Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on April 15, 2020

John Leroy “Roy” Atwell was born in Syracuse, New York, on May 2, 1878, to Joseph and Louisa Atwell. As a child, he organized amateur plays in a neighborhood barn with his friends, later inspiring him to pursue theater. His time in traditional schooling ended with 8th grade. Before achi   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on April 6, 2020

June Knight was a celebrated Broadway and film actress, talented in singing, dancing, and acting. On screen, her characters are energetic and vibrant—a far cry from her weak self as a child, struggling through a variety of serious health issues. Knight was born Margaret Rose Vallikett, sometimes al   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on April 5, 2020

Though the usual TCM Film Festival (TCMFF) as we know it is not being held in Hollywood this year, I am so delighted that TCM will be presenting a Special Home Edition of the festival for all of us to enjoy! If you have not attended a TCMFF before, this...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on April 4, 2020

Thanks so much for visiting this page! Whether you are familiar with Hometowns to Hollywood through my website, presentations, Twitter, Facebook, or are brand new to Hometowns to Hollywood, I appreciate the interest from all of my readers and program attendees. Hometowns to Hollywood is originally a   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 27, 2020

“Now there’s a great place to visit. Yes, sir. The great cities of America. New York. Chicago. Los Angeles to the west. Why, that’s one place I’d like to see, like to someday end up. Los Angeles. […] Why, it’s like paradise on earth.” —The Five Acts o   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 16, 2020

“I’m not the comedian I once was. A comedian has to be slightly insulting–comedy has to be 70 percent insults–and I’m always afraid today when I say something funny it may hurt someone. If another comic makes a crack about my mouth, I just can’t insult him back.&   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 9, 2020

Jack Benny is remembered as one of the leading entertainers of the 20th century. His regular radio and television programs (which took him from the 1930s to the 1960s) had an incredible influence on the sitcom genre. Yet, if Benny’s program was important to comedy, it was important in another...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on March 2, 2020

“My successes have certainly not been without problems.” –Gale Storm Gale Storm was an actress and singer who found herself starring in two popular television shows of the 1950s. Several of her songs were top ten hits, with “I Hear You Knockin'” being one of the many f   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on February 20, 2020

After exploring the talents behind five of the seven dwarfs, we have finally arrived to the remaining two–Bashful and Happy. Both of these dwarfs have endearing and optimistic personalities and personify their represented traits with aplomb. Happy is nothing short of jovial, while Bashful hil   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on February 19, 2020

After a thrilling three days of TCMFF merriment, all of a sudden, it was the fourth and final day of the festival. Though parting is such sweet sorrow, there was still a full day of classic film fun to be had and the final day of the fest certainly did...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on February 11, 2020

After exploring the voice behind Doc, the leader of the dwarfs, and the talent behind his long-suffering comrade, Sneezy, it’s time to continue our progress of learning more about the artists that helped bring the seven dwarfs to life. This next article will examine three more of the dwarfs a   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on February 3, 2020

“I shall always remember all the grand people I worked with—many of whom are now gone.” –Nell O’Day While the Golden Age of Hollywood has stars that are iconic to this day, some are more underrated. After viewing the restoration of King of Jazz (1930), many up-and-coming per   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 30, 2020

Walt Disney Studios is known for bringing many beloved stories to the screen as animated features. Though many beloved films exist thanks to the talents who worked at the studio, one of the most pivotal films to be released by the studio was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). The film...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 27, 2020

“You are doing a man’s work here and living a man’s life, and what you do here does count. […] If I were a man, I’d like your chance!” —The Girl from Hollywood (Burroughs 119) Edgar Rice Burroughs was a notable American author who wrote a wide variety of fi   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 22, 2020

In my opinion, I think that The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) is the finest depiction of post-war life for soldiers in America. Brilliantly directed by William Wyler, the film’s immensely talented cast delivers performances that are believable, moving, and emotional. Moreover they succeed in   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 22, 2020

Introducing the Wedding Bells Blogathon! It is “June in January” and Hometowns to Hollywood is excited to present its fourth official blogathon, entitled “The Wedding Bells Blogathon.” This blogathon will focus upon weddings taking place during the Golden Age of Hollywood&#8   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 21, 2020

When visiting the Los Angeles area, I especially enjoy immersing myself in film history. One of my favorite places that celebrates this legacy is the Hollywood Heritage Museum. In addition to offering permanent and rotating exhibits, this location also happens to host presentations and lectures tha   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 3, 2020

Introducing the Wedding Bells Blogathon! It is “June in January” and Hometowns to Hollywood is excited to present its fourth official blogathon, entitled “The Wedding Bells Blogathon.” This blogathon will focus upon weddings taking place during the Golden Age of Hollywood&#8   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 23, 2019

At the end of the year, I always love to delve into some of my favorite classic films that harmonize with the holiday season. From the likes of White Christmas (1954) to It’s A Wonderful Life (1946), there are so many films that celebrate the joy of the season and the goodness...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 23, 2019

“I was fortunate to be born into a family of Masons. Indeed, my older sister Audrey was Grand Matron of the Order of Eastern Star in Illinois. My DeMolay experience came very naturally because of my father and brothers. Thus was my youth enhanced.” –Burl Ives In reflecting upon th   read more