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Among all the theatres present in the entire world, perhaps the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is the most renowned one. Along with its cultural influence, its historical significance has also played a major role in popularizing this theatre.
History of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
The entire work of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre took 18 months to complete. It was in 18th May, 1927 that this theatre was inaugurated, with the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s ‘The Kings of Kings’. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre was built right after the success of Sid Grauman’s ‘Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre’. This ‘palace type theatre’ was designed by Raymond M. Kennedy.
Grauman’s share was sold to Fox Theatre; however, he retained the position of the theatre’s Managing Director, until his death. With Chinese designs and decor, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre soon became famous among the common masses. The declaration of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre as a historical and cultural landmark, in the year 1968 enhanced its importance.
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When it was sold to Ted Mann in 1973 its name was also changed from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre to Mann Theatres. However, on 9th November 2001 this theatre got back its own name, to add to its charm.
Architecture of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
Enter this Chinese pagoda-like structure to view its elegance. Along with stone lion-dogs, the main entrance also features Chinese dragons of varied sizes. The exotic Asian look of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre makes it stand apart in the world of Hollywood. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre screen is massive and the top-notch sound quality of this theatre surpasses everything.
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Footprints at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
Another significant point about this Chinese theatre is the numerous handprints, autographs and footprints of celebrities, at it forecourt. In yesteryears, celebrities used to leave short messages for Sid Grauman, which are priceless. Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks were the first ones to put their handprints and footprints at the forecourt of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.
Later other celebrities like Tom Mix, The Marx Brothers, Fred Astaire, John Barrymore. Danny Thomas, Gene Kelly, George Burns, John Travolta, Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Jim Carrey, Daniel Radcliffe, Nicolas Cage and so on followed.
Apart from being the venue for the Academy Awards, featured in so many TV serials and movies, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is also popular as a tourist attraction. Millions of tourists visit this place, to be a part of this massive theatre and also to view the scores of footprints.
Location of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre:
6925 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood
California 90028, United States
Phone no: 323 4648186
Read the pages of hollywoodzing.com and know more about attractions of Hollywood.
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