Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 8, 2022

When a film comes out–especially one that is based on a book–audiences sometimes read the book before seeing the film, if they have not already delved into the original text. In other cases, film iterations of literary works inspire individuals to pursue the initial text, offering additi   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 1, 2022

Clifton Webb was a gifted actor of Hollywood’s Golden Age, which succeeded in various film genres. He was born Webb Parmelee Hollenbeck on November 19, 1889, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Jacob and Mabel Hollenbeck. His parents separated soon after Webb’s birth. A few years later, Webb’s mother took   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 1, 2022

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 November 3, 2022

Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959) is a screen spectacle that was highly anticipated among fans of adventure and science fiction. This color film, distributed by 20th Century Fox and produced by Charles Brackett, stars James Mason, Pat Boone, and Arlene Dahl. Based upon Jules Verne’s novel o   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on November 2, 2022

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 November 1, 2022

“They say I love money. I do, though it was pretty cold comfort, a pretty poor substitute, for all I’d lost.” –Betty Compson Betty Compson was born Eleanor Luicime Compson on March 19, 1897, in Beaver, Utah. Her parents were Virgil and Mary Compson. Her father worked as a mining...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 23, 2022

While Classic Hollywood explored numerous original storylines, remakes were also a common occurrence. Studios would revisit their previous films with more current contract players or even reimagine non-musical films as musical remakes. In other cases, stories would even be altered or expanded to ac   read more

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

Among many classic Hollywood musical remakes, there is Lovely to Look At (1952), which is based upon the Broadway musical Roberta from 1933. Lovely to Look At (1952) stars Kathryn Grayson, Red Skelton, Howard Keel, Marge Champion, Gower Champion, and Ann Miller. In between the premiere of the stage   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 19, 2022

It’s spooky season and the best time of year to revisit some classic Hollywood horror films! This year, the Chicago Public Library–Austin-Irving Branch invited me to present my “A Hollywood Halloween” program as part of their 31 Days of Horror screenings. In advance of the pr   read more

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

I’m delighted to share that three of my articles and one blogathon have been nominated for Classic Movie Blog Association awards! Thanks so much to fellow bloggers who voted for my articles. You can view my nominated articles and blogathon here: Best Comedy/Musical Review: Hail the Conquerin   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 4, 2022

Marcy McGuire was an actress and singer who was already working in the entertainment industry by her teenage years. She was born on February 22, 1926, in Kansas City, Kansas, as Marilyn Jeanne McGuire, to film projectionist James McGuire and his wife, Annona. Her parents divorced during her childhoo   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 3, 2022

The Autry Museum of the American West is a Los Angeles, California, museum that not only features a wide range of exhibits but also includes public programs such as lectures, film screenings, theater performances, family events, festivals, and music. In addition, the museum supports research and con   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 2, 2022

The Chicago International Film Festival returns this October! In its 58th year, there are many exciting films and appearances to enjoy in this iteration of the festival. The Chicago International Film Festival is North America’s longest-running competitive film festival, with venues throughout   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 1, 2022

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 September 27, 2022

The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) functions as a private for-profit college with multiple campuses in California, offering degree programs in fashion, entertainment, beauty, interior design, and graphic design. I was lucky to visit the FIDM Museum, located at the Los Angele   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 27, 2022

The Heartland International Film Festival (HIFF) is back for another exciting round of programming, including an array of new and familiar venues! In this 31st year of the festival, there are virtual options in addition to events being held in-person at Newfields, Living Room Theaters, Kan-Kan Cinem   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 22, 2022

After two long years, it was so nice to have Noir City back in Chicago for another thrilling lineup! While I could only attend one evening of films this time around, it was an evening well worth celebrating. The pandemic affected lives all over the world and the possibility of...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 5, 2022

Of the many horror films from Hollywood’s Golden Age, The Uninvited (1944) is one of the most beautifully shot. Shining in its eerie atmosphere and supported by a mesmerizing Victor Young score, there is much to enjoy in this screen gem. The Uninvited was inspired by the novel Uneasy Freehold   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 4, 2022

My name is Annette Bochenek, Ph.D., and I am a film historian and scholar of Hollywood’s Golden Age. One of my favorite pastimes includes exploring the hometowns of classic Hollywood’s film actors and actresses, as documented on my Hometowns to Hollywood blog and discussed in my presentation s   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 2, 2022

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