Here we have the second movie premiere held at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. (The first was Cecil B. DeMille’s “King of Kings.”) It took place on November 4, 1927, and was for “The Gaucho,” starring Douglas Fairbanks, which helps to explain the huge crowds gathered out front. The movie had a 12-week run, which was fairly typical back then. But the lucky people who got to attend the premiere (and who plunked down $5.50 for the privilege) were treated to a 12-part prologue put together by Sid Grauman himself. All in all, it must have been a thrilling night.

Sid Grauman’s Prologue
“Argentine Nights”
Conceived and Staged by Sid Grauman
1. Opening-Argentine Pastimes.
2. La Jota Dance-Triana and Antoinette, and Ensemble.
3. Senorita Cordova, Castanet Dancer.
4. Acrobatic Fantasy, Leonard St. Leo.
5. Gaucho Chorus, “White Men’s Gold.”
6. Indian Rain Dance.
7. Gaucho Marimba Band.
8. Mariano Del Gado, Musical Gourd Player.
9. Samuel Pedraza, South American Tenor.
10. Harry White and Alice Manning, Comedy Dancers.
11. Borrah Minnevitch and Argentine Rascals.
12. Finale.