Of all the big, splashy movie premieres held at Grauman’s Chinese theater on Hollywood Boulevard, probably the most memorable was the one held there in 1930 for Howard Hughes’ “Hell’s Angels.” Hughes pulled all the stops out, including having model aircraft strung along Hollywood Boulevard. That night was recreated for the Hughes biopic “The Aviator” but you can see the newsreel for it here: http://www.youtube.com/
Premiere of “Hells Angels” advertisment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGbBWsYxhl0
Martin, in watching the clip above, we can all pretend we’re right there! Can never get over how tiny Gloria Swanson was! She didn’t look much bigger than Jackie Coogan!
Sure wish Hollywood was still as we see it here!
Jean
Amazing premiere. Possibly as spectacular as the plane scenes in the picture. Everyone circa 1930 was there, including a frustratingly brief moment of Jean Harlow. Having seen the film recently, I would say her acting comes across far better then the men. She is actually refreshingly natural. I mean, yes she got much better, but her Director did nothing for the still inexperienced girl. Still when she is on the screen, you really don’t care what else is happening. However the aireal scenes are spectacular, with a gala premiere to match. Now that was Hollywood!
That night is one on my list of time travel destinations.