Learn About the Ladies of Laughter – BMW of Elmhurst Dealer

The Elmhurst Public Library presents Ladies of Laughter on Tuesday, March 29, at 7 p.m. This hybrid event is led by film historian Dr. Annette Bochenek, who will offer information and anecdotes about the funny women of the Golden Age of film, TV and radio. Subjects will include Lucille Ball, Gracie Allen and Eve Arden. At BMW of Elmhurst, we’re confident this will be an enjoyable talk. We encourage everyone to attend.

Lucille Ball was an award-winning actress and comedian. Her career began when she started modeling in 1929. She went on to become a Broadway stage actress. Lucy appeared in several movies over the next two decades. With her husband, Desi Arnaz, she created the popular sitcom “I Love Lucy,” which premiered in 1951. She received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award, five Primetime Emmy Awards, and two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Gracie Allen was one half of the Burns and Allen comedy team. Gracie appeared on radio, TV, and movies with her husband, George Burns. The pair reveled in publicity stunts, including Gracie’s 1940 announcement that she was running for president on the Surprise Party ticket. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. In 1988, Gracie and George Burns were inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.

Eve Arden was a comedian and actress who appeared on radio, stage, movies and TV. Her long career spanned from 1929 through the late-1980s. Her notable film appearances included “Stage Door,” “At the Circus,” and “Having a Wonderful Time.” Eve was nominated for an academy award for best supporting actress for her role in the film “Mildred Pierce.” She won a Primetime Emmy Award for the TV show “Our Miss Brooks.” She later co-starred with Kaye Ballard in the 1967–1969 sitcom “The Mothers-in-Law.”

Annette Bochenek, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at Purdue University and an archivist and film historian of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her Hometowns to Hollywood blog recounts her many travels exploring the hometowns and lives of Golden Age stars.

Date and Time:
Tuesday, March 29, 2022, 7 p.m.

Location:
Elmhurst Public Library
125 S. Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, Illinois, 60126

Admission:
Free. Registration is required for this hybrid event. A limited number of seats are available for in-person admission at the library.

• Register to attend in-person at https://bit.ly/3JmYse4.
• Register to attend virtually at https://bit.ly/3Il3arh.

For More Information:
Email [email protected] or call 630-279-8696.