Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.

The History Of ABC

North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, Northfield

The youngest of the big three broadcasting networks, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC), began as an offshoot of NBC and was for decades mired in third place in the ratings. That began to change when Walt Disney stepped in. Disney … Continue reading

Grace Kelly – American Royalty

Highland Park Senior Center 1677 Old Deerfield Rd, Highland Park, IL

Grace Kelly American Royalty Grace Kelly had a short, luminous, and wonderful career as a movie star. She starred alongside some of the most famous leading men of her time, including Gary Cooper (High Noon) William Holden, (The Country Girl, … Continue reading

The Life And The Films Of Paul Newman

New City Library 220 N. Main Street, New City, NY, United States

  The 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

Cole Porter – Risque Master Of American Music

Private Venue

Cole 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 States

Carl 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 States

The 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 Venue

The 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 States

The 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

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Aaron Sorkin

Brookfield Public Library : 3609 Grand Blvd, Brookfield, IL, United States

Aaron 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