Click on any entry in Barry Bradford’s Speaking Schedule for full details.
Grace Kelly – American Royalty
Private VenueGrace Kelly American Royalty Grace Kellyhad a short, luminous and wonderful career as a movie star. She starred alngside some of the most famous leading men of her time, including Gary Cooper, (High Noon) WIlliam Holden, (The Country Girl, for … Continue reading
Second City
Private VenueSecond City – the name alone is Second with comedy!. The Chicago institution that launchd improv comedy Into a worldwide phenomenon has fascinating history. From the early days when it featured stars like Mike Nichols and Elaine May, Alan Arkin and Joan Rivers, … Continue reading
Sidney Poitier
North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, NorthfieldSidney Poitier is 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 a symbol. … Continue reading
Edward R. Murrow: The Legend, The Man, The Impact
Lake Forest Library 360 E. Deerpath Road, Lake Forest, IL, United StatesEdward R. Murrow Murrow at CBS With a demagogue attacking anyone who criticized him, newsman Edward R. Murrow bravely replied: "The actions of the junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad, and given considerable … Continue reading
Mel Brooks
North Shore Senior Center 161 Northfield Road, NorthfieldMel Brooks wrote, directed and starred in some of the funniest movies of all time. He even wrote the music for them! As a TV writer, working for Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks contributed to perhaps the funniest TV show. He … Continue reading
Mel Brooks
Private VenueMel Brooks wrote, directed and starred in some of the funniest movies of all time. He even wrote the music for them! As a TV writer, working for Sid Caesar, Mel Brooks contributed to perhaps the funniest TV show. He … Continue reading
Harry S. Truman – Bringing Independence To The White House
Private VenueWhen Harry S. Truman left office he was considered a failed President. Wags said, "To err is Truman!" A half century later, conventional wisdom was that Truman was a great President. Which statement is true? Or does the truth lie … Continue reading
1944 – History In Perspective
Highland Park Country Club 1201 Park Avenue West, Highland Park IL, IL, United States1944 was one of the most dramatic years in American history - indeed, it was a turning point in the history of the world! The liberation of Europe that began on D-Day was destined to change the trajectory of human … Continue reading
The Best Losing Presidential Candidates
McHenry College 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal LakeThe Best Losing Presidential Candidates Here is a historical question for you: What do Adlai Stevenson, George McGovern, Daniel Webster, and Wendell Willkie have in common? Each of these talented, admirable men ran for President and lost. And each … Continue reading
The Best Losing Presidential Candidates
McHenry College 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal LakeThe Best Losing Presidential Candidates Here is a historical question for you: What do Adlai Stevenson, George McGovern, Daniel Webster, and Wendell Willkie have in common? Each of these talented, admirable men ran for President and lost. And each … Continue reading