Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 10, 2019

It is of no surprise that Orson Welles is considered a prolific figure in cinema. His creative output spanned across a broad array of mediums and genres, with him contributing to work both in front of and behind the camera as a master. In the late 1950s, Welles added to...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 9, 2019

As of 2019, the latest Film Noir Foundation-funded restoration project was Trapped (1949). A film noir and semidocumentary directed by Richard Fleischer, the film portrays the story of the U.S. Treasury Department working to end a counterfeiting ring. The film stars Lloyd Bridges, Barbara Payton, a   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 8, 2019

Throughout her career, Barbara Stanwyck proved that she was an actress who could do it all in terms of delivering a strong acting performance. Excelling in comedies, dramas, and romances, Stanwyck continued to propel her career forward into a new decade in the film noir The File on Thelma Jordon (1   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 7, 2019

When one reflects upon voice actors and the many animated features in which they have worked, some individuals and their characters are iconic or inseparable from one another. Some vocal actors are publicly known for offering their voiceover talents and giving certain characters the change to speak   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 5, 2019

“I was born when I met you. I lived while I loved you. I died when you left me.” –Author Dorothy Hughes, In a Lonely Place As I have become more acquainted with film noir over the past few years, I have willed myself to try and avoid trusting any of the...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 4, 2019

When I attended the American Library Association (ALA) conferences in Washington, D.C., in July of 2019, the first book to really catch my eye among the myriad of publishers represented was The Jean Harlow Bombshell. With Harlow being one of my favorite stars, I was delighted to see her name...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 1, 2019

“People say I am a terrible flirt. You know what made me that way? American pictures! They show a girl how to vamp!” –Lupe Vélez In examining the various Hispanic stars who shone in Hollywood, the name Lupe Vélez continues to be worth celebrating. Dubbed “the Mexican Spitfire”, Vélez wa   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 1, 2019

As a huge fan of classic films, it’s safe to say that the only channel I watch is Turner Classic Movies. For years now, I’ve enjoyed looking up the TCM schedule to see if some rare or intriguing gem will be on the air. I’ve immersed myself in the thoughtful commentary of...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 30, 2019

“I come from a great family. I’ve seen family life and I know how wonderful, how nurturing, and how wonderful it can be.” –Sidney Poitier Sidney Poitier is a noteworthy actor who executed many powerful roles throughout his career in films that typically addressed conflicts a   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 26, 2019

Eden Memorial Park is located in Mission Hills, California, in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. This location is a Jewish cemetery, with many individuals from the entertainment industry at rest here. Eden Memorial Park is located next door to San Fernando Mission Cemetery. Upon my visit to S   read more

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

To me, Forest Lawn Memorial Park–Glendale is the most notable cemetery to visit in the Los Angeles area. The original and current flagship location of the six cemeteries in their chain, this location is home to a vast amount of notable individuals and continues to host high-profile services t   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 21, 2019

Kensico Cemetery, located in Valhalla, Westchester County, New York, is home to many notable interments. The cemetery was founded in 1899 when the different New York City cemeteries were becoming full and rural cemeteries were being founded near the railroads that went in and out of the city. The p   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 20, 2019

In peaceful Hawthorne, Westchester County, New York, visitors will find Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Situated roughly 25 miles from New York City, the cemetery functions as a Roman Catholic burial site. The cemetery features many notable interments, including individuals from the entertainment industry   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 16, 2019

“When I was a little girl, I loved Rock Island. Now that I’m grown, I hope Rock Island likes me.” –June Haver While many think of MGM studios when reflecting upon some of the best musical films made during the Golden Age, 20th Century Fox certainly had its fair share...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 15, 2019

The San Fernando Mission Cemetery is located in an area brimming with history and is located in the Mission Hills community of the San Fernando Valley. It is near the Mission San Fernando Rey de España, a Spanish mission that was founded in 1797 and named for Saint Ferdinand. The...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 14, 2019

Hillside Memorial Park is a stunning Jewish cemetery located in Culver City, California. Known for being home to Al Jolson’s elaborate tomb visible from the San Diego Freeway, the cemetery is also the final resting place of many other people of the Jewish faith who were notable in the film...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 11, 2019

Holy Cross Cemetery is a well-manicured Catholic cemetery located in Culver City, California. It is the resting place of many Catholic entertainers from Hollywood’s Golden Age, with many prominent burials being situated near the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto area. In addition to beautiful statua   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 10, 2019

For me, no trip to Southern California is complete without immersing myself in filmmaking history. On my first visit to Los Angeles, I tried to fit in as many studio tours as possible, just to be able to walk in the footsteps of some of my favorite stars. The tour...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 9, 2019

In East Los Angeles, visitors will find Calvary Cemetery, a Roman Catholic Cemetery. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles runs this cemetery, measuring 137 acres. The cemetery includes the All Souls Chapel, which became one of the most visited places of worship in Southern California after its opening. B   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 8, 2019

Glen Haven Memorial Park is quite removed from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. Arriving there from the more touristy areas requires a scenic drive through the canyons, Nonetheless, it is the final resting place of two women who made their own marks upon the entertainment industry, including fil   read more