John Peterman

John Peterman retired to the New London area after serving for 23 years as Head of an elementary school in Massachusetts. Throughout his life, John has been a public speaker and a mid-20th-century music and film enthusiast. His Osher courses on film and music include “Movie Stars Born in 1919, 1920, 1921”; “Comedy in Movies and TV 1960-1964”; “Girl Groups of the ‘60s”; and “Why Must I Be a Teenager in Love?: Movies, TV, and Music, 1954- 1964”. John also serves on Osher’s Leadership Council.

The Life and Early Films of Marlon Brando (Fall Term 2024)

Participant Testimonials: 

Everyone was encouraged to speak about their feelings and impressions of the films, and Marlon Brando's life. 

Fascinating Course

Excellent organization by John Peterman, never a boring moment.

A Festival of Summer Films (Summer Term 2024)

Participant Testimonials: 

It was a treat to view each film, a good summer diversion.

A great idea for a summer course and well presented.

Entertaining films supplemented with lots of relevant info about each.

Ball of Fire: The Outrageous Early Films of Barbara Stanwyck, 1933-1944 (Winter Term 2024)

Participant Testimonials: 

MORE THAN EXCEEDED EXPECTATIONS! I learned so much about Barbara Stanwyck, her films, directors, Edith Head costume designer and MUCH MORE.
The class exceeded my expectations, was a ton of fun and a wonderful experience!

As always John is very organized & knowledgeable about his subject.

“Why Must I Be a Teenager in Love”: Movies, TV, and Music, 1954-1964 (Fall Term 2023) 

Participant Testimonials: 

The instructor always tied in the significance of the social movements to the concept of the teenager, including how they were exploited.

The description was good but the course proved so much more enlightening and enjoyable than the description suggested. This course was a Grand Slam in all respects.