The Hollywood Chinese Theatre, undoubtedly the world's most famous cinema, is something of a mecca for the pilgrims of the film world. It attracts millions of tourists with its imposing image of a Chinese palace, as well as with its famous forecourt where legions of film legends have left their footprints and handprints in concrete; admission to the forecourt is free. The Chinese film palace opened in 1927 with a screening of The King of Kings, Cecil B. DeMille's silent movie. Since then it has become the main film premiere venue in Hollywood. For instance, 1939 saw over 10 000 viewers witness the world premiere of The Wizard of Oz; during the 1940s, the film theatre hosted the Oscar ceremonies. Today Grauman's Chinese Theatre is still the main film premiere venue, gathering thousands of onlookers who hope to catch a glimpse of their favourite movie stars on the red carpet. The Chinese Theatre was built with the financial support of Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, by the legendary showman Sid Grauman who also owned the nearby Egyptian Theatre and the Million Dollar Theatre on Broadway. Grauman loved dramatic gestures, and the idea of immortalising the footprints of movie stars in concrete was his brainchild. The Chinese Theatre is reminiscent of a giant Chinese pagoda, its façade adorned by a gigantic dragon and two stone Heaven Dogs; the copper roof slopes also feature small dragon silhouettes. The exotic interior of the Chinese Theatre has been preserved incredibly well: all the original Chinese decor elements, like columns, statues, gongs, vases, shields, paintings, etc., are still intact. Despite its old-fashioned interior, the film theatre offers the latest film-viewing technologies. The auditorium seats 2200; the balcony houses four private boxes for celebrities. Today, a booming tourist business has developed around the Chinese Theatre, offering bus tours of the star homes in Los Angeles and a variety of Hollywood memorabilia at hair-raising prices.
ENG LAT