Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 8, 2024

George Cukor was no stranger to addressing elements of gender and sex in his films. An influential director in his own right, he frequently delivered on these topics by portraying fascinating characters through the lens of queer, feminist, and intersectional theories. Risquee for the time, Cukor&#82   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 8, 2024

Location filming was quite the effort for Golden Age films but spoke to the power of filmmaking as a form of storytelling that could be quite creative in using various geographic areas to its advantage. Rather than filming within the confines of a studio, location filming allowed for a more...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 8, 2024

Just in time for the 2024 rendition of the Academy Awards, Dave Karger’s release of 50 Oscar Nights: Iconic Stars & Filmmakers on their Career-Defining Wins is here. This is an exciting addition to the TCM library, profiling the Academy Award moments and career highlights of Jane Fonda, Cl   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 8, 2024

Connecticut has been portrayed in films since the early days of cinema through to the present. Whether depicted through Hollywood sets or on-location filming, there have been many varied albeit engaging portrayals of Connecticut as the backdrop to numerous films. Illeana Douglas takes readers on a   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 8, 2024

Hollywood has been influential in fashion from the Golden Age of Hollywood to the present, with numerous stars also acting as style icons in their own right. Hollywood Fashion: 100 Years of Hollywood Icons by Nancy J. Hajeski examines the work of costume designers and explores how film clothing evol   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 7, 2024

There’s nothing quite like a happy Hollywood ending, but a darker side to the movie capital of America certainly existed during the Golden Age of Hollywood, as Josh Young and Manfred Westphal discuss in The Fixer: Moguls, Mobster, Movie Stars, and Marilyn. This book delves into the story of F   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 7, 2024

Dorothy Arzner was a brilliant director and innovator. A feminist and strong proponent of supporting other women in the filmmaking industry, she most evidently made her mark upon filmmaking as a director, directing films such as Merrily We Go To Hell (1932), Dance, Girl, Dance (1940), and more. Doro   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 5, 2024

Jean: Heaven sent him. He’s all mine! Joe: Heaven nothin’. Wheezer comes from Goat Alley! —Crazy House (1928) Dorothy Jean LeVake was born on August 23, 1922, in Santa Monica, California, to Rollin Darling and Dorothy Hamilton. Her name was changed to Jean Darling at five months ol   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 2, 2024

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 indi   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on February 5, 2024

Harry Spear was born Harry Sherman Bonner on December 16, 1921, in Los Angeles, California, to Joseph Bonner and Louise Spear. He was born at French Hospital in Los Angeles and initially resided at 5619 Fernwood Ave., Hollywood, California. His father served in the Navy, and his mother was a...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on February 1, 2024

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 indi   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 26, 2024

Much has been written and examined regarding the life and legacy of music icon Elvis Presley. His legacy is truly timeless, with generations of fans continuing to enjoy the output he left behind. Despite his early passing, his popularity continues to inspire people to this day. Elvis Remembered by S   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 25, 2024

The Western movie genre has entertained audiences in the days of classic Hollywood and beyond, with numerous notable entries and stars. In Henry C. Parke and True West Magazine‘s The Greatest Westerns Ever Made and the People Who Made Them discusses the influence of the Western film genre, in   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 25, 2024

In The American Way: A True Story of Nazi Escape, Superman, and Marilyn Monroe, authors Helene Stapinski and Bonnie Siegler tell a fascinating story intertwined with old Hollywood. In this book, the publisher of DC Comics rescues a family fleeing the Nazis, and eventually crossing paths with Hollywo   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 25, 2024

Method acting has been a form of actors’ education for quite some time, with many of its students being notable figures in classic Hollywood. From stage to screen, method acting has been an innovative approach to better understanding and portraying characters through experience and connection.   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 25, 2024

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) is a memorable film with strong, turbulent performances by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The film received five Oscars and quickly became a classic, despite times of censorship, its inexperienced creators, and the complicated marriage of the film&#   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 25, 2024

Joan Crawford was a memorable classic Hollywood actress with a career that dated back to the Silent Era in addition to appearances in a broad array of film genres. Though her legacy is complicated, she is recognized for numerous iconic film performances, particularly excelling in her dramatic roles.   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 24, 2024

Prolific director John Ford left behind a lengthy body of work that is still being explored today. In addition to maintaining a distinct directorial style, his iconic films were beautifully scored and shot. Joseph McBride and Michale Wilmington’s John Ford is being offered in a revised and exp   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 24, 2024

Summer Stock (1950) is among many beloved classic Hollywood musicals. Starring Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, this film is especially interesting in terms of Garland’s career and the end of her time at MGM. David Fantle and Tom Johnson’s C’mon, Get Happy: The Making of Summer Stock   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 24, 2024

Charlie Chaplin is part of a trifecta of silent Hollywood’s most beloved clowns, but his personal off-screen was quite complicated. His political opinions were often the subject of controversy in addition to his romantic relationships. Scott Eyman’s Charlie Chaplin vs. America: When Art   read more