Author Archives: Annette Bochenek

Classic Movie Travels: Lana Turner from Wallace Idaho to Hollywood California

Posted on December 4, 2015 by Annette Bochenek

Born Julia Jean Mildred Frances Turner… When I think of the genesis of some of the most glamorous movie queens, I think of Lana Turner sipping a Coke at the Top Hat Cafe. Though the story of her discovery is … Continue reading →

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Classic Movie Travels: Francis Farmer from Seattle to Indianapolis

Posted on October 5, 2015 by Annette Bochenek

Francis Farmer… A Turbulent Journey When I relayed the complicated tale of Frances Farmer’s life to a friend of mine, his response was, “Now, that would make an interesting movie.” I immediately pointed him to the 1982 film, Frances, starring Jessica … Continue reading →

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Classic Movie Travels: Newton, Massachusetts and the Great Jack Lemmon

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Annette Bochenek

Jack Lemmon’s Peculiar ‘Debut’ in Newton, Massachusetts…  Some actors are brilliant in comedies alone. Other actors are definitively dramatic. And then there’s Jack Lemmon. As an actor, Lemmon brought a quirky charm to each of his films—a charm that was … Continue reading →

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Classic Movie Travels: The Great Katharine Hepburn of Fenwick, Connecticut

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Annette Bochenek

“I am Katharine Hepburn of Fenwick, Connecticut.” Sharp-witted and sophisticated, Katharine Hepburn was a pivotal figure in Golden Age cinema. Her independent life and strong-willed movie characters cemented her as a role model for multiple generations of women. She maintained … Continue reading →

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Classic Movie Travels: The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Annette Bochenek

The Red Skelton Museum of American Comedy Red Skelton is probably one of the most endearing American comics. Maintaining a simple brand of patriotic comedy, stemming from the clowning tradition, Skelton charmed audiences through live performance, radio, and television broadcasts. … Continue reading →

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Classic Movie Travels: Essanay Studios Chicago

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Annette Bochenek

Before Hollywood, there was Chicago… As a Chicago native, I’ve always been fascinated by my town’s place in early cinema. After all, this was the place for moviemaking. The filmmaking industry had not yet been localized to sunny California just yet. As … Continue reading →

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Classic Movie Travels: The Bing Crosby Collection

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Annette Bochenek

 Bing’s Spokane and  Gonzaga University… I’d like to take us to the Pacific Northwest to explore the life of an iconic crooner—Tacoma’s Bing Crosby. Bing, or Harry Lillis Crosby Jr., was the fourth of seven children born to brewery bookkeeper … Continue reading →

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Classic Movie Travels: The Harris-Faye Collection

Posted on April 1, 2015 by Annette Bochenek

Hailing from the small town of Linton, Indiana… If you don’t recognize Phil Harris by name, you’ll certainly recognize him by his voice. Hailing from the small town of Linton, Indiana, Harris developed a career as an established bandleader in … Continue reading →

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Classic Movie Travels: Jack Benny Plaza and Statue

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Annette Bochenek

Celebrating Waukegan’s Favorite Son… On a 1959 episode of the television game show What’s My Line?, Jack Benny quipped the following line to host John Charles Daly: “They say that I put Waukegan on the map. But it’s not true. … Continue reading →

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