Egyptian Theatre Hollywood

Robin Hood was the first ever “Hollywood Premiere” at the grand opening of Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre on October 18, 1922. The next attraction was The Covered Wagon and then The Ten Commandments, which premiered at the Egyptian on December 4, 1923. This was followed by The Thief of Bagdad. Grauman also presented an elaborate live stage show ‘Prologue’ with each performance of the movies.

After Grauman departed the Egyptian Theatre in 1927, Fox West Coast Theatres operated the Egyptian Theatre as a second-run house. In 1944, the Egyptian Theatre became the exclusive Hollywood showcase for MGM and the theater became a first-run premiere house again.

A large curved Todd A-O screen was installed for the Roadshow engagement in 70mm of the film Oklahoma, which had its West Coast Premiere on November 17, 1955. Soon a new projection suite was built at seating level in the rear of the orchestra seating and the auditorium walls were covered in yellow drapes.

From 1949 until it closed in 1992, United Artists was the operator of the Egyptian Theatre. From the 1970’s, primarily 20th Century Fox movies were showcased. In 1969 a huge curved movie screen of about 90 feet wide was installed. United Artists added two small auditoriums in what had been a store on the east side rear of the theatre.

During the last years UA ran the Egyptian Theatre, the Egyptian became a last run discount house with a $1.50 admission.

After closing in 1992, part of the theater was converted for live performances. The City of Los Angeles soon purchased the theatre a few months before a massive earthquake, which badly damaged the original building. A few years later, ownership of the property was transferred for $1.00 to the non-profit American Cinematheque. This classic movie theatre was given a multi-million dollar renovation. The palm tree lined forecourt was restored to its original grandeur. The interior was renovated with state of the art technology and the main auditorium was reopened.

A key part of the revitalization of Hollywood Boulevard, the theatre reopened to the public and currently showcased a mix of revival screenings, art house films and special events such as film festivals and filmmaker Q&A’s.

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Egyptian Theatre Hollywood

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