From gigantic productions at the pantages theatre or at the music center. Sid grauman s first major theatre was named graumans theatre when it opened on february 1, 1918 with william s. The theatre opened to the public the following day, may 19, 1927. Fewer than ten percent of the citys residents owned an automobile.
Each theater is giving a few lines of background and history but this book is about the. It is also the location of the broadway theater district, the first and largest historic theater district listed on the national register of historic places nrhp. Ive been here on two occasions, both as a guest of. The organ grilles, in particular, showcase images lifted from the book, including the evil brothers, the golden tankard, the south west wind, and even the dog. It is one of many theaters in downtown which were built to feature. According to tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience million dollar theater. Charles lee, and samuel tilden norton, the theater features a french baroque interior. The ads for the million dollar and metropolitan appeared as part of the regular west coast ads. Broadway from 3rd to 9th streets in the historic core was the citys main commercial street from the 1910s until world war two. About the million dollar theatre the million dollar theatre was the first movie palace on broadway, built in 1917 by sid grauman and opened in 1918. Its the northernmost of the collection of historical movie palaces in the broadway theater district and. We were there for food week 2019 and a presentation about the history and im going crazy of tacos read more. By then, no doubt, everchanging downtown will have transformed itself once again.
With its grand central staircase and gold brocade drapes, it has for many years been. The theatre was built in 1918 and is not totally restored but the history and decor is do. Hollywood was still just a village and motion pictures were silent. Officially called graumans theatre, it was informally known as the million dollar theatre for its opulent interior and rumors of the price tag. The page also listed some of the suppliers for the building.
It is one of many theaters in downtown which were built to feature the growing motion picture industry of the silent camera. Lahtf was honored to be the first to welcome the public into the theatre and post 43 building after undertaking an extensive multimillion dollar renovation. The theatres name was officially changed in 1922 to reflect its informal name. In october 2005, the million dollar theatre was leased by former nightclub owner robert voskanian and work soon began on a restoration of. Sadly, many theaters are gone or have been converted to other uses, but a few remain and here they are in all their glory. The actors sing the songs and play the instruments.
Broadway theater and commercial district, 300849 s. Master showman sid grauman had built other movie palaces the million dollar theatre in downtown l. Times is a leading source of breaking news, entertainment, sports, politics, and more for southern california and the world. From being the central hub for the film and media industry, to the city that brews with different cultures and ideas, nearly 4. The main reinforced concrete truss of the balcony being load tested in 1917. In 1998, the church moved out and along broadway into the former loews state theatre, and the million dollar theatre was shuttered. If youd like to see the film heres some upcoming screening dates and locations. The theatre opened february 1, 1918 with the premiere of the silent man accompanied by a thirtypiece orchestra. Broadway historic theatre and commercial district walking. This theater is featured in the cinema treasures book.
In a city that is constantly updating itself, it can become difficult to find reminders of classic hollywood history. Established in 2003, theatreland offers the largest individual collection of websites providing complete, impartial guides to all the theatrical, musical and performance arts events and venues in the worlds greatest theatre cities, from new yorks broadway to londons west end and. The million dollar was initially leased from owner homer lauglin. Following the hype over its price tag, it was immediately known as grauman s million dollar theatre, although it was not officially named this until 1922. The structure of the building itself takes visitors into the past, with elaborately carved more. Dont miss mike humes page about the million dollar on his historic theatre photography site. With newer residents paying top dollar for housing nearby, its not difficult to see how tensions might arise. Tilden norton in the french baroque style, and was modeled on san franciscos fox theater. Imagine the value of 1 million dollars in 1918 money.
Mystic film festival, the garde arts center in new. After the final curtain people buy tickets to theatres. Dec 30, 2004 i really enjoyed the last remaining seats, because it preserves in photographs my beloved movie palaces of the mind. The million dollar was the first movie house built by entrepreneur sid grauman. Costume design history, film history, fashion history, old hollywood style, style. The eclectic, fantasy design of the million dollar theatre in 1918 contrasted with the more. Feb 12, 2018 help us grow the channel and create more content. Million dollar quartet is the smashhit, tony awardwinning musical inspired by the unexpected recording session that brought together rock n roll icons elvis presley, johnny cash, jerry lee lewis and carl perkins. Million dollar theatre million dollar theatre groupon. Million dollar quartets cast meets the challenge of recreating an ephemeral moment of collaboration among legendary performers. It was later used as a church, and after the church. I really enjoyed the last remaining seats, because it preserves in photographs my beloved movie palaces of the mind.
Do you need to book in advance to visit million dollar theater. Affordable books great deals on new, used and rareout of print bestsellers. First opened to accommodate fullscale dramatic productions, this 27,000 square foot historic landmark is archived as the original broadway theatre in the united states. When ticketbuying patrons came to one of his theaters, they got more than just a night out. Hart in the silent man and a personal appearance by w. The million dollar theatre has been making history since it was opened by sid. Skip to main content welcome to displaydomain, a us site operated by expedia, inc. Classic pre1920 or nate dtla theater and the core of the west coast broadway area of downtown. The name million dollar was removed from the marquee at this time. Earlier this year langdon street capital, owners of the million dollar.
The wadsworth held nearly 2,000 patrons and was used for seasonal pageants, theatre productions, and movies for the va residents. The million dollar featured the worlds first cantilevered balcony supported by a cast. Here is our brand new patreon account thanks in advance. The million dollar was sid grauman s first major movie theatre when it opened in february 1918. It also appears in the usc digital library collection from the california historical society. Its the northernmost of the collection of historical movie palaces in the broadway theater district and stands directly across from the landmark bradbury building. Even those who dream of touring the citys top attractions in a sporty convertible may. Broadways million dollar theater launches a weekly film series. In addition to information about the many existing buildings, theres also a survey of the wonderful theatre buildings that have been demolished. A wurlitzer organ and 65piece orchestra provided music for the prologue. Broadway historic theatre and commercial district walking tour. Find broadway shows, musicals, plays and concerts and buy tickets with us now. Gumbiner, an independent film exhibitor from chicago, who also built the nearby tower theatre. The exterior of the million dollar theatre is shown in a scene from blade runner.
Find million dollar theater venue concert and event schedules, venue information, directions, and seating charts. The theater is listed in the national register of historic places. The wadsworth theatre was originally referred to as the facility or veterans theater. The architect is unknown, although a number of buildings were built in this style on the veterans administration grounds before world war ii. The million dollar theater was designed by william lee woolett and opened february 1, 1918 at a cost of, yes, one million dollars. We were there for food week 2019 and a presentation about the history and im going crazy of tacos.