Location 2: TCL Chinese Theatre

Line 1

-formerly called Mann’s Chinese Theatre, originally named Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

-made by Sid Grauman after successful Egyptian Theatre

-opening 1927 w/ premier of Cecil B. Demille’s The King of Kings

-home to many premiers since: example — Star Wars

-hosted Academy awards in 1940s

-courtyard features handprints / footprints of the stars; even hoof print of Roy Rogers’ horse Trigger

Line 2

-1968: historic landmark status

-renovated many times

-reputation of one of most recognizable theaters

-Disney World made full scale replica for Hollywood Studios

Line 3

-Sid Gauman built private party rooms into theater w/ speakeasy style buzzers & hidden entrances

-idea: after big event, stars can celebrate w/o press/public

-Rooms closed off but people still hear buzzing

-Friendly spirit that workers call Fritz

Line 4

-Fritz isn’t scary

-prankster: moves things, closes doors

-more intense haunting is in courtyard

Line 5

-Victor Kilian rose to fame in 1920s on Broadway

-became character actor in 30s/40s

-in 50s, he was blacklisted

-moved to TV

-played Raymound Larker, the Fernwood Flasher on the soap Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman

Line 6

-1979, Kilian is 88

-catches film at Chinese Theater

-walked to his apartment a few blocks away

-interrupts robbery

-robbers beat him to death

-police never find out who

Line 7

-people see Kilian in courtyard, quietly walking

-one tourist had conversation with old man who reminisced about his time in the business

-he turned away and she saw huge bloody injury on back of his head

-she ran to tell someone

-when they came back to look for him, he was gone

Key Names & Dates

-Formerly known as Mann’s Chinses Theatre

-Originally Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

-made by Sid Grauman

-Opened 1927: premiered Cecil B. Demille’s The King of Kings

-Hoof prints in courtyard of Roy Rogers’ horse Trigger

-1968: historic landmark

-Victor Kilian rises in 1920s on broadway, films 30s/40s, blacklisted 50s

-Kilian notable role: Raymond Larker, the Fernwood Flasher, on soap Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman

-1979: 88 year old Kilian killed