Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on November 5, 2021

Natalie Wood was a talented actress with early beginnings in the film industry on to adulthood. Appearing in notable films such as Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Rebel Without A Cause (1955), Splendor in the Grass (1961), West Side Story (1961), and more, her filmography remains popular amount class   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on November 5, 2021

The Costellos were one of the earliest dynasties to become key players in the film industry. Their stories–interwoven with scandals, secret marriages, and battles of all sorts–remain interesting both on-screen and off. As each of their stars rose, so, too, did their tendencies to self-d   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on November 4, 2021

When the world launched into the reality of World War II, Hollywood went to war right alongside the United States. Investing in the government, boosting the morale of soldiers and civilians, and even seeing military careers begin for many beloved entertainers. Laced in triumphs and tragedies, Hollyw   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on November 3, 2021

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 2, 2021

Decades after the popularization of film noir, the pessimistic, shadowy genre continues to have admirers all over the world. Just in time for “Noirvember” comes Andre Dickos’s Street with No Name: A History of the Classic American Film Noir, published by the University Press of Ken   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on November 1, 2021

“I have often wondered what my life would have been like if I had needed a size 38 bra instead of a modest 34.” –Evelyn Keyes Best known for portraying Scarlett O’Hara’s little sister, Evelyn Keyes had a lengthy career that extended far beyond her time in Gone with the...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 28, 2021

With the spooky season in full swing, I was delighted to be a part of Karie Bible’s Hollywood Kitchen Guacamole Smackdown. Hollywood Kitchen recreates the recipes of Hollywood stars, with recipes located from old cookbooks, movie magazines, family recipes, and more. In this episode, Bible orch   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 25, 2021

In my opinion, Some Like It Hot (1959) is easily one of the greatest comedies ever made. I’m even willing to argue that it is a perfect film. With a top-notch cast, brilliant writing, and a spritely score, this hilarious comedy is sheer, cheeky bliss–and even more fun to watch...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 24, 2021

The Conqueror (1956) is the source of much Hollywood lore. This ill-fated production happened to be filmed downwind from an above-ground nuclear testing site. More than half of the crew contracted cancer, with a majority of them dying from the illness. Among the many stars who took part in this...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 24, 2021

Across several decades, Looney Tunes cartoons have charmed and entertained audiences for generations. With memorable plots, iconic characters, terrific parodies and allusions to pop culture, as well as all of the comical chaos these cartoons bring, there is much to examine and enjoy regarding Looney   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 23, 2021

William Andrews Clark Jr. was a notable man, especially exhibiting influence in Los Angeles, California. He descended from wealth and helped establish major institutions, such as the LA Philharmonic and the Hollywood Bowl. Though his front-facing personality was serious and astute, author Liz Brown   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 21, 2021

While Herman and Joesph “Joe” Mankiewicz were responsible for much notable output in the film industry, in turn, many works of film and literature have also featured them. Herman almost immediately found success in Hollywood with Dinner at Eight (1933), Pride of the Yankees (1942), and c   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 20, 2021

During the holiday season, it’s always an extra special time for me to revisit some of my favorite holiday films and to share them with others. However, the opportunity to have a little “taste” of their magic in the form of a fully film-inspired meal is rarely a ready-made offering   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 20, 2021

While the days of the studio system are long-gone, documenting the histories of classic Hollywood’s major studios is a major albeit fascinating endeavor. In some cases, the stories have ended; in others, the studios continue to exist and adapt to today’s audiences and their preferred met   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 18, 2021

Leonard Maltin is a beloved figure in the film community, popular with fans of classic and contemporary film alike. A film historian, reviewer, and prolific author, Maltin’s prose is always honest and enjoyable to read. This next work from Maltin, Starstruck: My Unlikely Road to Hollywood, cer   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 18, 2021

Director, producer, writer, and actor Ernst Lubitsch was one of Hollywood’s greatest talents, shining as an director of many sophisticated and progressive films. Gaining prestige as his career continued, Lubitsch’s films such as Trouble in Paradise (1932), Design for Living (1933), Ninot   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 15, 2021

Director and producer Otto Preminger was one of the greatest off-screen talents of his day. Raised in Vienna, Austria, Preminger sought work in theater and film before ultimately moving to America before becoming a powerhouse of the film industry. Preminger directed films across a wide array of film   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 15, 2021

While many will no doubt remember Audrey Hepburn as a beloved actress with a gentle but captivating film presence, off-screen, Hepburn gave of herself even more. A philanthropist and humanitarian, Hepburn emphatically prioritized service, helping others, and working hard to make the world a better p   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 11, 2021

I’m so delighted to share that my article, “Lucille Ball: Fashion Icon” won the 2021 Classic Movie Blog Association Award for “Best Profile.” Read the article here.   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 8, 2021

This year, the Heartland International Film Festival (HIFF) returns with another excellent, varied selection of films to screen and many theatrical venues to showcase! Running from Thurs., Oct. 7 to Sun., Oct. 17 with virtual and in-person viewing options, there is much to enjoy as part of HIFF&#821   read more