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Grauman'sChinese Theatre opened over 70 years ago, with the 1927 debut of theoriginal silent version of "King of Kings," produced byCecil B. DeMille.Since then, the Chinese Theatre has been the site of more gala Hollywoodmovie premieres than any othertheatre. (In 1939, for instance, over 10,000 spectators showed up for theworld premiere of "TheWizard of Oz.) And those big premieres arestill being held at the Chinese on a regular basis. If you would like towatch the stars arrive in person on the red carpet at these premieres,just see my CalendarofEventspage for the dates and times of upcoming premieres. Then show up earlyand wait (hint:wear comfortable shoes.) Backin the 1940's, Grauman's Chinese Theatre also hosted the annual AcademyAward ceremonies. And the theatre has appeared in quite a few movies itself,including the opening scene of 1952's beloved musical "Singinginthe Rain," and at the climax of the recent action-adventure "Speed."More recently, it played a major role in the remake of the "MightyJoeYoung,"in a scene where the giant gorilla climbs up the side of the theatre andperches atop its ornate roof. It's been featured on TV sitcomsas well - remember the episode of "ILoveLucy"where Lucystole the cement block bearing JohnWayne'sfootprints? Or how about the episode of "The BeverlyHillbillies"where Jed and Jethro thought that the forecourt had been vandalized bythe stars, and were caught trying to pave over the "evidence "with wet cement! TheChinese Theatre was built by legendary showman SidGrauman,the man who also built the nearby Egyptian Theatreand the Million Dollar Theatre onBroadway. Sid had a flair for the dramatic, and he was the one who cameup with the idea of putting the stars' footprints in wet cement. Sid Graumanowned a one-third interest in the theatre, along with partners MaryPickford and DouglasFairbanks. For a while, the theatre was renamed "Mann'sChinese Theatre" after it was purchased by Ted Mann in 1973, the ownerof the Mann's Theatre chain (and husband of actress RhondaFleming). But fortunately, the landmark later regained its original name. Theornate exterior of the theatre is almost as enticing as its celebratedforecourt. Resembling a giant, red Chinese pagoda, the theatre's architecturefeatures a huge dragon snaking its way across the front, two stone lion-dogsguarding the main entrance, and the silhouettes of tiny dragons racingup and down the sides of the theatre's ornate, copper roof. Outside, near the forecourt,you'll find that the fist business is thriving, with several boothsset up hawking various guided bus tours of Hollywood, the movie stars'homes, and greater L.A. Two theatre gift shops offer the usual selectionof touristy Tinseltown souvenirs, at outrageous prices. And it isn't unusualto see street performers (such as a CharlieChaplin look-alike) milling with the crowdof tourists on the fabled forecourt. And of course, for the priceof a movie ticket, you can go inside and see the theatre's well-preservedinterior as well. You might suspect that afterseven decades, the theatre's interior would be dilapidated, like many ofthe other older theatres in L.A. But in fact, the Chinese Theatre remainsin surprisingly good condition. Its interior decor is a dazzling blur ofexotic Asian motifs. The lobby boasts elaboratewall murals depicting life in the Orient, bold red and gold columns, anda colossal, intricate Chinese chandelier. In the lobby's west wing is aglass case containing three wax figures (from the HollywoodWax Museum) wearing authentic Chinese costumes from Cathay. The threefemale figures surround a now-empty chair that once held the wax likenessof actress RhondaFleming,wife of owner Ted Mann. Movie-makers used to consider it good luck to cometo the theatre and touch these wax figures before embarking on a new filmproject. Inside the vast auditorium,the 2,200 bright red seats and red carpeting are kept clean and in excellentcondition. Overhead, a spectacular chandelier illuminates the center ofa mammoth, ornate starburst, surrounded by a ring of dragons - which is,in turn, encircled by a ring of icons portraying scenes from Chinese drama.Smaller Oriental lamps glow at the sides of the auditorium, hanging betweenintricately-carved stone columns; black & white murals of trees andpagodas fill the spaces in between. Turn around and look behindyou in the theatre, and you'll discover that what would usually have beenthe balcony section was divided into four private opera boxes for visitingcelebrities. Also, note the large number of assorted Asian statues, gongs,vases, shields, and friezes employed to add to