Page 36 - July 2017 inLeague and Conference Program

Tuesday Historic Theatre Tours Continued

While the use of the Hollywood Pantages Theatre may have changed over the years, the theatre
does not appear all that different today. After several touch-ups over the years, the Hollywood
Boulevard showplace was renovated at the turn of the 21st century to recapture its 1930 look and
luxury. When the theatre reopened in September 2000, some 300 people had repainted nearly
every inch of the theatre, restored its outer lobby and missing chandeliers, refurbished its walls and
prepared it for the new century.

Egyptian Theatre

Hollywood, CA
The Egyptian Theatre was built in 1922 by the Milwaukee Building
Company. The architects are Meyer & Holler. Charles Toberman
developed the property and tapped movie theatre impresario Sid
Grauman to operate the theatre, which he did until 1927 when
he became involved with a new, larger theatre project across
the street. The opening night, October 18, 1922, is considered
the first Hollywood movie premiere. The film was ROBIN HOOD
starring Douglas Fairbanks. The non-profit American Cinematheque
purchased the theatre from the city of Los Angeles in the mid-
1990s and restored, renovated and rehabilitated it to the tune of
$15 million dollars, re-opening it on December 4, 1998. The theatre
programs a combination of Hollywood and International classics with © Tom Bonner
premieres of new films, often with filmmakers in person for discussion.

TCL Chinese Theatre
Hollywood, CA

Excerpted from the TCL Chinese Theatre's
website...
The TCL Chinese Theatre is the most iconic
movie palace in the world. With over 50 events
a year, including movie premieres, imprint
ceremonies, and film festivals, the theatre
continues to make Hollywood history every
day.
On January 11, 2013, the world famous
Chinese Theatre announced that they would
be teaming up with one of China's biggest
© Nadine Markova
electronics manufacturers, TCL, aka "The
Creative Life," in a 10-year naming rights partnership. This partnership has brought many exciting
upgrades and preservation projects to the Chinese Theatre. For example, new sloped seating, new
digital marquee, main lobby refurbishments and key technology upgrades sealing with both the
audio and visual presentation. Not only do these enhancements bring the cherished venue back to
the glory days when showman-founder Sid Grauman first opened the theatre, but they will also give
the storied movie palace a new lease on life and provide theatre-goers with a much improved, truly
world-class movie experience.
Since 1927, the TCL Chinese Theatre has been the home to the most prominent red carpet movie
premieres and special events. It's where Hollywood's biggest and brightest stars come to watch
their movies! The theatre has the unique Forecourt of the Stars, which features cement hand and
footprints of major movie stars from past to present. These aspects make our cinema palace the most
PAGE 34| INLEAGUE League of Historic American Theatres