The Egyptian Theatre, home of the very first red carpet premier back in 1922, is celebrating its 90th Anniversary. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the festivities honoring one of the last visceral links we have to Hollywood’s glamorous past.
It seems like every grand old Hollywood institution is celebrating a landmark anniversary this year (Universal’s 75th, Paramount Studios 100th, Casablanca’s 70th) and the American Cinematheque’s Egyptian Theatre is no exception. Starting March 10 at 10:00AM the grand show palace will begin a year full of festivities, activities and special screenings designed to honor Los Angeles’ oldest running movie theater’s 90th birthday.
The American Cinematheque in association with the Los Angeles historic Theatre Foundation, Hollywood Heritage and the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles will kick off the Egyptian Theatre’s 90th Anniversary year with a special presentation of the hour long film Forever Hollywood. This specially produced movie tells the life story of exhibitor Sid Grauman’s inaugural theater which was the home of the very first Hollywood movie premier, Douglas Fairbanks’ Robin Hood in 1922. The film features a plethora of celebrity interviews from Quentin Tarantino to Clint Eastwood, and includes over 400 movie and archival clips from footage dating back to the earliest days of the industry. This is film produced by the American Cinematheque for exclusive exhibition at the Egyptian Theatre and does not (nor is it ever expected to) exist on a home viewing format.
Also included in the day’s activities is an illustrated lecture on the theater’s on-going preservation work, a docent-led behind-the-scenes tour, a vintage clothing and book sale from 12 - 6 PM, and an opportunity to meet representatives from local preservation organizations. If you’re a real film history geek this could be the best day you’ve ever had. And if you’re not this is a great way to discover why classic cinema fans are just that - fanatics!
Future 90th Anniversary events include an Egyptian Masked Ball come Halloween time on October 20 which will feature the projection of many 1922 movies; a 90th Anniversary Screening of the previously mentioned Robin Hood with Douglas Fairbanks; a special 133rd birthday tribute to Sid Grauman; and of course anniversary engagements of such revered films as Lawrence of Arabia which is celebrating its own 50th birthday. And so many more additional events that will be announced as they are confirmed.
I urge you not to miss this opportunity to learn all about the Egyptian, a landmark of Hollywood history. Not only will you be honoring cinema’s great heritage, but you’ll be supporting the work of this amazing institution with just a $10 ticket purchase. Honestly, with everything you get it’s a paltry price to pay. Just click on this Buy Tickets link to secure your access today!