the theatre's overall exoticambiance. (My only complaint is that the interior lighting is kept so dimthat it is difficult to appreciate all of the theatre's lavish detail.) The Chinese Theatre may notbe the best-preserved theatre in Hollywood - that honor would go to Disney'srecently-restored El Capitan, across the street - but it is certainlyin fine condition for a 70-year-old movie palace. And they've kept up withthe times when it comes to movie technology, too: the theatre offers 70mmprojection and a state-of-the-art THX sound system (which can actuallybe a little too loud at times). But whether you plan to seea movie here or not, if you're going to make the pilgrimage to Hollywood,the Chinese Theatre is a must-see. Thetour takes guests inside the historic theatre, and the guide tells guestsabout the history of the theatre, the footprints in the forecourt,the architecture, and about all the world premieres that have been heldthere. Tour guests get to sit down in the section that is reserved forthe VIPs during a world premere, then venture upstairs to the VIP lounge&balcony in the new Chinese 6 theatres. The tour winds up backstage at the gift shop where guests see costumes from some of Paramount'srecent movies. They recently added a permanent costume collection called the Hollywood Legends Collection, that will feature various different costumes for a limited time. The first wave on display now till November 15th, 2011 includes Marilyn Monroe's gold lame gown from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", Arnold Schwarzenegger's costume from "Terminator 2", Rita Hayworth's black satin gown from "Gilda", and more.
But the biggest news is thatthe project opened right next door to Grauman'sChinese. In fact, the spectacular development takes up the entire block,from Orange to Highland, and essentially surrounds the historic theatre.The $600 million project includes the permanent home for the AcademyAwardsshow (the Dolby Theatre), a grand ballroom for post-Oscar parties, restaurants,nightclubs, retail shops, a luxury hotel and parking for 3,000 cars. Sixsmaller, modern cinemas have been built next door (to the east of the existingtheatre), and the main Chinese theatre has undergone a major renovation,removing the box office and some of the more recent signs, to return thetheatre to the way it looked when it first opened. Update: In 2013, they sold the naming rights of the theatre, and as a result, the official name is now "TCL Chinese Theatre", named after the Chinese electronics company that paid $5 million for the right to slap their name on the marquee. Of course, it will always be called Grauman's Chinese by the public. Trying to rename something as well-known and historic as Grauman's Chinese is like trying to rename the Eiffel Tower. You might convince the media to play along, but the public knows better. On the bright side, thecurrent owners (producer Donald Kushner & Elie Samaha) used some of that money to turn the interior of Grauman's into thelargest IMAX theatre in the world (in terms of seating capacity) with986 tiered seats and a 94-foot wide screen. They promised to leavethe historic elements of the theatre interior intact, but they hopethat the new IMAX screen will allow the theatre to host even more moviepremieres than usual (as well as providing a more comfortable, modernviewing experience for the audience). The theatre was be closedbriefly, from May until September 2013, but is now open again with its new IMAX screen. Parking:Parking can be a real problem on Hollywood Blvd. There is some limitedfree street parking on the residential streets just south of the boulevard,such as Hawthorne. There is a one-hour limit on these streets, but notif you visit on Sunday. Parking is now available in the garage under thenew Hollywood &Highland project (be sure to get your parking ticket validated, for a reduced fee) - enteron Orange Ave. There are also paid lots south of Hollywood Blvd (and eastof Orange), and there is a paid parkinglot on the west side of Highland, just south of Hollywood Boulevard. (The outdoor courtyard is open24 hours a day, but use common sense and come at a sensible hour.) Also see the separate pages about the Chinese theatre forecourt,and the installationceremonies where you can see the stars put their footprints in cement.
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FAQs
What is Grauman's Chinese Theatre famous for? ›
Grauman's Chinese Theater remains one of the most sought-after locations for Hollywood premieres and was also the venue for the Academy Awards ceremonies between 1944 and 1946. Since its opening night on May 27, 1927, with Cecil B.
