughter: Great Comediennes
Mon., Feb. 13, 2023, 1pm-2pm CT (SPEAKER IN-PERSON; HYBRID PROGRAM)
Vernon Area Public Library
300 Olde Half Day Rd, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
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 Valentine: Married in the Movies
Tues., Feb. 14, 2023, 1:30-2:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Luther Village
1250 Village Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Love is in the air in classic Hollywood! Many beloved Hollywood classics featured wedding scenes across a broad range of film genres. In real life, many film stars also happened to have high-profile and eagerly anticipated weddings. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents memorable classic film wedding moments, both on the screen and off. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

A-List Animals
Weds., Feb. 15, 2023, 7pm-8pm CT
Eventbrite
Online Program via Zoom
While classic Hollywood had its fair share of human actors, many memorable animal stars also enjoyed success and the appreciation of audiences all over the world. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about a variety of animal performers, their careers, and their legacies today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. Tickets are $10 per person. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Dressing the Stars
Thurs., Feb. 16, 2023, 1pm-2pm CT
CJE SeniorLife
Free Online Program via Zoom
Film stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age channeled glamour and influenced fashion, thanks to the talented costume designers working in the studio system. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents about classic Hollywood’s top costume designers, iconic costumes, and the legacy of these designs today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

A Night at the Oscars: Best Picture Spotlight
Thurs., Feb. 23, 2023, 7pm-8pm CT 
Lake Bluff Public Libary
Free Online Program via Zoom
It’s time to get red carpet ready and delve into the history of the Best Picture category! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the evolution of the Best Picture category, memorable Best Picture contenders, and this year’s nominees. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Dynamic Duos: Classic Comedy Partnerships
Tues., Feb. 28, 2023, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
The Stage Left Cafe
125 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098
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 of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. Tickets are $15 per person. BUY TICKETS HERE.