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:

Queer in Hollywood: LGBTQ+ Depictions in Classic Film
Tues., June 6, 2023, 7pm-8pm CT
Schaumburg Township District Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Depictions of queer individuals have occurred in films dating back to the earliest days of the filmmaking industry. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents groundbreaking portrayals of queer individuals and the impact of the Production Code upon their depictions in classic cinema. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

A-List Animals
Thurs., June 8, 2023, 12pm-1pm CT
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.
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. Ticket to presentation is $15; ticket to presentation plus lunch from Cesaroni’s is $25. BUY TICKETS HERE.

Ladies of Laughter: Great Comediennes
Tues., June 20, 2023, 6:30pm-7:30pm ET (IN-PERSON)
New Buffalo Public Library
33 N Thompson St, New Buffalo, MI 49117
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. No registration required.

Chicago: The First Hollywood
Weds., June 21, 2023, 11:30am-12:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Lake Villa Public Library
140 N Munn Rd, Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Before the film industry moved West, it was firmly rooted in Chicago. 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 of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Chicago: The First Hollywood
Thurs., June 22, 2023, 1pm-2pm CT
CJE SeniorLife
Online Program via Zoom
Before the film industry moved West, it was firmly rooted in Chicago. 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 of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE.

Ladies of Laughter: Great Comediennes
Thurs., June 22, 2023, 6:30pm-7:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Berkeley Public Library
1637 Taft Ave, Berkeley, IL 60163
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 Beach
Sat., June 24, 2023, 1:30pm-2:30pm CT (IN PERSON)
Sulzer Library
4455 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
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.

Celluloid Road Trip: International Edition
Weds., June 28, 2023, 7pm-8pm CT
Mid-Continent Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Classic films continue to allow audiences to travel across the map through the magic of the silver screen. While movie studios often took advantage of their backlots to portray different locations, some studios took on the challenges of having their talents travel to destinations beyond the U.S. for on-location shoots. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about various classic films shot on-location abroad, including memorable achievements, and the legacies of these films today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.