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In recognition of Hollywood’s Egyptian Theatre (currently run by the American Cinematheque) turning eighty-eight this Monday, I thought I would share a few pages from the opening night souvenir album. While never having achieved the noteriety of Sid Grauman’s later endeavor (the world famous Grauman’s Chinese), the Egyptian was a groundbreaking masterpiece in it’s own right, ushering in an era of grand Hollywood movie palaces. Equally noteworthy, the theatre’s opening night hosted the first ever ‘Hollywood Premiere’ (for “Robin Hood”), initiating a tradition which remains a staple of the film industry to this day.

               

                 

Make sure to click on the pictures for a larger view and glimpse in to a by gone era of cinema grandure. Also, if you have never made the trek, attempt to visit the American Cinematheque the next time you are in Hollywood. While the theatre has been heavily remodeled and lost some of what it once was, the venue’s cinephile programming  is well worth the effort.