Cinerama Dome, 6360 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles

 

Variety, April 13, 2021:
"The workers at the ArcLight Hollywood have been on furlough for more than a year, and have been waiting eagerly for the venue to reopen. On Monday, they got word that the theater would remain closed permanently."

 

  

 From back of postcard:

"The only theatre of it's kind in the world. Located in the Cinerama Center, Sunset and Ivar, Hollywood, it is the first geodesic dome in concrete anywhere in the world. It is the first major theatre built in Hollywood in 35 years.

It is an endless network of electronic marvels.  Gold is the dominant color in the richly fabricated carpet and drapes. Striking innovations in lighting and luxurious seating provide unbelievable comfort and beauty." 

Cinerama Dome

 

Save the Cinerama Dome 

 

 

Since 1997 theatre historian,  Cezar Del Valle, has conducted a popular series of  theatre talks and walks, available for  historical societies, libraries, senior centers, etc.

Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, a three-volume history of borough theatres.

The first two chosen 2010 OUTSTANDING BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Theatre Historical Society. Final volume published in September 2014.

Currently seeking funding for “Editing & Formatting” the first three volumes of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, 3rd Edition

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Opening of the Egyptian Theatre, Los Angeles

Part Two: The 90th Anniversary of Grauman's Egyptian Theatre

The first Hollywood movie premiere as reported in Holly Leaves, October 20, 1922 (excerpts):

"A new era in the world's motion picture theaters and in the cinema art dawned Wednesday evening, when the new temple of art, Grauman's Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, was dedicated with the world premiere of 'Robin Hood,' the masterpiece of Douglas Fairbanks.

"Everyone of the 1742 seats were filled, and an even if the seating capacity were ten times greater, the house doubtless would have been filled, so great was the demand for tickets." 

"There was a regular metropolitan 'opening night' with a jam of people and motor cars outside and extending in all directions, while the great court had rows of people on either side of the aisle kept open by khaki-clad soldiers. Hollywood Post American Legion Band was in the court and gave a band concert before the program. The picture stars were wildly greeted and numerous flashlights taken of the kaleidoscopic human spectacle.

"Otto Olesen's great government searchlights played upon the heavens and added much to the spectacular effects.

"Before the picture, Arthur Wenzel, publicity director for the Grauman theaters announced that Fred Niblo would officiate as master of ceremonies. Mr. Niblo was a witty and facetious mood as he presented Mayor George Cryer of Los Angeles; George J. Eastman, president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce; Jesse Lasky, vice president of Famous Players-Lasky Company; Rupert Hughes, author and director, and Charlie Chaplin as surprise speakers. All were applauded to the echo with a double measure for 'Charlie.'

"Then Cecil de Mille was presented and after a brief happy speech, he called for Sid Grauman, builder of the Egyptian playhouse. Mr. Grauman  was greeted by a storm of applause and was tendered the rising salute. He made a few appropriate remarks and expressed feelingly his appreciation for all that had been said.

"All speakers heaped encomiums on Douglas Fairbanks for his marvelous production.

"The prologue was beautifully presented and delighted the house.

"The music proved a wonderful setting and the composer-conductor Victor Shertzanger [Victor Schertzinger] was given an ovation.

"Handsome souvenir programs in brochure forms were given to every first night person." 

Above postcard from the Theatre Talks collection.

Cezar Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, chosen 2010 Best Book of the Year by the Theatre Historical Society.

Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

On October 20th, 2012, Hollywood’s first movie palace, Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre , celebrates its 90th Anniversary.

From their website:

“Please join the American Cinematheque in honoring the legacy of the Egyptian Theatre, the home of the first Hollywood movie première.

Join us for an evening of 1922 style entertainment featuring silent short films (including some Egyptian theme novelty films), vaudeville acts, dancing to premiere vintage orchestra Dean Mora’s Modern Rhythmnists, make your own Hollywood Screen Test, 1920s libations, a buffet fit for King Tut, gaming in our speakeasy gambling den, docent-led tours of the Egyptian’s private spaces.”

"Unique in its policy", Grauman's Egyptian Theatre opened October 18, 1922 with Douglas Fairbanks starring as Robin Hood.

Holly Leaves, October 13, 1922:
" Grauman's Hollywood will be the first photoplay theater in the West to maintain a policy of reserving every seat for every performance. For the convenience of Los Angeles patrons a downtown box office will be maintained at Barker Brothers', and seats will be on sale two weeks in advance.

"Two complete shows will be given daily, a matinee at 2:15 and an evening performance at 8:15. The scale of prices for the matinee will run from 50 cents to $1.00 and the evening prices from 75 cents to $1.50.

"Every production will be presented with an elaborate musical accompaniment by an orchestra which is now being organized and which it is hoped to make one of the representative musical organizations of the West.
  
"It is Grauman's intention to show the biggest feature attractions of all producers at the Hollywood Theater, the opening feature being Douglas Fairbanks in 'Robin Hood,' which has been [?] as the really big photoplay triumph of 1922.

"Each production will be preceded with a prologue in keeping with the atmosphere of the story in which players who starred in the picture will be seen in their identical roles.

"' Robin Hood" is to have the most elaborate prologue accorded [?].  The Nottingham Castle set, which drew thousands to the Fairbanks-Pickford studio is to be duplicated on the Grauman stage, and the $150,000 costumes worn in the play will be used in the prologue, which Sid Grauman has designated as the 'Nottingham Castle Pageant.' More than 200 persons are to take part in the Robin Hood pageant, which will precede every showing of the picture."

Above postcard from the Theatre Talks collection.

Cezar Del Valle is the author of the Brooklyn Theatre Index, chosen 2010 Best Book of the Year by the Theatre Historical Society.