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

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 9, 2017

Although roughly 60 years have passed since the death of James Dean, his story and image fascinate filmgoers to this day. His personification of cool and epitomization of rebellion resound like a symphony to frustrated youth. A disciple of method acting, Dean did not merely portray his characters;   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 9, 2017

Although roughly 60 years have passed since the death of James Dean, his story and image fascinate filmgoers to this day. His personification of cool and epitomization of rebellion resound like a symphony to frustrated youth. A disciple of method acting, Dean did not merely portray his characters;   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 4, 2017

Fred and Ginger. Their first names alone sweep our thoughts into images of slender silhouettes—usually a shimmering, ruffled gown, effortlessly whirling around a sharp top hat, white tie, and tails. In other instances, they delighted audiences with the vigorous staccato of taps, pounding out a boun   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on December 4, 2017

Fred and Ginger. Their first names alone sweep our thoughts into images of slender silhouettes—usually a shimmering, ruffled gown, effortlessly whirling around a sharp top hat, white tie, and tails. In other instances, they delighted audiences with the vigorous staccato of taps, pounding out a boun   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on November 30, 2017

“Life is wonderful, but it’s very dangerous. If you have the courage to live it, it’s marvelous.” These words, spoken by beloved actor Lionel Barrymore, serve as the backbone to Edmund Goulding’s stunning 1932 drama, Grand Hotel. Grand Hotel is ultimately a celebration of life in the face of death,   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on November 30, 2017

“Life is wonderful, but it’s very dangerous. If you have the courage to live it, it’s marvelous.” These words, spoken by beloved actor Lionel Barrymore, serve as the backbone to Edmund Goulding’s stunning 1932 drama, Grand Hotel. Grand Hotel is ultimately a celebration of life in the face of death,   read more

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

“The better the teacher, the better the future of America.” –Eve Arden As someone with a background in teaching high school English, you can safely bet that I hold a special place in my heart for Eve Arden and her work in Our Miss Brooks. Eve is one of my favorite comediennes...   read more

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

“The better the teacher, the better the future of America.” –Eve Arden As someone with a background in teaching high school English, you can safely bet that I hold a special place in my heart for Eve Arden and her work in Our Miss Brooks. Eve is one of my favorite comediennes...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on November 7, 2017

“All life, no matter how we idealize it, is nothing more nor less than exploitation.” –Friedrich Nietzsche While films of the Pre-Code Hollywood era boast many shades of sin and scandal, none are quite as salacious and as sexually-charged as Alfred E. Green’s Baby Face (1933   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on November 7, 2017

“All life, no matter how we idealize it, is nothing more nor less than exploitation.” –Friedrich Nietzsche While films of the Pre-Code Hollywood era boast many shades of sin and scandal, none are quite as salacious and as sexually-charged as Alfred E. Green’s Baby Face (1933   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 18, 2017

“The kids keep telling me I should try this new ‘Method Acting’ but I’m too old, I’m too tired, and I’m too talented to care.” –Spencer Tracy Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy are one of the most notable on-screen duos in classic cinema. They could   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 18, 2017

“The kids keep telling me I should try this new ‘Method Acting’ but I’m too old, I’m too tired, and I’m too talented to care.” –Spencer Tracy Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy are one of the most notable on-screen duos in classic cinema. They could   read more

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

“In my judgement there is nothing more important for us Catholics to do at the present moment [July 1939] than to use our energies in stemming the tide of racial bigotry and hostility.” –Joseph Breen While I typically tend to focus on actors and actresses throughout my articles, i   read more

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

“In my judgement there is nothing more important for us Catholics to do at the present moment [July 1939] than to use our energies in stemming the tide of racial bigotry and hostility.” –Joseph Breen While I typically tend to focus on actors and actresses throughout my articles, i   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 5, 2017

If you enjoy lighthearted collegiate musicals, then I have Good News for you! Set in the Roaring Twenties at fictitious Tait College, football star Tommy Marlowe falls in love with his tutor, Connie Lane. Driven by the book by Laurence Schwab and B.G. DeSylva, and with lyrics by DeSylva, Lew...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 5, 2017

If you enjoy lighthearted collegiate musicals, then I have Good News for you! Set in the Roaring Twenties at fictitious Tait College, football star Tommy Marlowe falls in love with his tutor, Connie Lane. Driven by Laurence Schwab and B.G. DeSylva’s book, and with lyrics by DeSylva, Lew Brown   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 29, 2017

“It hit every paper the next day: the Cinderella story. Of course they said it was a starring role. I had one line, but you know about those things.” –Barbara Hale Actress Barbara Hale was one who performed on many different mediums, but ultimately carried out one of her most...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 29, 2017

“It hit every paper the next day: the Cinderella story. Of course they said it was a starring role. I had one line, but you know about those things.” –Barbara Hale Actress Barbara Hale was one who performed on many different mediums, but ultimately carried out one of her most...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 28, 2017

“I am the luckiest guy in the world. All my dreams came true. I was in a wonderful business, and I met great people all over the world.” –Van Johnson In the days of Technicolor, Hollywood had its fair share of famous redheads–including Van Johnson. Johnson starred as a whole   read more