Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 22, 2018

“Tell you what—I’ll toss a coin. Heads: you stay; tails: you go.” –Geoff Carter, portrayed by Cary Grant in Only Angels Have Wings (1939) In 1903, two brothers proved that a mere rickety contraption could propel them towards realizing one of the deepest dreams of mankind. As the North Carolina...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 18, 2018

What would the Golden Age of Hollywood be without the musical? When one reflects upon classic cinema, one cannot deny that the movie musical was an especially beloved genre of the time. In their heyday, musicals received profound attention from audiences, who were captivated by a combination of fan   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 18, 2018

What would the Golden Age of Hollywood be without the musical? When one reflects upon classic cinema, one cannot deny that the movie musical was an especially beloved genre of the time. In their heyday, musicals received profound attention from audiences, who were captivated by a combination of fan   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 12, 2018

“I use dancing to embellish, extend or enlarge upon an existing emotion.” –Gower Champion When considering notable dance teams throughout film history, it is easy to come up with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as a perfect example of one. However, the teaming of Marge and Gower Champion   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 12, 2018

“I use dancing to embellish, extend or enlarge upon an existing emotion.” –Gower Champion When considering notable dance teams throughout film history, it is easy to come up with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers as a perfect example of one. However, the teaming of Marge and Gower Champion   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 1, 2018

“And I’m grateful, too, to have been in a business in which you can work as long as you can walk.” –Una Merkel Una Merkel may aptly be labeled as Hollywood’s Best Friend. Throughout her colorful career as a character actress, she supported many leading film personalities. From working with...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on January 1, 2018

“And I’m grateful, too, to have been in a business in which you can work as long as you can walk.” –Una Merkel Una Merkel may aptly be labeled as Hollywood’s Best Friend. Throughout her colorful career as a character actress, she supported many leading film personalities. From working with...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 27, 2017

While Hollywood studios often end their films happily and with distinct resolution, the same sense of joyful closure does not necessarily apply to everyone off-screen. Many actors and actresses experience great success, but many also encounter harsh challenges in their personal lives. At their wors   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 27, 2017

While Hollywood studios often end their films happily and with distinct resolution, the same sense of joyful closure does not necessarily apply to everyone off-screen. Many actors and actresses experience great success, but many also encounter harsh challenges in their personal lives. At their wors   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 22, 2017

Smile though your heart is aching/ smile even though it’s breaking. These are the opening lines to the song “Smile,” which Charlie Chaplin composed as a soundtrack for his 1936 film, Modern Times. Although we never hear the lyrics in this film since John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons would write...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 22, 2017

Smile though your heart is aching/ smile even though it’s breaking. These are the opening lines to the song “Smile,” which Charlie Chaplin composed as a soundtrack for his 1936 film, Modern Times. Although we never hear the lyrics in this film since John Turner and Geoffrey Parsons would write...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 15, 2017

[the bartender hands Don his drink] Don Hewes: Can you drown a brunette in this? Mike the Bartender: How tall is she? Don Hewes: Five foot six. Mike the Bartender: [filling the glass a little more] Try this.  –Clinton Sundberg as Mike the Bartender in Easter Parade (1948) Where would...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 15, 2017

[the bartender hands Don his drink] Don Hewes: Can you drown a brunette in this? Mike the Bartender: How tall is she? Don Hewes: Five foot six. Mike the Bartender: [filling the glass a little more] Try this.  –Clinton Sundberg as Mike the Bartender in Easter Parade (1948) Where would...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 13, 2017

While actors and actresses in Hollywood are predominantly featured in the advertisements and general press for their films, there are many more people behind the scenes who are crucial to the development and depiction of a story. In order to portray a story, it has to be written first. But...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 13, 2017

While actors and actresses in Hollywood are predominantly featured in the advertisements and general press for their films, there are many more people behind the scenes who are crucial to the development and depiction of a story. In order to portray a story, it has to be written first. But...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 12, 2017

When Chicago Review Press sent me Tracey Goessel’s The First King of Hollywood: The Life of Douglas Fairbanks, I was especially excited to read it for two reasons: I found myself in a position where I had the opportunity to learn about and teach others of Douglas Fairbanks, and that...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 12, 2017

When Chicago Review Press sent me Tracey Goessel’s The First King of Hollywood: The Life of Douglas Fairbanks, I was especially excited to read it for two reasons: I found myself in a position where I had the opportunity to learn about and teach others of Douglas Fairbanks, and that...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 11, 2017

Ann Blyth once said, “As an actress, I have always believed that the truer challenge, the deeper obligation, begins after the camera stops. My role as a woman in my community and in my home has always overshadowed the excitement of any part I have ever played on stage or...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 11, 2017

Ann Blyth once said, “As an actress, I have always believed that the truer challenge, the deeper obligation, begins after the camera stops. My role as a woman in my community and in my home has always overshadowed the excitement of any part I have ever played on stage or...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 10, 2017

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone when I note that I am a fan of classic Hollywood. I am wildly enthusiastic about hearing the stories and lore behind any actors and actresses whose roots are embedded within the history of classic cinema. I love reading the “good, bad,...   read more