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

At long last, Day 1 of TCMFF had arrived! The theme for 2022 was “Together at the Movies,” and it felt so wonderful to be able to enjoy movies the way they were meant to be seen–with an audience! Since the festivities for the first day began in the evening,...   read more

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

After an exciting opening to TCMFF, I woke up bright and early the next day to get some coffee and head into line to see The Jungle Book (1967) at the El Capitan. The Jungle Book (1967): This delightful Disney film has had a special place in my heart for...   read more

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

The third day of TCMFF was my busiest day of the fest! There were so many wonderful screenings and exceptional panels to enjoy–and so little time in a day! Angels with Dirty Faces (1933): I started off my morning with Angels with Dirty Faces (1933)–a powerful film that I had...   read more

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

Before I knew it, it was already the last day of TCMFF. Knowing that I would be spending much of my evening in screenings and at the after-party, I took some time to sightsee and reconnect with fellow TCM friends. I made a stop at the beloved Larry Edmunds Bookshop,...   read more

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

Crime fiction has fascinated audiences for centuries. Moreover, crime-based tales have been depicted across a wide range of storytelling mediums, including literature, theatre, radio, films, and television. Employing numerous creative devices such as multiple perspectives, muddled timelines, and unr   read more

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

The 2023 Virtual Jack Benny Convention kicks off tonight, Fri., Feb. 17th and lasts until Sun., Feb. 19th. In addition to enjoying all of the wonderful sessions this weekend, I am so excited to be part of two presentations on the 19th. Hometowns to Hollywood: Jack Benny & Waukegan, ILSun.,...   read more

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

Shari Lewis was a beloved ventriloquist and entertainer who charmed many audiences throughout her career–myself included. I loved watching her show as a child and adored her interactions with the various puppet characters she brought to the screen. She and Lamb Chop, in particular, were an ico   read more

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

Ida Lupino was a woman of many talents, working as an actress, singer, director, and producer during Hollywood’s Golden Age. She appeared in many classic films before transitioning to a career behind the camera. Seeking to secure stronger and more challenging roles, she was inspired to explore   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on February 6, 2023

“I felt I had let [my fans] down by not remaining a child. They’d be dying to meet me and yet I could see their faces fall when I walked into the room. What do you say to someone whose fantasy has just been disturbed?” –Darla Hood Darla Jean Hood...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 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 January 15, 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 January 2, 2023

“I believe such passion, even passion born of fear and anxiety, is far better than a life of banality.” –Lori Nelson Dixie Kay Nelson was born on August 15, 1933, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was the daughter of the superintendent of the American Metal Mine Company and the...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 20, 2022

Lawrence Tierney is best remembered for carrying out numerous “tough guy” roles in classic films. He brought these hard-boiled characters to the screen with ease, though off-screen, his life was filled with challenges. Tierney expressed an interest in performing from an early age and gai   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 20, 2022

Jean Gabin was a French actor and singer who thrived on screen. He was born to parents who were stage performers and would soon also express an interest in the entertainment industry. Gabin made his screen debut in the 1930s, soon becoming an international star, particularly excelling in film noirs.   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 20, 2022

Casablanca (1942) celebrates its 80th anniversary this year and continues to entertain audiences to this day. A notable classic Hollywood film and romance, the film has enchanted viewers all over the world and across multiple generations. Barbara Klinger’s Immortal Films: Casablanca and the A   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 14, 2022

Doing some holiday shopping? Hometowns to Hollywood has some gift ideas! Consider buying one of my White Christmas-inspired dress ornaments. I currently have “Sisters” dress ornaments and the pink “The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing” dress ornaments available.   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 12, 2022

Dolores del Río was a Mexican actress with a lengthy career, starring in numerous Hollywood films. She was also a key player in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, celebrated for her talent and beauty. As of late, there have been several different historical fiction novels that have focused upon...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 12, 2022

Marion Davies, born Marion Cecilia Douras, was a talented actress, producer, screenwriter, and philanthropist. She appeared in films as well as on stage and television throughout her career, beginning as a chorus girl to becoming a featured Ziegfeld Follies performer. Her life both on- and off-scre   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 10, 2022

Aline MacMahon was an Academy Award-nominated actress who appeared on stage, film, and television. She also studied the craft of Method Acting very seriously, becoming the first method actress in films. John Strangeland’s Aline MacMahon: The Golden Age of Hollywood, Red Channels and the Birth of Me   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 10, 2022

Nancy Olson Livingston is an Academy Award-nominated actress who appeared in numerous well-known films, including Sunset Boulevard (1950), The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), and many others. Her autobiography, A Front Row Seat: An Intimate Look at Broadway, Hollywood, and the Age of Glamour deliver   read more