Grauman's Chinese Theater

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

12 Jan 2006 05:38 AM

For more than seventy-five years, since May of 1927, to be exact, Grauman's Chinese theater has been the mecca and undisputed shrine of Hollywood and its stars. It was once said that "to visit Los Angeles and not see the theater, was like going to China and not seeing the Great Wall." Built at a cost of two million dollars, silent screen star, Norma Talmadge turned the first spade full of dirt in January of 1926 and Chinese actress, Anna Mae Wong, drove the first rivet into the steel girders. Declared an historic and cultural landmark in 1968, more than four million visitors from all over the world visit Grauman's every year.

On opening night, the film being premiered was Cecil B. DeMille's King of Kings and a Wurlitzer organ and 65-piece orchestra provided the music. Thousands gathered to get a glimpse of their favorite stars as they arrived for the gala affair. The forecourt of the stars looks the same today as it did back then, with many pieces of statuary decorating the ornate interior of the theater. The theater is ninety feet high and tall fountains flank the footprints of many of the stars. Guarding the entrance are two giant "Heaven Dogs" imported from China.

Sid Grauman himself never owned the theater completely, sharing a one-third interest with his partners Howard Schenk, Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. He sold his shares in 1929 and was the Managing Director of the theater until his death in 1950.

All the world's favorites are here; Frank Sinatra, Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck, Natalie Wood, Gene Kelly, Mickey Rooney, Tyrone Power, Lana Turner, Kirk Douglas, Sidney Poitier, Jack Lemmon, Nelson Eddy, Gary Cooper, Ginger Rodgers, and Gloria Swanson, just to name a few.

Whose footprints would YOU like to see at this famous theater?

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger