Grauman's Chinese Theater, now known as the TCL Chinese Theater, is a beautiful structure both inside and out. Built in 1926 on Hollywood Boulevard, the Chinese Theater was the last movie palace built by Sid Grauman, as an investment with Douglas Fairbanks, Howard Schenck, and Mary Pickford. Grauman is also known for LA's Million Dollar Theater (built 1918) and the Egyptian Theater (built 1922). The silent movie The King of Kings (1927) was the first movie to show at the Chinese Theater, on its opening in May of 1927. Also, from 1944 to 1946 the Oscars were awarded in this theater.
In addition to the intricate Chinese paintings inside the theater, the actual Ming Dynasty Heaven Dogs at the theater's entrance, and the unique pagoda exterior architecture, one of the main attractions of the theater is the Forecourt of the Stars. Every day visitors and tourists walk by Grauman's Chinese Theater to look at the hand and footprints of their favorite stars, with estimates putting this number at about 4 million visitors a year!
Video from the Grauman's Chinese in the 1940's:
Here are some pictures and prints from just outside Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard:
John Wayne
"Sid There are not enough words"
John Wayne (January 25th 1950)
Jimmy Stewart
"Thank You Sid" - Jimmy Stewart (February 13th 1948)
Clark Gable
"To Sid Who Is A Great Guy" - Clark Gable (January 20th 1937)
"You Made My Day" - Clint Eastwood (August 21st 1984)
Rex Harrison with Irene Dunne and Sid Grauman
"To Sid Grauman Sincere Thanks" - Rex Harrison (July 8th 1946)
