Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.
Cultural History
Cole Porter – Risque Master Of American Music
Private VenueCole Porter is one of the greatest songwriters in American history. His melodies were sublime. His lyrics were creative, witty, sophisticated, original, and naughty. Cole Porter was the ultimate European oriented sophisticate - yet he was born in tiny Peru, … Continue reading
Carl Reiner
Niles Senior Center 999 Civic Center Drive, Niles, IL, United StatesCarl Reiner is one of the funniest men ever to appear in - or write for - or direct an episode of TV! At 97, he is currently the oldest celebrity active on Twitter - and he is not even … Continue reading
Best Actresses To Never Win An Oscar!
Glenview Senior Center 2400 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL, United StatesThe Academy Awards are designed to recognize the greatest achievements in the movies. Each year, the Oscars are watched by huge audiences, and the results can make or break a film's chances at success. They also have a huge impact … Continue reading
The Life Of Robin Williams
Private VenueThe Life Of Robin Williams Robin Williams was one of the funniest comedians of all time. His improvisational skills were almost other-worldly! Yet behind the comic persona lay a complex man- intensely charitable and compassionate, but plagued by insecurity, battling addictions and … Continue reading
The Many Faces of Danny Kaye
Lake Forest Library 360 E. Deerpath Road, Lake Forest, IL, United StatesThe Many Faces of Danny Kaye Danny Kaye was a brilliant comic. He sang well enough to do duets with Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and even Beverly Sills. He danced beautifully with Vera-Ellen, a woman often considered the best technical … Continue reading
Aaron Sorkin
Brookfield Public Library : 3609 Grand Blvd, Brookfield, IL, United StatesAaron Sorkin is one of the most important and influential writers of films and television of the past twenty years. His films include A Few Good Men, The American President, The Social Network, Moneyball, Charlie Wilson's War, Molly's Game, and Steve Jobs. Each … Continue reading
The Life And The Films Of Paul Newman
Cook Memorial Library 413 N. Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville, United StatesThe Life And The Films Of Paul Newman Paul Newman was one of the greatest movie stars of all time. Certainly among the most handsome actors ever to grace the silver screen, Paul Newman's brilliant filmography proved that … Continue reading
Rita Hayworth – American Royalty
Lake Forest Library 360 E. Deerpath Road, Lake Forest, IL, United StatesRita Hayworth - American Royalty The pin-up photo of Rita Hayworth hung above the bunks of World War II American soldiers, airmen and sailors, and airmen all over the world. She was called "The Love Goddess," and Fred Astaire declared … Continue reading
The Life Of Robin Williams
Suffern Free Library 210 Lafayette Ave, Suffern, NY, United StatesThe Life Of Robin Williams Robin Williams was one of the funniest comedians of all time. His improvisational skills were almost other-worldly! Yet behind the comic persona lay a complex man- intensely charitable and compassionate, but plagued by insecurity, battling addictions and … Continue reading
Sidney Poitier
private IL, United StatesSidney Poitier is, without question, one of the greatest actors in the history of American film. Additionally, Sidney Poitier is the man who broke the color barrier in Hollywood. Like Barack Obama or Jackie Robinson, he was more than just … Continue reading