Who is sid grauman biography

Grauman's Chinese Theatre opened over 70 years ago, with the debut of the original silent version of "King of Kings," produced by Cecil B. Since then, the Chinese Theatre has been the site of more gala Hollywood movie premieres than any other theatre. Infor instance, over 10, spectators showed up for the world premiere of "The Wizard of Oz. Grauman's Egyptian Theater was the first big movie palace to be built in Hollywood and the site of the first Hollywood movie premiere.

Griffith, and Fred Niblo. Within these pages are a wealth of anecdotes about these people and many others who were prominent in developing silent films into the most popular universal entertainment medium of its time. Grauman's sumptuous movie palaces, elaborate and innovative staging, and keen eye for talent and publicity made him a legend in his lifetime, a man who is still remembered with awe and respect by all who saw his work in its prime.

While this book deals extensively with the details of Grauman's management of his various houses, it is no mere documentary. Nor is it a chronological biography, since it explains Grauman's career and major professional achievements.

Who is sid grauman biography: Sid Grauman was born on

Instead, it is a collection of narrative flashes, accurately reproducing the spirit of Grauman's life and times, that pick out an event in one decade to describe and illuminate an event in another. Ina new and one of the largest movie theaters in the city, the Million Dollar Theatre, opened in the capital of California. A couple of years later, the Egyptian Theatre opened, which is still considered one of the most famous movie theaters in the world.

However, this was just the beginning. Sid Grauman's greatest project, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, opened in and became the most successful theater in Los Angeles from the first day. The entire theater's decoration was ordered from China, and hundreds of sculptors and architects worked on the interior to recreate the atmosphere of China in the heart of Los Angeles.

Although the theater bears Sid Grauman's name, he was not its sole owner. Part of the building belongs to well-known actors and entrepreneurs, while the other part belonged to Sid himself. However, due to some circumstances, Sid sold his share to the Fox West Coast Theatres company but remained the sole director of the theater until his death. Alongside this, Sid tried to establish other companies but was not successful.

For example, his gold mining company, the Black Hills Exploration Corporation, quickly went bankrupt and closed, bringing him no profit. It was opened for a premiere on May 18, There was a crush of onlookers eager to have a glimpse of both the stars attending and the splendor of the building. Many of the fittings were imported from China and Chinese artisans were brought in to create works of sculpture which were originally located in the theater's forecourt and are now housed inside the theater.

The forecourt still contains the celebrity hand and footprints in cement.

Who is sid grauman biography: Sidney Patrick Grauman (March

The tradition began by accident, while the finishing touches were being put on the Chinese Theatre. Two versions of the story have been published; one has Mary Pickford as the actress who stepped in the wet cement on her way to see Sid Grauman's new building, and the other credits Norma Talmadge with the misstep. Grauman decided it was a wonderful way to have a permanent record of the stars, and began inviting selected film personalities to put their hand and footprints in concrete.

Grauman himself made the choices; the tradition continued after his death using a secret system for choosing celebrities. Grauman was not the sole owner of the Chinese Theatre, even though it bears his name. Two years after its opening, he sold his share of the theater to Fox West Coast Theatres, but remained its Managing Director for the rest of his life.

In addition to his theater, and Hollywood energies, Sid Grauman built the Hollywood Roller Bowl which led to the 'discovery' of Gloria Nordwho would become one of the most important people in roller skating's history. Grauman's non-entertainment ventures turned out as badly as his father's. Grauman had convinced others such as entertainer Al Jolson and many movie company executives to join him in investing in the company.

The company was not successful, and Grauman advised everyone to get out of the investment. Grauman was well-known to Hollywood's leading stars and was considered to be a close friend to many, including Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle.

Who is sid grauman biography: Born in Indianapolis on

David Grauman was the originator of Pickford's "America's Sweetheart" nickname. Grauman, who never married, was devoted to his mother. She was the only non-celebrity whose imprints were taken for display; after Rosa's death, Grauman kept all of her personal effects. Grauman liked being at Cedars and would leave to eat at various premier restaurants and return to the hospital to sleep.

Grauman received an honorary Academy Award in for raising the standard for film exhibition. Grauman died of a coronary occlusion at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on March 5,twelve days shy of his 71st birthday. After Grauman's death, a woman named Carrie Adair came forward with claims of being his common-law wife and the mother of his child.

Adair produced a copy of a will and a letter naming her as Grauman's childhood sweetheart. Adair's sister, Agnes Gerlich, gave testimony that her sister was living in Texas during the time she was said to be with Grauman. She also stated that the child Adair referred to was actually her daughter and not Adair's. Contents move to sidebar hide.

Article Talk. Read Edit View history. Tools Tools. Download as PDF Printable version. In other projects. Wikimedia Commons Wikidata item. American showman and entrepreneur — IndianapolisIndiana, U. Los AngelesCalifornia, U. Biography [ edit ]. Early years [ edit ].