Dr. Annette Bochenek loves to take Hometowns to Hollywood on the road–in person or virtually–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:

Hollywood Style: Icons of Fashion
Tues., April 2, 2024, 7pm-8pm CT
Mid-Continent Public Library
Free Online Program via Zoom
Classic Hollywood stars and the fashions they wore on-screen and off were influential style choices for moviegoers worldwide. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she presents the daring wardrobe choices and revolutionary makeup innovations of the stars as well as their legacies today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.

Ladies of Laughter: Great Comediennes
Weds., April 3, 2024, 2pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Max & Benny’s–Northbrook
PRIVATE EVENT.
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 presentation date. PRIVATE EVENT.

War Movie: The American Battle in Cinema (2023) Screening
Sat., April 6, 1pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601
War Movie: The American Battle in Cinema (2023) will have a premiere screening at the Gene Siskel Center in Chicago, IL, on April 6 & 7th at 1pm CT. Episodes 1 & 2 are on 4/6 and Episodes 3-5 are on 4/7. Dr. Annette Bochenek is in Episode 1: “The Camera and the Gun: 1900-1938” and will be participating in a Q&A after the screening on 4/6. Read below to learn more and get tickets:

In this sweeping, five-part documentary, SAIC alum Steven Summers (BFA 2005) examines not only the history of war in American cinema, but how this medium has shaped our country’s perspective on conflict, foreign policy, race, masculinity, and national identity. From THE BIRTH OF A NATION to THE HURT LOCKER to DUNKIRK, the atrocities of war have never strayed far from the silver screen. Whether praised by critics or criticized by veterans who were there, war films play an integral part of our cultural understanding. Through interviews with cinema studies scholars, filmmakers, and combat veterans, WAR MOVIE: THE AMERICAN BATTLE IN CINEMA attempts to understand why we’re compelled to experience and reimagine our own violence on screen.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 1:00PM
Episode 1 – The Camera and the Gun: 1900–1938, 57 min.
Episode 2 – The Good War: 1939–1949, 62 min.
Presented with a 10-minute intermission between episodes. Program concludes with discussion between director Steven Summer and film archivist and historian Annette Bochenek. Tickets available here.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 1:00PM
Episode 3 – The Shifting Tide: 1950–1975, 62 min.
Episode 4 – Into the Jungle: 1976–2000, 65 min.
Episode 5 – Brave New World: 2001–2020, 60 min.
Presented with a 10-minute intermission between episodes. Program concludes with discussion between director Steven Summer and film critic and scholar Jonathan Rosenbaum. Tickets available here.

Everybody Dance!: Classic Cinema’s Top Dancers
Thurs., April 11, 2024, 6pm-7:30pm CT
Newberry Library
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. This program costs $47 for Newberry members/seniors/students and $53 for non-members. REGISTER HERE.

Golden Age of Hollywood Show
Sat., April 13, 2024, 9am-2pm (IN-PERSON)
Irish American Heritage Center
4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Check out classic Hollywood-related merchandise for sale, including photographs, posters, movies, autographs, and more. Dr. Annette Bochenek will be signing and selling copies of Hometowns to Hollywood: Volumes I & II. Admission is $5.

Chicago: The First Hollywood
Sat., Apr. 27, 2024, 1:30pm-3pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Bartlett Public Library
800 S Bartlett Rd, Bartlett, IL 60103
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.