At Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Blvd, there have been movie premieres, and there have been lavish movie premieres, but I can’t think of any that have topped the spectacle Howard Hughes put on for the opening of his $2.8 million WWI flying drama, “Hell’s Angels.” I’m guessing this shot was taken from the nearby Roosevelt Hotel, and even though it’s grainy, this image captures the energy, the excitement, the crowds, and all the light pouring onto and from Grauman’s Chinese. In a couple of places, you can make out the large model aircraft slung across the boulevard—I wonder whatever happened to them. This memorable night took place on May 27, 1930 ahead of an 18-week run. (Incidentally, the $2.8 million budget roughly translates to $50 million today.)
Looking east along Hollywood Blvd at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre during the spectacular premiere of Howard Hughes’s “Hell’s Angels,” Hollywood, May 27, 1930
This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged Grauman's Chinese Theater, Movie Premiere, Night photo, Theaters. Bookmark the permalink.
The Golden Era of Hollywood!!! I wish it were so today!!!
WOW!
Thanks, Martin. Spectacular photo. The theatre was only a few years old at the time! Cecil B. DeMille’s KING OF KINGS premiered there when it opened in 1927, with photos very similar to this. Also, considering the Academy Awards are tonight in Hollywood, the theater hosted the Oscar ceremonies in the 40s. The cement footprints are legend. See the iconic bank building on the far right, 6777 Hollywood Blvd. Love that building to this very day.