Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on June 5, 2023

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 pres   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on June 1, 2023

“Children in my day were either cornfed or milk-fed. I was both.” –Joe Cobb Joseph “Joe” Frank Cobb was among the many children cast in the early iteration of Our Gang, spending his tenure in the hit comedies from 1922 to 1929. He was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, on November...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on May 24, 2023

On May 23, 2013, I posted my very first article on Hometowns to Hollywood about my trip to James Dean’s hometown. In honor of the 10th anniversary of Hometowns to Hollywood, I’ve updated my initial post to cover several more return visits to Dean’s hometown and numerous photographs   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on May 11, 2023

Orson Welles was a legendary Hollywood talent who remains an iconic name to this day. A man of many talents and vast contributions to the entertainment industry, his work across a variety of mediums continues to be lauded and enjoyed by audiences all over the world. Of course, Welles was...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on May 11, 2023

One of early Hollywood’s most popular types of film was the serial, exposing audiences to repeated, familiar characters in a broad range of scenarios. From dramas, comedies, romances, and cliffhangers–or a mix of each–serials were exceptionally enjoyed by moviegoing audiences of al   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on May 11, 2023

The love affair between Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner is one for the books–and we get an interesting fictitious retelling of their story in Strangers in the Night: A Novel of Frank Sinatra & Ava Gardner by Heather Webb. This novel is another fun foray into Hollywood historical fiction, sho   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on May 9, 2023

Nestled in the beautiful Northwest San Fernando Valley, visitors can stumble upon a stunning English Tudor-style home with strong ties to classic Hollywood. If its walls could talk, they could tell you about Barbara Stanwyck, Zeppo Marx, Robert Taylor, Jack Oakie, and so many more. Many classic Holl   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on May 4, 2023

There is so much to be said about the Academy Awards. Since the birth of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the eventual Academy Awards ceremony, film history is made with each iteration of Oscar night. To this day, it is Hollywood’s biggest night, honoring the achievements...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on May 4, 2023

Jessica Lange remains a popular actress of the stage, films, and television. She has executed numerous memorable on-screen portrayals in films such as King Kong (1976), Tootsie (1982), and Blue Sky (1994). She has since won Emmys for Grey Gardens (2009) and appearances in the American Horror Story t   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on May 1, 2023

“A feller can stand jus’ so much — an’ I’m through standin’.” –Mickey Daniels in July Days (1923) Richard Michael “Mickey” Daniels was born on October 11, 1914, in Reliance, Wyoming, to Richard and Hannah Reese Daniels. Per his draft card, his birthpla   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on April 29, 2023

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 pres   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on April 3, 2023

“I wouldn’t take a million dollars for the experience, and I wouldn’t take a penny to do it again. As a kid, I had everything I wanted. We had a good life. But when it was over, it was over.” –George “Spanky” McFarland George “Spanky” McFarland portrayed the   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on April 1, 2023

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 pres   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 29, 2023

It’s TCMFF time again! As usual, the schedule does not disappoint and the choices are difficult! In reading through the schedule, here are my picks for this year’s round of TCMFF: Day 1: Thurs., April 13 One Way Passage (1932). A terminally ill woman and a debonair murderer facing execut   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 27, 2023

Warner Bros. was founded on April 4, 1923, now celebrating its centennial year. In 100 years of moviemaking at the studio, much has been accomplished. Numerous iconic classic Hollywood stars worked as contract players at this studio, in addition to this same studio ushering in the sound era with The   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 23, 2023

What a time to be a Noirista! Fans of TCM’s Czar of Noir, Eddie Muller, will be so delighted with the release of Eddie Muller’s Noir Bar: Cocktails Inspired by the World of Film Noir. TCM’s Noir Alley has steadfast viewers on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings, and the noir...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 13, 2023

Preston Sturges was one of Hollywood’s most notable directors, achieving many career highlights by directing numerous classic comedies, including The Lady Eve (1941), Sullivan’s Travels (1941), The Palm Beach Story (1942), and more. His films featured exceptionally well-written character   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 1, 2023

“If I died tomorrow, I experienced so many wonderful things, and met so many great people, and I lived in a great time in Hollywood. I was very fortunate. I had a great and full life.” –Tommy Bond Thomas Ross Bond was born on September 16, 1926, in Dallas, Texas,...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 1, 2023

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 pres   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on February 17, 2023

At long last, TCM was able to once again offer the in-person version of the TCM Film Festival (TCMTT) after two years of virtual iterations of the festival (due to COVID). My first in-person experience at TCMFF was in 2019 and I was more than delighted to return to Hollywood...   read more