Is the TCL Chinese Theatre tour worth it? ›This theater steeps in entertainment history. The hand and foot prints of the stars at the entrance of the theater, the actual dresses and costumes worn by various stars and the beauty of the theater made for and inspiring visit. A tour of this theater is a must for anyone visiting Las Angeles.
Where do celebrities put their handprints? ›This is a list of handprint ceremonies for the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood Los Angeles, California (originally "Grauman's Chinese Theatre"). Footprints and signatures are also included, and in some cases imprints of other objects: Sonja Henie imprinted her ice skates.
How many handprints are at Chinese theater? ›Handprints. Many older entries contain personal messages to Sid Grauman, such as Myrna Loy's 1936 contribution. Loy's first job was as a dancer at the theater in the 1920s. Nearly 200 Hollywood celebrity handprints, footprints, and autographs are in the concrete of the theater's forecourt.
What is so special about the Chinese theater? ›Besides its Chinese design, the theatre's most distinct feature is the famous Forecourt of the Stars, with nearly 200 celebrity handprints, footprints, and autographs immortalized in the concrete.
How old is Mann's Chinese theater? › Is the TCL Chinese theater free? ›One of Hollywood's most iconic and memorable sites, the TCL Chinese Theatre (originally Grauman's Chinese Theatre) opened in 1927 and represents the excess of Hollywood's Golden Age. You can take a 30-minute walking tour of the theater for $16; tours are offered daily at multiple times.
How much is the TCL tour? ›Overall i found the tour interesting, but a bit over priced as a lot of it you can see on your own. They did give some tidbits that you may not have known otherwise. The tour was $12.50 for adults, and you can get a $2 off coupon from Hollywood maps found in the visitor's center a few doors down.
Can you go inside TCL Chinese Theatre? ›A:Yes, you can go inside the TCL Chinese Theatre by taking a guided tour of the historic venue.
Does Taylor Swift have a Hollywood star? ›Taylor Swift doesn't have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but unlike Beyoncé, she does make regular public appearances, especially as of late. Maybe it's only a matter of time before she gets one. She certainly has the credentials to qualify.
Can I use a dead celebrity image on at shirt? ›
Therefore, if a particular dead celebrity died in a state that recognizes such rights, the only way to exploit commercially their image is through a proper license with the estate of the celebrity. Since publicity rights eventually expire, a way to further expand those rights is trough trademark protection.
Who was the first handprint at Grauman's Chinese Theatre? ›Historical Notes
Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford were the inaugural celebrities to put their feet and handprints into fresh concrete at Grauman's Chinese Theater on April 30, 1927.
Originally Grauman's Chinese Theater, it's change ownership a few times and is now owned by the TCL Corporation. TCL Corporation, standing as a beacon of technological innovation in the Chinese multinational landscape, has evolved into a prominent player in the global electronics industry.
How long is the Chinese Theatre tour? ›So step off the red carpet and walk through the golden doors of this Movie Palace of the Stars on our exclusive 30 minute Walking Tour. A visit to Hollywood is not complete without this stroll through Hollywood movie history. Tours are offered 7 days a week excluding special events.
How did the artists leave handprints on the walls? ›They also found that most of the stenciled hands had been created using a common technique of the time—placing a hand near a wall and blowing pigments at it using a hollow bone or reed.
Which Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood features the handprints and footprints of famous movie stars in cement on the sidewalk? ›The theatre's forecourt is full of celebrity handprints, footprints, and signatures, a tradition that carries on to this day and started when Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped in wet cement when Sid Grauman was showing her the new theatre while it was under construction in early 1927.
What is the most popular form of Chinese theater? ›Beijing Opera is the most recent form of Chinese opera, and the best known internationally. It dates back to the Qing Dynasty. In 1790, the most famous artists in the Hui, Han, Yi and Qin operas travelled to Beijing to join in the celebrations surrounding Emperor Qianlong's 80th birthday.
What is the traditional theatre of China known as? ›Abstract: Chinese traditional theatre matured in the twelfth century. In modern times, its accepted name is Xiqu, which refers to Chinese traditional theatre after 1950.