Keywords: Jimmy Stewart's hand and footprints, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Los Angeles, California LCCN2010630039.tif 1 photograph digital TIFF file color Notes The grand opening of Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on May 18 1927 was the most spectacular theatre opening in motion picture history Thousands of people lined Hollywood Boulevard and a riot broke out as fans tried to catch a glimpse of the movie stars and other celebrities as they arrived for the opening The film being premiered that night was Cecil B DeMille's The King of Kings ' which was preceded by Glories of the Scriptures a live prologue devised by master showman Sid Grauman A Wurlitzer organ and 65-piece orchestra provided music for the prologue The theatre opened to the public the following day May 19 1927 Protected by its 40-foot high curved walls and copper- topped turrets the theatre's legendary forecourt serves as an oasis to the stars of yesterday and today Ten-foot tall lotus-shaped fountains and intricate artistry flank the footprints of some of Hollywood's most elite and welcome its visitors into the magical world of fantasy and whim known as Hollywood ; Gift and purchase; Carol M Highsmith; 2009; DLC/PP-2010 031 ; Credit line Carol M Highsmith's America Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division ; Forms part of Carol M Highsmith's America Project in the Carol M Highsmith Archive ; Title date and subjects provided by the photographer 2006 Creator Carol M Highsmith Library of Congress Catalog http //lccn loc gov/2010630039 Image download https //cdn loc gov/master/pnp/highsm/04000/04040a tif Original url http //hdl loc gov/loc pnp/highsm 04040 No known restrictions on publication LOC-image highsm 04040 PD-Highsmith Images uploaded by Fæ Photographs by Carol M Highsmith |