TCL "Grauman's" Chinese Theatre Wins Theatre of The Year

In April 2013 when TCL "Grauman's" Chinese Theatre closed for renovation I was concerned. LA is not known for their protection of old buildings. There was much lamenting at the TCM Film Festival, that was one of the last events held at the theatre, that it would never be the same again. On the final night of the festival fans had to practically be forced from the building.

I kept a close eye on the project during the construction. At least as close as an eye as I could with the auditorium completely sealed off. Perhaps more accurately I kept a close ear on the project. I asked lots of questions of anyone I could locate connected with the project. They were all very patient answering my questions. I think I found the most solace from the people at The LA Historic Theatre Foundation, who assured me they had over seen the project and it would all be OK.

It's true that the theatre has been altered, but this most recent time seems to have done everything in it's power to keep the theatre a current movie house while maintaining it's original splendor. It is for that reason The LA Historic Theatre Foundation is naming it theatre of the year today.

Congratulations to all involved in both preserving and renovating this grand old theatre for generations to come. I really couldn't be any more grateful.

Jerry Lewis Print Ceremony Pictures #TCMFF

Jerry Lewis Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

Jerry Lewis had his hand and feet prints immortilized at TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre today. Once again because of the TCM Classic Film Fest I was there. This was a quick ceremony with Robert Osborne introducing Quentin Tarantino who then introduced Jerry Lewis as his favorite childhood actor. But once Jerry took the stage the hi jinks began.

Robert Osborne at Jerry Lewis Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

Quentin Tarantino Jerry Lewis Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

Jerry Lewis Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

 First Jerry heckled the stage hand who was removing the podium, insisting he bring it back.

Jerry Lewis Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

 Then telling him to take it away, then to bring it back, then to move it around the stage. Finally asking the kid how long he'd been in show business.

Jerry Lewis Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

 Then it was time for the cement, but Jerry needed to stretch first. The more he hammed it up the more the audience laughed, so this went on for awhile.

Jerry Lewis Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

Jerry Lewis Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

Jerry Lewis Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

Jerry Lewis Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

Jerry Lewis Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

Robert Osborne and Jerry Lewis at Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

Quentin Tarantino and Jerry Lewis at Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

 Here Quentin comes up to shake hands with Jerry and it results in their hands getting all tangled. Then Jerry starts chewing on Quentin's hands. In the end they're both laughing and holding hands with fingers interlaced.

Quentin Tarantino and Jerry Lewis at Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

Quentin Tarantino and Jerry Lewis at Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

 Jerry Lewis with wife and daughter at Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

 Jerry was very proud to have his daughter witness the ceremony. He asked her to stand up and take a bow.

 Jerry Lewis Print Ceremony TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

 After having the press yell at him for about a half hour to look this way and that Jerry asked for his camera and started taking pictures of us. He asked one member of the press to stand and then asked if he felt like a schmuck standing while the rest of us sat.

I think everyone had a really good time, including Jerry! It wasn't as emotional as the ceremonies I have previously attended but it was by far the silliest.

 Jerry Lewis Prints TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre

The Chinese Theatre is Dead, Long Live the Chinese Theatre

TCL (Grauman's) Chinese Theatre made an announcement today that it will reopen September 15th with a week long engagement of Wizard of Oz in 3D and IMAX. Sigh

When the announcement was made that The Chinese would close this summer for renovations and to "upgrade" to IMAX, I was among the group of people extremely concerned about it's historic status. We've been assured by both TCL and the LA Historic Theatre Foundation, that all the remaining historical features of The Chinese were being protected. Which seems to be the case.

I have to acknowledge that this IMAX renovation may be the thing that ultimately saves The Chinese. Anyone who lives in LA and loves old theatres knows how few are still operating as theatres; churches, jewelry stores and even storage for electronic stores yes, but not theatres. While The Chinese was not in immediate danger, as the theatrical release film industry is in decline, it is important that it remains current with trends.

It is sad to see the change but it is worth it, if it allows the theatre to continue for future generations. Change is hard, period. This new incarnation will bring in new audiences, which in turn will fund the theatre going forward. So like the title says The Chinese Theatre is dead, long live the Chinese Theatre.

UPDATE: Once open The Chinese Theatre will only show IMAX films, though it will maintain the ability to show other formats for premieres and film festivals. Which means TCM Classic Film Festival will still be able to hold it's film fest there. Hooray!