Hollywood Chinese Theatre - Grauman's Chinese Theatre

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Chinese Theater

 

The famous Hollywood Chinese theatre, officially known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, is a must-see spot when one visits Hollywood. Rising at a height of 90 feet, the Chinese theatre is easily recognized

for its two large red columns which frame a stone dragon which rises 30 feet from the ground.

Somebody once said that visiting Los Angeles and not see the Hollywood Theatre is the same as

visiting China and not seeing the Great Wall. Grauman’s decadent, impressive edifice and long history has been a landmark of Hollywood for over three-quarters of a century.

The most awe-inspiring and spectacular opening of a theatre in Hollywood history is that of the grand opening on May 18, 1927 of the Mann Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Thousands of people crowded Hollywood Boulevard and chaos broke out as die-hard fans did their best to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood movie actors and actresses and other VIPs as they arrived for the opening.

Cecil B. DeMille's “The King of Kings” was the film being shown for the first time that night. It was preceded by "Glories of the Scriptures," a live introduction spearheaded by master showman Sid Grauman himself. Music for the prologue was provided by a Wurlitzer organ and 65-piece orchestra.

The following day on May 19, 1927, the Chinese Mann theatre was opened to the public.