Grauman's Chinese Theatre: The Early Years

One of the most spectacular theatre openings in motion picture history was that of Grauman's Chinese Theatre. The grand opening of the theatre was on May 18, 1927. The following day on May 19, 1927 the theater opened to the general public. The theatre took 18 months and $2 million to build showman, Sid Grauman's, greatest triumph. In order to complete the theatre's lavish decor authorization had to be obtained from the United States government t import temple bells, pagodas, stone Heaven Dogs and other artifacts from China. Poet and film director Moon Quon came from China, and under his supervision Chinese artisans created many pieces of statuary in the work area that eventually became the Forecourt of the Stars. Most of these pieces still decorate the ornate interior of the theatre today.

The Grauman's Chinese Theatre circa 1927

The opening film at the theatre was Cecil B. DeMille's "The King of Kings". The movie was preceded by "Glories of the Scriptures" a live prologue devised by master showman Sid Grauman. A Wurlitzer organ and 65 piece orchestra provided music for the prologue.

The cover of the opening program for "The King of Kings"

Sid Grauman never owned the theatre outright, but held a one-third share interest with his partners, Howard Schenck, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks.

Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and Sid Grauman

The initial policy was two shows daily with reserved seats: a matinee and evening show both preceded by an elaborate prologue. The policy lasted unit the mid thirties when the prologues were abandoned and the Grauman's Chinese Theatre went to four shows a day policy. Later the prologues were reinstated.

The first "talkie" to play the Grauman's Chinese Theatre was "White Shadows in the South Seas" which opened in 1928.

The program from "White Shadows in the South Seas"

During 1929 Sid Grauman decided that he wanted to retire so he sold his share of the theatre to Fox West Coast Theatres. A few months later Grauman was talked out of retirement by Howard Hughes, who wanted Grauman to produce the world premiere of his movie "Hells Angels", which in the end featured one of Sid Grauman's famous theatrical prologues before the film. Grauman retired once more after the run of "Hells Angels" but ultimately came back out of retirement to serve as the theaters managing director until his death in 1950. In 1949 Grauman was given a special Oscar for showmanship, the only one ever given to a theater operator.

When the Academy Awards banquets grew to popular and a theatre was needed for more seating, Grauman's Chinese Theatre was chosen. In 1944, 1945 and 1946 the Academy Awards were held at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Now the Academy Awards are held at the adjacent Dolby Theatre.