UPCOMING SHOWS
​​Wednesday 8 April 2026 - 1p (In-Person or via Zoom)
North Shore Senior Center (Northfield, IL)
Before the Censors: Pre-Code Hollywood
Between the advent of sound and the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code censorship guidelines (the Hays Code) in 1934, American films were at their most raucous and racy - illicit sex and violence were common themes. The Hays Code sought to determine what could be portrayed on screen, and to promote traditional values. Learn about some of the top movies of the era and why they were considered objectionable by the censors.
Registration - $15 for members; $20 for non-members.
Monday 13 April 2026 - 1p (In-Person)
Prospect Heights Public Library
Musicals of the Depression Era
Despite the Depression, the movie industry boomed and the Hollywood musical played a key role in distracting Americans from the horrors of the economic downfall. Learn about some of the most popular films of the era and watch scenes from these films.
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​Tuesday 9 June 2026 - 1p (In-Person or via Zoom)
North Shore Senior Center (Northfield, IL)
The Tramp and the Titan: The Creative Genius of Charlie Chaplin
Explore the extraordinary journey of Charlie Chaplin, the "Little Tramp" who became cinema’s first global superstar. From his impoverished London childhood to his revolutionary work as a director and composer, we examine his unparalleled comedic timing and the political controversies that eventually led to his exile. Peel back the greasepaint to discover the complex man who taught the world to laugh.
Registration - $15 for members; $20 for non-members - I'll post a link when it's available.
Wednesday 10 June 2026 - 2p (In-Person)
Inspriations of Northbrook
Hollywood and the Homefront
The entertainment industry changed the war effort, not only through individuals serving in the military, but also through fundraising efforts and the films themselves. Entertainment and informational programs were created for civilians and soldiers overseas and, in general boosted their morale. Learn how the studios contributed to the war effort, whether through feature films, educational and training films, or bond drives.
Program is for residents.
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Tuesday 16 June 2026 - 7p (In-Person)
Fox Lake District Library
The War of the Worlds Broadcast – The Night that Terrified America
On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles, director/star of the anthology series Mercury Theatre on the Air, presented a production of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. Learn about the production, the audience reaction, and the program’s aftermath. Portions of the program will also be played for the audience.
Registration - I'll post a link when it's available
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Wednesday 17 June 2026 - 11a (In-Person)
Dickinson Hall (Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Senior Center
The Warner Brothers and the Building of Their Empire
The three elder Warner brother siblings began in the movie industry by purchasing a movie projector and traveling to small towns to exhibit movies produced by others. Within a few years, and joined by another brother, they were producing their own films and became major players among Hollywood’s “Big Five” studios. Learn about their humble beginnings, and their influences on the film industry, including ground-breaking and classic films such as The Jazz Singer, Little Caesar, Casablanca, as well as current hits like the Harry Potter series.
Program is for residents.
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Monday 22 June 2026 - 1p (In-Person)
Prospect Heights Public Library
Disneyland: Creating the Happiest Place on Earth
Who knew that an orange and walnut grove in Anaheim would develop into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world? Walt Disney wanted to create a park that families could enjoy together. The park would be themed to his most famous character, Mickey Mouse, and be set across the street from his Burbank studio. But his ideas soon outgrew the 8-acre parcel. Learn how Disneyland developed from a simple idea into an entertainment empire with theme parks all over the world.
Registration - I'll post a link when it's available
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Monday 6 July 2026 - 6:30p (In-Person)
Geneva Public Library
Chicago Serial Killers
A chilling presentation highlighting Chicagoland-based serials killers, including H.H. Holmes, John Wayne Gacy, and others
Registration - I'll post a link when it's available
Wednesday 15 July 2026 - 2p (in-Person)
Inspirations of Northbrook
Disneyland: Creating the Happiest Place on Earth
Who knew that an orange and walnut grove in Anaheim would develop into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world? Walt Disney wanted to create a park that families could enjoy together. The park would be themed to his most famous character, Mickey Mouse, and be set across the street from his Burbank studio. But his ideas soon outgrew the 8-acre parcel. Learn how Disneyland developed from a simple idea into an entertainment empire with theme parks all over the world.
Program is for residents.
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Monday 10 August 2026 - 1p (In-Person or via Zoom)
North Shore Senior Center (Northfield, IL)
It's Good to Be King: The High-Octane Humor of Mel Brooks
From the Borscht Belt to the Oscar stage, Mel Brooks has spent a century making the world laugh. Explore the life and legacy of this Emmy-, Grammy-, Oscar-, Tony-winning powerhouse who conquered Broadway, TV, and film and dive into his "fearless" brand of satire and look at how he turned taboos into comedy gold in classics like The Producers and Blazing Saddles. Celebrate a career built on wit, heart, and pure chutzpah.
Registration - $15 for members; $20 for non-members - I'll post a link when it's available.
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Monday 28 September 2026 - 6:30p (In-Person)
Prospect Heights Public Library
Where No TV Show has Gone Before: The Making of Star Trek
Star Trek premiered on September 8, 1966. Cancelled after three seasons, it might have been forgotten, but Star Trek has gone where no TV show has gone before, spinning off 11 different series, a film franchise, and becoming a cult phenomenon. Learn how the series was created as well as the show’s cultural significance.
Registration - I'll post a link when it's available​
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Friday 2 October 2026 - 1p (In-Person)
Clarendale of Algonquin
Hollywood Ghost Stories
Hollywood stars lived the finest homes, stayed at the swankiest hotels and worked at studios called the “dream factories.” And a few have remained, long after their deaths. Hear stories of the more famous haunts and hauntings throughout the City of Angels and elsewhere.
Program is for residents.​
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Thursday 8 October 2026 - 1p (In-Person)
Schaumburg Township District Library
Topic to be Announed
Description will follow., too.
Registration - I'll post a link when it's available
Thursday 29 October 2026 - 7p (In-Person)
Elk Grove Village Public Library
The War of the Worlds Broadcast – The Night that Terrified America
On October 30, 1938, Orson Welles, director/star of the anthology series Mercury Theatre on the Air, presented a production of H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. Learn about the production, the audience reaction, and the program’s aftermath. Portions of the program will also be played for the audience.
Registration - I'll post a link when it's available
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Friday 13 November 2026 - 1p (In-Person)
Clarendale of Algonquin
The Hollywood Canteen: The Original Dancing with the Stars
The Hollywood Canteen, founded by actors John Garfield and Bette Davis, was a haven for servicemen during World War II. For nearly three years, the biggest stars in Hollywood entertained, fed, and jitterbugged their way into the hearts of over five million servicemen and women.
Program is for residents.