"Grauman's Chinese Theatre"
By Larry Grossman - RetroVisions

Grauman's Chinese Theatre is undisputedly the most famous movie theatre in the world. It's gala opening in 1927 was the most spectacular event Hollywood had ever seen, and was presided over by it's proud co-owners Sid Grauman, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks. Premiering that night in the opulent Chinese Palace-styled theatre was Cecil B. DeMille's "The King of Kings". Since that time it has been the site of many premiers and events, including three Academy Awards shows. It is at the top of every Hollywood tourist's "must see list", with it's most famous feature being the cement blocks in the forecourt containing the hand and foot prints of film celebrities dating back to the 1920's. My picture depicts the gala 1935 premier of "Bordertown", starring Paul Muni and Bette Davis (who can be seen in the forecourt amidst adoring fans), as the cops hold back the crowds on Hollywood Boulevard and searchlights pierce the sky. -- L.G.