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 PRESENTATIONS:

The Marx Brothers: A Legacy of Laughter
Tues., May 2, 2023, 9am-10am CT (IN-PERSON)
Patty Turner Center
375 Elm St., Deerfield, IL 60015
Go behind the scenes of classic Hollywood history with Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek, as you learn about the lives and legacies of the legendary Marx Brothers comedy team. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Bad Boys & Girls: The Characters We Love to Hate
Tues., May 9, 2023, 1pm-2pm CT (Noon Lunch)
Lake Bluff Women’s Club–Grace United Methodist Church (IN-PERSON)
244 E. Center Ave., Lake Bluff, IL 60044
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. PRIVATE EVENT.

Jack Benny: An Illinois Original
Weds., May 10, 2023, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
North Shore Congregation Israel
1185 Sheridan Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022
Jack Benny is regarded as one of the top comedians in American history, shining in vaudeville, radio, television, and film, while making a huge impact upon the sitcom genre. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a special “Hometowns to Hollywood” tribute to Jack Benny, as she discusses his career, legacy, and early years in Waukegan, IL, in a multimedia presentation. PRIVATE EVENT.

Historic Change: Anna May Wong
Thurs., May 11, 2023, 7pm-8pm ET
Somerset County Library System of New Jersey
Free Online Program via Zoom
Anna May Wong was a woman of many firsts; from being the first Asian American actress of international fame to becoming the first Asian American to be depicted on U.S. currency, Wong continues to be a trailblazer. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation on the life, career, and legacy of Anna May Wong. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Bombshells: Hollywood’s Leading Ladies
Thurs., May 18, 2023, TBD (IN PERSON)
Barone’s | Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn
PRIVATE
Hollywood has had its fair share of leading ladies, with many of them remaining iconic to this day as studio bombshells. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the history of the Hollywood bombshell, some of the top Hollywood bombshells, and their legacies today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

The Irish in Hollywood
Tues., May 23, 2023, 10:15am-11:15am ET
REAP–Great Neck
Online Program via Zoom
Ring in St. Patrick’s Day with “The Irish in Hollywood!” The films of Hollywood’s Golden Age offered many depictions and talents from Ireland. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores a selection of the studio system’s top stars and classic films that paid tribute to Ireland. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.

Fred & Ginger: Forever Dancing
Tues., May 23, 2023, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
The Stage Left Cafe
125 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098
*Book signing of Hometowns to Hollywood: Volume I will take place after the presentation.
Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are easily considered to be the most iconic dancing duo in cinematic history. Complementing each other on-screen with innovative techniques, Astaire and Rogers danced their way through many beloved films while pioneering future aspects of dance in cinema. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about Astaire and Rogers’s early years in Nebraska and Missouri, their Hollywood careers, and their legacy today. Copies of Hometowns to Hollywood: Volume I will be sold at this event. Tickets are $15 per person. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Silent Film Society of Chicago: The Marriage Circle (1924)
Weds., May 24, 2023, 7pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Des Plaines Theatre
1476 Miner St, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Professor Stock and his wife Mizzi are always bickering. Mizzi tries to seduce Dr. Franz Braun, the new husband of her good friend Charlotte. What happens next? Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for an introduction to this film, screened with live musical accompaniment by premiere theatre organist Jay Warren. Tickets are $10. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Betty White: A Lifetime of Laughter
Thurs., May 25, 2023, 2pm-3pm CT (SPEAKER IN-PERSON; HYBRID)
Morton Grove Public Library
6140 Lincoln Ave, Morton Grove, IL 60053
An actress and activist, comedian Betty White was a woman of many achievements both on and off the screen. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for this special birthday presentation about the early years, career highlights, and legacy of Betty White. The program will include a multimedia presentation of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.