Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 14, 2024

Throughout the course of his storied career, Sidney Poitier experienced many groundbreaking moments in his personal and professional life. In addition to numerous memorable on-screen performances, Poitier also delivered several speeches that spoke not only about his life but also about other causes   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 14, 2024

Dorothy Parker was a brilliant wit whose words have withstood the test of time. A writer with a knack for wisecracks, Parker’s life was just as fascinating as her written output. Gail Crowther’s Dorothy Parker in Hollywood sheds light upon Parker’s life and legacy in Hollywood. Fr   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 3, 2024

Singin’ in the Rain (1952) is widely considered to be one of the greatest–if not the greatest–film musicals. With numerous iconic songs and dances, in addition to the performance of the title number cemented in film history, there is much to celebrate in relation to this beloved cl   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on October 1, 2024

“From the time you were signed at MGM you just felt you were in God’s hands.” –Ann Rutherford Therese Ann Rutherford was born on November 2, 1917, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Her parents were John and Lucille Rutherford. Her mother was a silent film actress, while   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 25, 2024

Dr. Annette Bochenek loves to take Hometowns to Hollywood on the road–in person or virtually–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 presentations that profile indi   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on September 1, 2024

“You see, it was the wedding of my grandparents. To the Shaws was born a boy, James, and to the Stephensons, a daughter, Esther. James and Esther were sweethearts from childhood and like their parents before them, they too were married on a beach at midnight amid blazing torches. Is...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 31, 2024

Helen Morgan has long been lauded as an influential torch singer, sharing her talents on stage, radio, and film. Her strong vocal abilities and talent for delivering impassioned, dramatic song performances easily cemented her legacy as an extremely talented singer. Christopher S. Connelly’s H   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 30, 2024

Bogie & Bacall’s relationship is one of classic Hollywood’s storied romances, of course referring to the relationship between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. While they were quite accomplished as individual actors, they were also lauded as a notable on-screen (and off-screen) coup   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 30, 2024

With the spooky season just around the corner, The Hitchcock Hotel could not arrive at a more perfect time! Stephanie Wrobel’s novel is a thrilling and fun homage to Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense himself. This book is filled with references to Hitchcock’s memorable body of wor   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 29, 2024

Mary C. McCall Jr. was a renowned screenwriter and novelist working during the Golden Age of Hollywood. In addition to her work in the film industry, she was recognized as a feminist and labor leader. During her career, she became the first woman president of the Screen Writers Guild and...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 29, 2024

In Visions and Victims: Art Melodrama in the Films of Carl Th. Dreyer, by Amanda Doxtater, individuals interested in both film studies and Scandinavian studies can indulge in this examination of Danish film director Carl Th. Dreyer. Among his most notable works are The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928),   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 29, 2024

Rouben Mamoulian was a notable figure in film and theatre, having the distinction of directing the original stage productions of Porgy and Bess, Carousel, and Oklahoma! In addition, he also directed the films Love Me Tonight (1932), Queen Christina (1933), Silk Stockings (1957), and more. Uncompromi   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 25, 2024

Dr. Annette Bochenek loves to take Hometowns to Hollywood on the road–in person or virtually–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 presentations that profile indi   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 16, 2024

Amy Sall’s The African Gaze: Photography, Cinema, and Power offers an examination of postcolonial and contemporary photography and cinema from Africa. In addition to its critical introduction to African still and moving images, this book celebrates major names in African photography. Additiona   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 16, 2024

Anna May Wong was an extraordinary screen siren who became Old Hollywood’s most famous Chinese American actress. While celebrated for her culture, identity, and talents today, she encountered numerous hardships for these same aspects during her time in the film industry. Yunte Huang’s D   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 14, 2024

Film noir is a pessimistic, shadowy style of filmmaking that has long entertained viewers and is often a favorite among classic film fans to this day. While there are numerous aspects of film noir to laud, such as impactful writing and memorable performances, the clever use of lighting is also...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 5, 2024

Audrey Hepburn is an iconic figure of Hollywood’s Golden Age for her performances, style, and humanitarian work. There is much to laud about her life and legacy. Generally, individuals who have not seen her films tend to still be able to identify her through her starring role in Breakfast at...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 5, 2024

The Greene Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine is the third book in the series of Philo Vance whodunits. It was published in 1928 and focuses on the murders of members of the Greene family. This is also the first of the Philo Vance-centric books that was not inspired in...   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 5, 2024

The Hotel Valley Ho is a historic hotel located in Scottsdale, Arizona, which opened in 1956. This futuristically designed hotel has hosted movie stars and athletes among its notable clientele over the years. The building was expanded in 1958 with two additional wings of guest rooms. By 1973, the ho   read more

Hometowns to Hollywood Posted by Annette Bochenek on August 2, 2024

Just twenty-five miles north of Hollywood, film fans can find an area that celebrates the impact of Western films. Newhall, California, has long stood as a backdrop to Western films, dating back to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Nestled in the Santa Clarita Valley, the Walk of Western Stars celebrates   read more