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:
Chicago: The First Hollywood
Sat., May 4, 2024, 1pm-2pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Berwyn Public Library
2701 S Harlem Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402
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.
Betty White: A Lifetime of Laughter
Tues., May 7, 2024, 1pm-2pm CT (SPEAKER IN-PERSON; HYBRID)
Vernon Area Public Library
300 Olde Half Day Rd, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
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.
Hollywood Goes to Space
Tues., May 7, 2024, 6:30pm-7:30pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Crete Public Library
1177 Main St, Crete, IL 60417
As the public became fascinated with the Space Race and the idea of space travel in the 1950s, classic Hollywood worked to bring space to the screen through many science fiction features. Join film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a presentation about various classic films that depict space and its residents, including a discussion of special effects and creative choices used to develop space-related plot lines and scenarios for moviegoing audiences to enjoy. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. REGISTER HERE.
Dressing the Stars
Weds., May 8, 2024, 7pm-8pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Riverside Public Library
1 Burling Rd., Riverside, IL 60546
Thanks to the talented costume designers working in the studio system, film stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age channeled glamour and influenced fashion. 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. The registration link will be made available closer to the presentation date. REGISTER HERE.
How’d They Do That?!
Thurs., May 9, 2024, 12pm-1pm CT (IN-PERSON)
Fountaindale Public Library
300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Classic Hollywood has achieved a wide variety of iconic scenes that simply take one’s breath away. Movie characters have parted the Red Sea, dodged crop dusters, scaled skyscrapers, and more, leaving audiences wondering, “How’d they do that?!” Join Film Historian Annette Bochenek for a presentation about how some of classic Hollywood’s most memorable movie scenes were developed, approached, and accomplished. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. This is a senior (55+) social event. REGISTER HERE.
Hitchcock: The Master of Suspense
Tues., May 14, 2024, 1pm-2:30pm CT
Oakton Community College–Skokie Campus
7701 Lincoln Ave, Skokie, IL 60077
Indulge in the thrilling side of classic Hollywood by learning about the “Master of Suspense” himself–Alfred Hitchcock! Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek for a discussion about Hitchcock’s career, his memorable films, and his legacy today. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories. PRIVATE EVENT.
Historic Change: Anna May Wong
Tues., May 14, 2024, 7pm-8pm CT
Mid-Continent Public Library
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.
Jack Benny: An Illinois Original
Weds., May 15, 2024, 2pm-3pm (SPEAKER IN-PERSON; HYBRID)
Elmhurst Public Library
125 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126
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 on 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.
REGISTER IN-PERSON HERE.
REGISTER ONLINE HERE.
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